Jack Ryan is one of the most famous characters in spy-novel history. Five times this character, created by Tom Clancy, has hit the big screen. Now Amazon has decided to take a shot at a Jack Ryan series. Who’s the newest actor to take on the roll? None other than The Office‘s John Krasinski.
This isn’t the “Jim Halpert” Krasinski of the early 21st century. This is the buffed out 13 Hours Krasinski who proved his mettle in the action/spy genre with his work in the film about Benghazi. Seeing his star on the rise, executive producer Michael Bay will use Krasinski to anchor the 10-episode streaming series. Lost co-producers Carlton Cruse and Graham Rowland are also part of the production team.
Clancy’s character has taken many forms and been played by many big-name actors. Many of these actors appear in Fandom for Star Wars, Star Trek, Game of Thrones, Marvel, and the DC Comics Universe. Let’s take a look at the men who have portrayed Jack Ryan:
Alec Baldwin – The Hunt for Red October
Alec Baldwin was the original Ryan. He played the character as a nerdy analyst who was thrown into action. Baldwin was lucky enough to play off of legendary thespian Sean Connery as he attempted to prevent a Russian nuclear sub from being destroyed.
Harrison Ford – Patriot Games and Clear and Present Danger
The only actor (to this point) who has played Ryan twice is Harrison Ford. He is the actor generally credited with making Ryan a top-notch field agent rather than the upstart analyst. Ford played opposite Sean Bean (who died of course) and Academy Award nominee Ann Archer played his wife.
Ben Affleck – The Sum of All Fears
After an 8-year hiatus, The Sum of All Fears features Ben Affleck as a highly respected intelligence officer in the heart of a global crisis. A nuclear bomb is actually detonated on American soil, killing Ryan’s mentor played by Morgan Freeman. Despite those great plot points, this is the lowest rated Jack Ryan film.
Chris Pine – Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit
Again, following a 10-year gap, Chris Pine stars in this Jack Ryan film which serves to reboot the franchise. It was the only film not based on a specific Clancy novel. Keira Knightley as Jack’s wife and Kevin Costner as his handler give the film a little more star power.
John Krasinski – Jack Ryan
In 2013, it would have been questionable to cast Krasinski in this type of role. He was primarily a comic/drama actor whose fame was due mostly to the American version of The Office. However, he has proven his ability to play in an action role and look the part, as he did in 13 Hours.
The new Amazon series is set to begin filming soon. No release date has been set.
