Anthony Michael Hall Reflects on His Road to Reacher and SNL

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Anthony Michael Hall is stepping into a complex role as Zachary Beck, a wealthy rug importer hiding dark secrets in the third season of Prime Video‘s acclaimed series, Reacher. Debuting on February 20, 2025, the series centers on Jack Reacher, played by Alan Ritchson, a character who embodies strength and cunning, navigating dangerous situations.

Hall’s portrayal of Beck positions him as an antagonist embroiled in arms dealing, a stark contrast to the dorky teen characters he famously played in iconic 1980s films like The Breakfast Club and Weird Science. In a recent Zoom interview from his home, he reflected on both his new role and his early days in the entertainment industry.

“When I look back now, I’m just amazed,” Hall said of his journey from teenage star to versatile actor. “It’s just surreal. What a thrill it was to be a part of that whole environment.”

Before joining Reacher, Hall had a brief stint on Saturday Night Live during its notorious 1985-1986 season, which would later be dubbed “the weird season.” He recently participated in the Peacock docuseries SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night, discussing his unique experiences. “I was a huge Eddie Murphy fan as a kid,” Hall recalled. “So being part of the show felt surreal.”

Hall’s journey to Reacher was initiated by a meeting with showrunner Nick Santora. “I had not read the books before the role, but once I started, I was hooked,” he explained. “Persuader, the seventh novel, provided a rich backdrop for my character. There’s a lot of depth to Zachary Beck, who appears to be a simple businessman but operates within a murky underworld.”

Playing a layered character like Beck, Hall noted, presented opportunities to explore elements of humanity and humor amidst villainy. “I love playing villains because there’s that chance to humanize them,” he said. “In Beck, there’s a dynamic relationship with his son that explores deeper emotional themes.”

Filming for Reacher took place in Toronto, where Hall was impressed by the unique properties chosen for his character’s extravagant lifestyle. “We filmed in a mansion a few hours north of the city,” he described. “They used CGI to transform our backdrop into the Atlantic coast and Maine.”

Hall expressed admiration for his co-stars, particularly Ritchson and Olivier Richters, who portray Reacher and one of Beck’s henchmen, respectively. “They’re both incredibly focused and dedicated. It was amusing to see how constantly they were snacking on set,” he added with a laugh.

Reflecting on his career, Hall embraced the importance of personal experience, particularly as a new father. “Becoming a parent gives me a fresh perspective,” he shared. “It informs how I approach my roles and allows me to tap into deeper emotional nuances.”

The actor also touched on the atmosphere during his time at SNL, recollecting that the season faced significant criticism. “It was a challenging year for the show with rocky reviews,” Hall explained. “At times, we felt overshadowed and out of place.”

In recent years, Hall has grown to appreciate his history with SNL, labeling his time on the show as part of a larger trajectory that shaped his identity within the industry. “I now realize that, regardless of the reviews, it was an honor to work there,” he said. “Looking back, I’m proud to be part of that legacy.”

As Hall prepares for the upcoming season of Reacher, he finds solace in the transformative power of reflection. “It was cathartic for me to revisit those episodes,” he remarked. “It allowed me to let go of negativity and embrace the journey I’ve had in this industry.”