While Christopher McQuarrie's JACK REACHER obviously did well enough to warrant a sequel, I'm still a little surprised that the film wasn't a bigger hit. Based upon Lee Child's series of novels centering around a former American military policeman, JACK REACHER began with a horrifying sniper attack in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The accused sniper, once caught, then requests that Jack Reacher (Tom Cruise) be brought in. Production on the sequel, JACK REACHER: NEVER GO BACK, has been in production since the fall, but it's never too late to add a new cast member.
Deadline reports that Robert Knepper (Prison Break) has joined the cast of JACK REACHER: NEVER GO BACK as a "retired U.S. Army General-turned-CEO of a private military contractor firm" by the name of General Harkness who is said to be a man of power, experience, and authority who believes that he’s the hero and isn't afraid to do what’s necessary. Doesn't exactly sound like someone with whom Jack Reacher will see eye to eye. Edward Zwick will be filling the directors chair on JACK REACHER: NEVER GO BACK this time around and he previously told JoBlo that the sequel will be a "very different movie than the last one." As long as it's as entertaining as the first, I'll be happy.
A synopsis for JACK REACHER: NEVER GO BACK:
Reacher heads back to his old military base in Virginia to take a woman to dinner who is now the commanding officer. By the time he gets there, she has been arrested, and Reacher finds himself being accused of a sixteen-year old homicide.
JACK REACHER: NEVER GO BACK is set for an October 21, 2016 release.