Reacher’s third season introduces a formidable new antagonist, Paulie, played by Olivier Richters, who physically surpasses the lead, Alan Ritchson. Richters, a former bodybuilder known as the ‘Dutch Giant,’ underwent rigorous training for his role, emphasizing both physicality and depth in his performance. The season features an intense, meticulously crafted fight scene between the two, showcasing Richters’ acting capabilities beyond his imposing stature. The first three episodes are now streaming on Prime Video.
Reacher Season 3: A New Challenge for Alan Ritchson
Since making its debut on Prime Video, the series Reacher has gained attention for its thrilling fight scenes and its formidable lead, Alan Ritchson. In a surprising twist for the third season, Reacher encounters an adversary who not only matches but surpasses him in physical stature. This formidable opponent, Paulie, portrayed by Olivier Richters, is a former military operative turned enforcer for Zachary Beck, played by Anthony Michael Hall. Paulie’s mission? To secure Beck’s operations and eliminate any threats without hesitation.
The Casting of Paulie: A Perfect Match
In Lee Child’s gripping novels, Paulie is depicted as a towering figure, instilling fear simply by being present. This posed a considerable challenge for the production team, who needed to find an actor capable of embodying this extraordinary character. “Finding someone to physically outmatch Reacher was a real challenge, but Olivier Richters quickly stood out,” shares Lee Child, who serves as both the author of the books and an executive producer for the series, in the press kit for season 3.
Olivier Richters, known as the ‘Dutch Giant’ on Instagram, stands at an impressive 2.18 meters and weighs around 160 kilograms. Before stepping into the world of acting, he garnered acclaim in bodybuilding, becoming one of the most remarkable athletes in the sport. He has also appeared in blockbuster films such as Black Widow and The King’s Man, often portraying silent giants.
However, Reacher presents him with a unique opportunity to interact with a principal character. “This is the first time I’ve had a role where I can truly engage with the lead. Typically, I just grunt or throw punches,” he humorously notes. Embracing this challenge, Richters committed himself to an intensive training regimen.
A Gripping Fight Scene: Preparation and Execution
One of the standout moments in season 3 is the intense showdown between Reacher and Paulie, featuring unprecedented brutality. To ensure the fight was both realistic and spectacular, the actors underwent extensive training under the guidance of stunt coordinator Buster Reeves. “The preparation for the fight between Alan and Olivier took a full year. Every detail was carefully crafted to maximize both realism and excitement,” he explains.
Richters faced a demanding training schedule: “I followed a four-month program that combined stunts and weightlifting, eating seven meals a day to sustain my energy,” he reveals. “My mornings started with a massive breakfast of about 1,200 calories, followed by two hours of stunt training, and then I’d eat again.” He continued this cycle throughout the day, incorporating nap breaks due to the grueling combination of stunt training and bodybuilding.
Despite protective gear, injuries were part of the process: “I took a few hits, and so did Alan. We needed this fight to feel genuine, which you could sense in every take,” he adds.
With his role as Paulie, Olivier Richters is stepping beyond the stereotype of merely being a giant on screen. Reacher allows him to showcase his ability to blend a commanding physical presence with more profound acting skills. His performance has left a strong impression on Alan Ritchson, who states, “Olivier is so much more than just a giant; he infuses Paulie with genuine intensity. Collaborating with him has been an incredible journey.”
Looking ahead, Richters aspires to land even more challenging roles that highlight his abilities beyond his impressive height. “I want to demonstrate that I can be more than just a giant in the background. This role in Reacher is just the beginning,” he concludes. It’s clear that he has made a significant impact in season 3 with his remarkable presence.
The first three episodes of Reacher are currently available for streaming on Prime Video.