Author Lee Child Shares Favorite Reacher Novel for Possible Adaptation

NEW YORK, NY — Author Lee Child has expressed interest in adapting his 22nd Reacher novel, “The Midnight Line,” for future television projects, following the success of the Prime Video series based on his characters. The show, which stars Alan Ritchson, has captivated audiences, and with two seasons already released, fans eagerly anticipate more adaptations.

Child, who created the character Jack Reacher in 1997, noted that while the series has focused on earlier works, he believes “The Midnight Line” offers a compelling narrative that stands apart. “It was well received, but ‘The Midnight Line’ is one of my favorites because it tackled the opioid crisis sympathetic to the addict’s perspective,” Child said during a recent interview.

He explained that the book provides a unique viewpoint, exploring the stories often left untold in narratives that typically highlight the drug dealers and unethical medical practitioners. “I’m addicted to numerous things myself, and I wanted to show it from the addict’s point of view, make it sympathetic, make it human – and I’m proud of that book,” said Child, who is now 70 years old.

Adaptations of Child’s novels for the Reacher series have thus far excited fans, particularly due to Ritchson’s portrayal, which differs from earlier adaptations featuring actor Tom Cruise. Season one was based on Child’s debut novel, “Killing Floor,” while season two took inspiration from “Bad Luck and Trouble,” further broadening the series’ scope.

Looking ahead, Child believes that the Reacher series can adapt novels out of their published order, allowing viewers to appreciate the stories for their individual merits. “I very deliberately wrote the book series so you did not have to have any prior knowledge,” he said.

As for the future of the show, Child remains hopeful about which books will be adapted next and rates his own work with a keen understanding of the market’s demands. Meanwhile, he indicated that “The Midnight Line” stands out as an achievable goal for the series, highlighting its rich character exploration and themes relevant to contemporary society.

Child remarked, “I wonder if it will ever get made,” referring to the potential adaptation of “The Midnight Line.” However, he emphasized the importance of addressing the ongoing opioid crisis and expressed hope that it might be resolved by the time his book is brought to screens. “It’s a horrible thing,” he added.