“Got that Jack Reacher type vibes”: Jeremy Saulnier’s Rebel Ridge Trailer Has Fans Saying it’s as Good as Tom Cruise’s Jack Reacher
- Jeremy Saulnier's 'Rebel Ridge' has drawn comparisons to 'Jack Reacher' due to its tone and thematic similarity.
- Aaron Pierre's portrayal of ex-Marine Terry Richmond reminds of Tom Cruise's Reacher because of their role and character.
- Saulnier is inspired by 'Walking Tall' and characters like Clint Eastwood's Man With No Name for 'Rebel Ridge'.
Action-thriller fans are in for a treat as Jeremy Saulnier is coming with his upcoming Netflix release Rebel Ridge. Judging by the look of the film, it looks like intense, action-packed entertainment that has already drawn comparisons to one Tom Cruise franchise.
Saulnier is already known for his gritty films like Blue Ruin and Green Room and with Rebel Ridge, he has once again created a story about the darker corners of society with the rising star Aaron Pierre.
Rebel Ridge Draws in Jack Reacher Comparison
Rebel Ridge is led by Aaron Pierre‘s character Terry Richmond. The story begins as he arrives in Shelby Springs on a mission to post bail for his cousin. However, his plans start failing when the local law enforcement, led by Don Johnson’s character Sandy Burnne, seizes his life savings.
Among them, a court clerk played by AnnaSophia Robb becomes Richmond’s unexpected ally. They work together to deal with a deep conspiracy that is somehow related to Richmond’s secret past. With the supporting cast members such as David Denman, Emory Cohen, and James Cromwell, Rebel Ridge looks promising enough.
After the latest trailer dropped recently, viewers began finding the similarities between Rebel Ridge and Jack Reacher, comparing both films’ gritty tone and the lead character’s fight for justice. The comparison is quite valid, as both films are about high-stakes action sequences and exploring the human condition in a corrupt system.
Got that Jack Reacher type vibes.. looks good
— ImJustMeAbel (@ImJustMeAbel) August 7, 2024
So
— Kat(^_^)Luna (@kendricksLowEnd) August 8, 2024
Rebel Ridge is John Wick, and Jack Reacher was black and decided to take down corrupt cops
Here for it
Rebel Ridge has that Rambo + Jack Reacher feel to it.
— Big Homie (@akaynnanna) August 8, 2024
I’m all in.
Look at Netflix dropping Rebel Ridge as an answer to Amazon’s Jack Reacher. I’ll be watching…. both of em. pic.twitter.com/cyZNT2WDQY
— DominicHorne.eth (@iamDominicHorne) August 7, 2024
Something about rebel ridge reminds me of reacher
— Kancy! (@kancykancy) August 8, 2024
“REBEL RIDGE REACHER”
— THΣ ШΩLҒ ҜIΠG (@princetakesoff) August 7, 2024
Befitting title 🤷🏿♂️ https://t.co/zyTfUuCiqv
Jack Reacher and Rebel Ridge both belong to the action thriller genre. Terry Richmond is an ex-Marine, while Reacher was a former Military Police Major. Both characters share a stoic quality, and both have a strong moral compass and the guts to confront higher, evil powers.
Aaron Pierre has already made a name with projects like Krypton and the upcoming Mufasa: The Lion King, and his presence feels commanding in Rebel Ridge. His performance looks intense and restrained in the trailer, which is quite similar to how Cruise portrayed Reacher, where he showed his character’s inner conflicts. Fans can now only hope the movie to be as good as Tom Cruise‘s movie, if not better.
Jeremy Saulnier’s Approach and Inspiration for Rebel Ridge
Although Rebel Ridge might share some thematic and stylistic similarities with Jack Reacher, director Jeremy Saulnier has his own unique touch to the project. According to USA Today, Saulnier revealed that the film was a “throwback.”
Saulnier revealed that he drew inspiration from classic action thrillers like Walking Tall and Billy Jack. As for Pierre’s character, he was inspired by the iconic Clint Eastwood and Eddie Murphy characters, Man With No Name and Axel Foley.
Saulnier also shared that Rebel Ridge made him explore deep into the complexities of corrupt systems and how such corrupt people are not accountable for their actions. He said (via USA Today),
It’s not just evil corporate overlords or corrupt officials, I’m tapping into the everyday rage that we all experience on a never-ending customer service call, or the stifling bureaucracy of contesting a parking ticket.
By now, it has become Saulnier’s filmmaking style to have a grounded approach and explore frustrations caused by abuse of power and bureaucrats. With this sense of realism and relatable rage, the director looks forward to giving a thought-provoking experience along with entertainment, for audiences.
Rebel Ridge will be released on Netflix on September 6, 2024.
