Prepare to be captivated by an exclusive first glimpse of Alan Ritchson in the upcoming Netflix film, "War Machine." Set to stream on March 6, 2026, this sci-fi action thriller features Ritchson facing off against a menacing extraterrestrial adversary, alongside veteran actor Dennis Quaid.
In "War Machine," a story filled with young performers portraying soldiers tackling a formidable otherworldly menace, viewers will see a different side of Quaid. He reflects on the joy of still being able to embody a rugged military character, much like he did during his prime in the 1980s. "I have more fun than I ever did when I was in my younger days," Quaid shares, hinting at the depth and excitement that still fuels his passion for acting.
USA TODAY has the honor of presenting the very first look at this thrilling new film directed by Patrick Hughes, known for his work on "The Hitman's Bodyguard." Quaid describes "War Machine" as a quintessential American action flick with a villain that defies easy categorization.
Alan Ritchson, recognized for his role in "Reacher," stars as the character known simply as 81. This designation refers to the number assigned to him as he embarks on training as an Army combat engineer in the Ranger selection program. While he excels as one of the elite soldiers, he grapples with the emotional and physical scars left by a Taliban attack that claimed his brother's life (played by Jai Courtney) during their deployment in Afghanistan.
As 81 and his fellow recruits face their final challenge to earn their Ranger status, what begins as a straightforward 24-hour exercise quickly spirals into a fight for survival against an unforeseen and lethal enemy. In this high-stakes scenario, 81 must rise to the occasion and learn to lead, proving himself capable of saving his team.
Ritchson seeks out roles that push his characters to the edge, stating, "I have no interest in playing characters that feel at all invincible, safe, clean." Currently, he is collaborating once again with Hughes on an untitled project for Prime Video, based on the life of Navy Seal Mike Thornton, set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War’s final days.
Hughes encouraged Ritchson to approach "War Machine" with a mindset akin to that of a horror film, aiming to instill genuine tension into scenes that could have otherwise felt unrealistic. What Ritchson didn’t anticipate was the level of danger involved; Hughes would often select the most perilous locations – from mountain peaks to raging rapids – and direct Ritchson to leap into these treacherous spots. Despite the risks, Ritchson expresses his gratitude for having taken the plunge, stating, "We made something so intense it’ll be hard to do that thing where you scroll on one device and half watch the other."
Patrick Hughes commends Ritchson’s unwavering determination, remarking, "He never once flinched. Never once backed down. Never once complained." The director emphasizes Ritchson's commanding presence on screen, noting, "You feel him the moment he steps on screen. But what really sets Alan apart is his willingness to be vulnerable."
Dennis Quaid adds that Ritchson's tough exterior contrasts with his sensitive nature, making him a compelling actor to watch. In the film, Quaid plays a sergeant major who expresses concern for 81's mental state during the intense Ranger training. Joining them in the cast are Esai Morales as a fellow Army officer and actors Stephan James, Keiynan Lonsdale, and Daniel Webber as 81's comrades.
Ritchson found inspiration in 81’s relentless spirit and dedication, prompting him to get the number “81” tattooed on his side even before filming began. "I’ve got brothers. I’ve got sons. No matter how you look at it, I understand the lengths one would go to protect and honor loved ones," he explains. "There is no limit on this side of life to how much I’d suffer for my family if it gave them even a second of relief. That’s 81 all day.
“He’s someone I would always want by my side in battle, even if only metaphorically speaking. It’s cool to know there’s a part of him inside of me, but I hope people realize there’s a part of 81 in all of us."
