Alan Ritchson is no stranger to physically demanding roles, particularly after building his reputation as Jack Reacher. But the actor says his latest project, Netflix’s upcoming sci-fi action film War Machine, pushed him harder than anything he’s done before.
In a behind-the-scenes Instagram reel shared by Netflix, Ritchson described the shoot as exhausting. ‘I am the most tired I’ve ever been,’ he said while filming in rugged outdoor conditions. ‘This is a tough one.’ The intense production took place across Victoria, Australia, and New Zealand’s South Island.
War Machine focuses on a group of soldiers undergoing the US Army’s RASP (Ranger Assessment and Selection Program) training course, which screens candidates for the elite 75th Ranger Regiment. During the programme, recruits are stripped of their names and identified only by numbers. In the film, Ritchson’s character is known simply as ‘81’.
Director Patrick Hughes explained that the production relied heavily on practical action rather than digital effects. ‘He’s not acting,’ Hughes said in response to Ritchson’s exhaustion in the Netflix clip.
Footage shows Ritchson completing pull-ups, sprinting through uneven terrain and hauling heavy equipment. ‘This whole film is practical,’ Hughes explained. The cast faced a range of physically demanding challenges, including muddy stunt sequences and gruelling rescue drills. ‘It’s really, really dangerous,’ Hughes said.
Ritchson said the character of 81 resonated deeply with him during filming. ‘There’s something about the spirit of 81 that has captured me so much,’ he said. ‘That character just inspired us to be the best version of ourselves.’
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One particularly intense scene was filmed in grade-five rapids, where Ritchson had to enter the water in full gear, secured only by a rope. ‘Somehow, he found the most dangerous grade-five rapids in New Zealand,’ Ritchson joked about Hughes.
Despite the extreme conditions, the actor reportedly pushed for additional takes to ensure the scenes felt as authentic as possible. Ritchson has long been known for his dedication to training in the gym – a habit that likely helped him handle the demands of the shoot.
Kate is a fitness writer for Men’s Health UK where she contributes regular workouts, training tips and nutrition guides. She has a post graduate diploma in Sports Performance Nutrition and before joining Men’s Health she was a nutritionist, fitness writer and personal trainer with over 5k hours coaching on the gym floor. Kate has a keen interest in volunteering for animal shelters and when she isn’t lifting weights in her garden, she can be found walking her rescue dog.
