Ritchson Teams Up with Cole for Vietnam War Navy SEAL Thriller
The Reacher star will portray Medal of Honor recipient Mike Thornton in an Amazon MGM Studios production based on extraordinary true events from the Vietnam conflict's final days.
The star of Prime Video's hit series Reacher is expanding his action credentials with another high-stakes military project. This time, the muscular performer will tackle a real-life heroic tale from America's involvement in Southeast Asia, bringing along a talented British co-star for the intense battlefield drama.
True Story Behind Enemy Lines
Amazon MGM Studios has secured the services of both actors for their upcoming Vietnam War project, which remains without an official title. The story centers on an incredible rescue mission that took place during the conflict's closing chapter. According to studio details, the narrative follows a small team of elite warriors who find themselves vastly outnumbered in hostile territory.
The plot focuses on Mike Thornton's leadership during a critical moment when five soldiers became stranded in North Vietnam. Facing overwhelming odds against 150 enemy combatants, the team endured intense combat before attempting a dangerous escape to the South China Sea. Thornton's remarkable actions included swimming for hours through dangerous waters while supporting both a severely injured officer and another soldier, ultimately earning him America's highest military decoration.
Expanding Action Portfolios
The Peaky Blinders veteran brings impressive credentials to this military thriller, having demonstrated his range across multiple genres. His previous work spans from the claustrophobic horror of Green Room to the gritty prison drama A Prayer Before Dawn, plus memorable appearances in Black Mirror and Gangs of London. This Amazon project represents one of his most significant Hollywood opportunities to date.
Meanwhile, the lead actor continues building his reputation as a premier action star. Beyond returning for additional seasons of his popular streaming series and its planned spin-off, he has committed to several diverse projects. These include a holiday action-comedy alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger, a revenge thriller set in Detroit, and a science fiction battle against extraterrestrial forces.
Director Patrick Hughes, known for The Hitman's Bodyguard, will helm the production, reuniting with the lead actor after their upcoming sci-fi collaboration War Machine. Hollywood legend Sylvester Stallone joins the project as a producer, adding his extensive action movie expertise to the team.