Tom Cruise says Jack Reacher's shoes fit him fine

A newly divorced Tom Cruise walked the red carpet solo Monday night in London as he defended his role in "Jack Reacher."

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"Jack Reacher" premieres in London

Confronting his critics head-on, the five-foot-seven Cruise told Reuters that he felt perfectly conformable in the role, despite being trimmer and shorter than the six-foot-five, 200-plus-pound character from the 17 Lee Child books.

The 50-year-old actor argued that Reacher's size was a "characteristic" rather than a "character" and said he tried to show Reacher's impact as a take-no-prisoners ex-military vigilante.

Cruise he would not have taken the role if Child had been unhappy.

In an interview this fall on "CBS This Morning," Child said, "Tom Cruise is a fantastic Jack Reacher. How? I don't know. He's an actor -- that's what they do."

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Child's devoted readers can watch the movie trailer below and come to their own conclusions.

The London premiere also featured appearances by co-stars Robert Duvall and the yellow-clad British actress Rosamund Pike, who said she hoped the movie was the start of a "Jack Reacher" franchise for Paramount Pictures.

The movie, which opens in U.S. theaters Dec. 21, is getting a premiere this week in Pittsburgh, where is was shot, and next week in Los Angeles.

[fitzgerel]

I am 5'6" and the same size as Cruise. Tom Cruise is not Jack Reacher. It isn't possible. http://www.facebook.com/reacherfriends

I have read all 17 books. As addressed above, Reacher is American, but his mom was French and he lived all over the world. The actor didn't have to be American. Check out Ray Stevenson. He looks exactly like Jack Reacher. Lee Child wanted the biggest movie star of all because he didn't have any faith that Reacher was enough. Way to commit literary murder on your character.

[JohnPhiladelphia]

I'm a big fan and have read every one of the books. I'm disappointed that they didn't pick a more physically intimidating actor to play Reacher. I know that finding a 6'5" 250 LB American actor is tough, but they could have come a little bit closer anyway.

I understand that casting was problem in that none of our US action stars fit the bill for Reacher. I don't exactly picture Stallone or Bruce Willis in the role either. Mel Gibson lost all credibility and would be a media circus. I think Reacher being American is as important as his size, and most current tough guys are from other countries, like Strahan, Bale, Liam Neeson, Dolph Lundgren, Hugh Jackman. Tommy Lee Jones and Clint Eastwood are too old. Brad Pitt and George Clooney are too pretty.

Maybe I'm missing something but there still had to be other, better options. I think Cruise is a good actor and he says he is also a fan of the books, so I don't doubt that the movies will be good. I'll go see the movie when it comes out, I just will have a tough time picturing him as Reacher.

[toniprzy]

I have not seen a movie of tom Cruises that I did not enjoy and several were outstanding like Collateral, The last Samurai, Mission Impossible, War of the Worlds, Rain man, and Top Gun. I am sure that this one will be equally enjoyable

[MyDaughterRocks]

I've seen the movie and as a die hard Reacher Creature and i can assure you all that Cruise is fantastic. I admit to knowing someone associated with the movie studio, but that doesn't mean I would automaitcally like it. I promise you all- you will really enjoy the film. It' a very faithful adaptation of 'One Shot' and Cruise does a great job as Reacher. Just give it a try, especially if you're like me and you've spent the last 10 years reading the books!

[cruiseisajoke]

Are you kidding? what a joke! What a disservice all Lee Child/Reacher fans. Really, couldn't they find somebody else, like Wendy Williams?

[Wolcoan]

Cruise was chosen because Wally Cox and Don Knotts were both dead and unavailable.

[michaelz06]

Worse than Cruise in Valkrie, a total miss as a casting decision.

[eveylarson]

You have to be kidding! Tom Cruise is no more Jack Reacher than Ghandi is Rush Limbaugh. The studio made a big mistake in picking Cruise to play this character.

[workerdroid]

OK. Reacher is one of my all time favorite charactors and Child one of my favorite authors (Lescroart is first, sorry Lee), but all that said if Child is happy, then I'm happy. Never been a Cruise fan but he is right when he alludes to the fact that Reacher is attitude. I'll give the film a chance and expect to be pleased with the result. Who knows, it could be an enjoyable series for years to come. And, if the movie fails, well, we've always got the books.

[Furstenwalde]

I haven't see the film but this is the worst selction for jack Reacher charcter,despite the approval from Lee Child