‘One Piece’ Star Joe Manganiello Reveals Near Miss for ‘Reacher’ Role and Tom Cruise Speculation

Every Hollywood career is filled with roles that almost came to fruition. Some are lost due to scheduling conflicts, others due to budget constraints, and some because of behind-the-scenes politics that remain hidden from the public eye. Joe Manganiello’s new memoir adds an intriguing entry to that list, complete with a theory that has already caught attention.

In ‘Bloodlines’, released this week, Manganiello reveals that he was close to securing the lead role in Amazon’s ‘Reacher‘. He mentions that his team later speculated whether Tom Cruise had a hand in the decision, given Cruise’s past connection to Sofía Vergara, Manganiello’s ex-wife. It’s crucial to note that this claim is based on suspicion rather than established fact.

Manganiello shared this theory as speculation from his representatives after he was informed he did not get the part. He has not provided any evidence of Cruise’s involvement, and there has been no reported response from Cruise. Page Six noted that Cruise’s representatives did not respond to their inquiries.

Standing at 6 feet 5 inches tall, Manganiello fits the physical description of Jack Reacher as depicted in Lee Child’s novels. He recounts going through an extensive audition process and meeting with Skydance executive Don Granger in January 2020 for about an hour and a half. During this meeting, they reportedly discussed the backlash regarding Cruise’s portrayal of Reacher in two films, particularly concerning the character’s imposing stature in the books.

Granger allegedly told him that Manganiello was the closest match to the character he had ever encountered. He also mentions that Skydance owner David Ellison and author Lee Child were pleased with his audition, and that showrunner Nick Santora began tailoring the scripts around him. However, after another screen test, he learned he would not be cast in the role.

When the role went to someone else, Manganiello writes that his team began to speculate about the reasons behind it. They theorized that an executive producer on the show might have intervened to veto his casting, potentially influenced by Cruise due to his past relationship with Vergara. Cruise reportedly dated Vergara in 2005, long before she married Manganiello in 2015, and the couple divorced in 2023.

There are valid reasons to approach this theory with caution. Cruise is not credited as an executive producer on the series and has no known official role in its production. Some reports have pointed out that Vergara previously stated she and Cruise only went on a few dates and were never seriously involved, suggesting that Manganiello’s team may have misinterpreted the situation.

The ‘Reacher’ anecdote is just one aspect of a memoir that has been generating buzz. ‘Bloodlines’ also delves into Manganiello’s health challenges and includes insights about his marriage to Vergara. Earlier this week, he addressed comments made by Vergara and her son following revelations from the book.

He has also discussed the disappointments in his career, including the abandoned plans for Deathstroke in the DC universe. In this context, the near-miss with ‘Reacher’ fits a recurring theme he describes regarding significant opportunities that never materialized. This theme has been prevalent in his recent interviews.

Stories about almost-roles hold a unique place in Hollywood lore, as they allow fans to envision alternate versions of beloved projects. ‘Reacher’ has become a hit for Amazon, and fans have long debated how the character should be portrayed, especially considering the physical differences between the books and the earlier films. Manganiello’s account adds a new layer to that ongoing discussion.

The speculation involving Cruise adds an extra layer of intrigue, though the available evidence does not confirm anything. What the memoir illustrates is how the situation appeared from Manganiello’s perspective: a promising audition process that ended abruptly, followed by unanswered questions from his team. This human element may be the most relatable aspect of the story.

For now, the ‘Reacher’ mystery remains unresolved. Unless Cruise or the production team responds, the narrative will continue to be a one-sided account of a team attempting to rationalize a disappointment. As with many memoir revelations, it’s essential to distinguish between the author’s experiences and what can be independently verified.

Meanwhile, Manganiello continues to promote his book, and more details are likely to surface in the coming days. Whether any of these will clarify the casting decision remains to be seen.

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