Alan Ritchson Makes the Leap From TV to Films With ‘Reacher’ and ‘Playdate’

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Alan Ritchson has become a major star thanks to his powerful portrayal of Jack Reacher in the Prime Video series Reacher. After years of working in Hollywood, he’s finally gaining widespread recognition as a leading man. The action-packed series, which premiered in 2022, was an immediate hit with both critics and viewers, leading to three exciting seasons (and more to come) and a planned spinoff. Now, Ritchson aims to solidify his position as a key face of the streaming service with his new film, Playdate.

Alan Ritchson will star in the action comedy Playdate, which also features Kevin James, Sarah Chalke, and Alan Tudyk. The movie centers around two dads whose simple playdate for their sons is disrupted when dangerous mercenaries start pursuing them. With Ritchson’s likable personality and broad appeal, Playdate is expected to be a hit, giving his fans something to watch while they wait for the next season of Reacher.

Ritchson and James Star in the Action Comedy ‘Playdate’


Amazon MGM Studios

Director Luke Greenfield, known for films like The Animal and Let’s Be Cops, has assembled a diverse cast for his new action comedy, Playdate, coming to Prime Video this November. Kevin James, famous for The King of Queens, stars as Brian Jennings, an accountant who recently lost his job. Instead of looking for new employment, Brian decides to focus on bonding with his new stepson, Lucas (Benjamin Pajak), and becomes a stay-at-home dad. He meets a friendly neighbor, Jeff Eamon (Ritchson), and they agree to arrange a playdate for their children.

Brian soon uncovers a surprising truth: Jeff and his supposed son, C.J., aren’t who they seem to be. What started as a relaxed visit quickly becomes a desperate fight for survival when a group of ruthless mercenaries begins chasing them. Brian discovers Jeff is a secret agent dedicated to protecting C.J. from serious danger. As bullets fly and a thrilling car chase unfolds, their peaceful afternoon turns into complete chaos. Brian and Jeff must team up to defend themselves and keep the boys safe from the growing number of enemies.

Ritchson Returns to His Comedic Roots in ‘Playdate’


Amazon MGM Studios

Alan Ritchson is now widely known for playing the strong and determined Jack Reacher in a popular crime series. But before that, he proved he had a knack for comedy in the often-overlooked show Blue Mountain State, and with guest appearances on sitcoms like New Girl, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and Workaholics. He’s hoping to show off his versatility and broad appeal with his new action comedy, Playdate, written by Neil Goldman, who has worked on shows like Family Guy and Scrubs. Director Luke Greenfield shared with ScreenRant that the script was quickly sent to Ritchson because they thought he’d be perfect for the role.

I sent him the Playdate script as soon as I got it – we’d been wanting to collaborate for a while. I told him it could be a great way to get back into comedy, maybe even recapture the vibe of Blue Mountain State, but with a more realistic character. He loved the idea and was immediately on board, so we quickly got started.

Ritchson was drawn to the script’s unexpectedly emotional core and the stark difference between the character’s normal suburban life and the sudden burst of action and chaos. He told Entertainment Weekly that he and his co-star, James, complemented each other perfectly, with James skillfully portraying the character as someone out of their element and Ritchson embracing the role of a father on the verge of losing control.

Playdate is the newest film showcasing Joe Ritchson’s playful side, following his roles with Henry Cavill in The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare and an upcoming Christmas comedy, The Man with the Bag. Entertainment Weekly quoted Greenfield as saying about the pairing of Ritchson and James:

Alan is known for being tough and action-oriented, but I wanted to reveal his funny side to everyone. While Kevin is already a well-known comedian, he’s trying out a new approach in this project.

With Ritchson leading the cast and a charming connection with James, Playdate is expected to be very popular. The action comedy will compete with The Family Plan 2, Mark Wahlberg’s upcoming sequel on Apple TV, which releases shortly after Playdate. Both films promise exciting action, fun performances, and a good mix of comedy and emotion, creating a head-to-head battle for viewers. Playdate will be available on Prime Video starting November 12, 2025.

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2025-11-06 18:35