Joe Manganiello Claims Tom Cruise Blocked Him From Becoming Jack Reacher

Joe Manganiello thinks Tom Cruise may have cost him one of the biggest roles of his career, and their shared romantic history could be the reason.

In his new memoir, Bloodlines, the 49-year-old actor reveals that he was once a leading contender to play Jack Reacher in the Amazon Prime Video's hit television series.

However, Manganiello claims his team suspected Cruise, who previously portrayed the character on the big screen, may have intervened because they both dated Sofía Vergara.

According to Manganiello's memoir, executives and producers initially appeared enthusiastic about casting him in the television adaptation of Lee Child's popular novels.

The True Blood actor recalled meeting with Skydance producer Don Granger for approximately 90 minutes to discuss the role.

During the conversation, the pair reportedly addressed criticism surrounding Cruise's casting in the original films, particularly his height compared to the towering literary character.

Granger allegedly told Manganiello, "You are the closest thing to Jack Reacher that I've ever seen in my entire life."

The producer also praised Manganiello's resemblance to the character and his intelligence.

Manganiello claimed Skydance executive David Ellison and Child were impressed with his audition.

In the memoir, he described them as "thrilled with my performance."

Despite the positive feedback, the casting process reportedly became complicated when Amazon executive Jennifer Salke objected to being excluded from decisions by the production company's predominantly male leadership.

Manganiello ultimately learned he would not be playing Reacher, leaving him questioning what had gone wrong.

The role eventually went to Alan Ritchson, who has portrayed the character since the series premiered in 2022.

After losing the part, Manganiello said members of his team raised a surprising possibility.

They suspected Cruise, who was involved with the television adaptation as an executive producer, may have influenced the casting decision because of their connection to Vergara.

Manganiello wrote that his representatives believed Cruise might have "vetoed my being cast on account of Sofía."

Cruise reportedly dated Vergara in 2005, years before she began her relationship with Manganiello.

However, Manganiello did not provide evidence confirming Cruise interfered.

Manganiello and Vergara married in November 2015 after a whirlwind romance.

The former couple announced their separation in July 2023, and their divorce was finalized in April 2024.

Following their split, Manganiello began dating actress Caitlin O'Connor, while Vergara was romantically linked to orthopedic surgeon Justin Saliman.

Meanwhile, Cruise starred in 2012's Jack Reacher and its 2016 sequel, Jack Reacher: Never Go Back.

Although Manganiello never got his opportunity to portray the character, Ritchson's television adaptation has become a major success for Prime Video.