John Krasinski once said that the hero he portrayed on Prime Video’s Jack Ryan was his “favorite character.” The series with 78% on Rotten Tomatoes is a must-watch show on Prime Video, and it was cool to see the actor land this role after playing sweet Dunder Mifflin employee Jim Halpert on The Office.
Adapted from the book series by Tom Clancy, the first of which was published in 1987, the streaming platform’s series lasted for four seasons and also had fantastic performances by other cast members such as Michael Kelly and Wendell Pierce. But for Krasinski, the role of Jack Ryan was definitely a career highlight.
Jack Ryan Was John Krasinski’s Favorite Character In The Books And Movies
When speaking to Entertainment Tonight in 2023, John Krasinski shared his love for Jack Ryan. He said appearing on the Prime Video show was “surreal” and explained, “as a kid, Jack Ryan was my favorite character in the books and the movies.” He added, “the fact that I got to play him for five minutes let alone five years is amazing.“
While Krasinski didn’t call Jack Ryan his “favorite character” that he’s ever portrayed, it sounds like he’s likely up there. In 2016, the actor told TODAY that it would be an “honor” if people continued to recognize him as Jim Halpert from The Office, and he seems to feel just as positive about his time as Jack Ryan.
Since the actor is in his mid-40s and was born in 1979, he would have been 11 when the first Jack Ryan movie came out, which made him a perfect age to get excited by this self-assured character. It’s sweet picturing him as a kid getting excited by the hero’s adventures, and that he got to live them as an adult.
How John Krasinski’s Jack Ryan Was Different From Previous Versions
Four actors played Jack Ryan before John Krasinski, starting with Alec Baldwin in The Hunt for Red October in 1990. Harrison Ford played the character twice in Patriot Games and Clear and Present Danger in 1992 and 1994. Ben Affleck was Ryan in 2002’s The Sum of All Fears, and Chris Pine took the character on in Shadow Recruit in 2014.
Krasinski’s Jack Ryan is arguably the most relatable and engaging one. When you watch Baldwin, Ford, Affleck, and Pine, you’re undoubtedly watching movie stars in big-budget action films. You can’t see yourself in them, and you feel distant and removed from the events unfolding on screen.
But, when you watch Krasinski’s portrayal, his likable charm shines through. His version of the character is more of a regular guy who becomes a hero. His portrayal is also so distinct because it’s hard not to feel like you’re seeing hilarious Jim from The Office becoming a strong action star, which adds to the intrigue and fun.
You can also tell that he’s grown as an actor and, rather than playing a sitcom character who could be one-note, he switched genres and took on a challenge. It’s not all that shocking to see Baldwin and the others in a big action film, but it was a nice, refreshing surprise to see Krasinski cast in an action series.
John Krasinski May Become The Definitive Jack Ryan After His Movie
While there’s no doubt that many already think of this confident character, and the image of John Krasinski comes to mind, he could be the most recognized person who has played Jack Ryan once he reprises the part in the upcoming movie.
It’s not clear what plot the Jack Ryan movie will follow, and there isn’t a release date as of now. But the Amazon MGM Studios film will no doubt shine an even bigger spotlight on Krasinski and make even more people aware of his strong portrayal of the character.
Although Alec Baldwin played the character twice, Krasinski’s appearance in the movie will mean he’s portrayed the CIA analyst the longest. It’ll be tough not to say he’s the greatest actor to play the role.
But, of course, the new storyline has to be as interesting as every season. As much fun as it will be to see Krasinski racing to catch the villains once again, a Jack Ryan movie needs to match the high quality of the popular Prime Video show.
Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan
5/10
- Release Date
-
2018 – 2023-00-00
- Network
-
Amazon Prime Video
- Showrunner
-
Carlton Cuse
- Writers
-
Carlton Cuse, Graham Roland
