IN CONVERSATION WITH CHRIS MARQUETTE

interview by JANA LETONJA

With a career spanning more than two decades, Chris Marquette has quietly become one of Hollywood’s most recognisable character actors, delivering memorable performances across beloved films and acclaimed television series, from The Girl Next Door and Alpha Dog to Barry, Bosch, and The Rookie. This summer, he joined the world of Reacher for its highly anticipated new season on Prime Video, which premiered on 12th August, where he plays Jacob Merrick, a dedicated small-town police officer driven to uncover the truth behind his sister’s mysterious death.

all photography by PIPER FERGUSON

You’re joining Reacher. What excited you most about stepping into this world?

Being an action hero. Let’s be real, many folks would look at me and think, that guy codes for a living. For sure he’s on a laptop all day. Definitely not driving getaway cars and fighting bad guys alongside the Goliath that is Alan Ritchson. Stepping into those shoes was pretty dope.

Tell us about Jacob Merrick. Who is he when we first meet him?

Jacob is a kindhearted small town police officer from Jersey, who’s entire life is upended in traumatic fashion when his adopted sister dies tragically. We meet him at the start of the series just as Reacher’s epic journey begins. The two of their paths cross and because both of them can sense something isn’t as it appears to be, they set off together on a Midnight Run type of action adventure to try and untangle a massive sinister mystery.

Your character is motivated by a deeply personal tragedy. How did you prepare for the emotional side of the role?

Truthfully, it was 25 plus years of prep. Acting my entire adolescence and adult life. I didn’t have time to prepare. I got a panicked call from the show runner late on a Friday night to do an emergency audition because another actor had to drop out of the role. On Saturday, I was hired. Sunday, I was on a plane to find myself on set Monday morning standing next to Alan Ritchson. All I had was my instincts and an hour an evening to memorise words.

Without giving away spoilers, what can fans expect from Jacob’s journey this season?

This guy’s journey doesn’t completely unfold until the very last second. He’s an outlier in the Reacher universe. The most unassuming hero. And hopefully he embodies a relatable perspective as he’s catapulted into an epic Reacher adventure.

Reacher has such a passionate global fanbase. Did that add any pressure coming into the series?

Yes. It was super intimidating actually. Often times, as an actor, you work on something that you leave hoping and praying finds an audience. To know that this was guaranteed to be watched by so many people was an experience I’ve never had before.

You’ve worked across so many genres throughout your career. Does a role like Jacob challenge you in new ways?

It absolutely did. Historically, I’m the guest star on a crime series. I come in and get all emotional about some horrible circumstance and then I go home and the hero’s take off to figure it all out. Except this time, I didn’t go home. I stayed and helped lead the fight. And rose to the occasion.

Fans know you from films like The Girl Next Door, Fanboys, and Just Friends. Do people still recognize you most from those roles?

They do. Hardly a week goes by without someone looking at me strangely, wondering where I went to high school and then eventually saying "OMG, you’re that guy!" It’s amazing to have been a part of projects that have such lasting impressions with people. I’m grateful.

Over the past two decades, how have you seen the industry, and your approach as an actor, evolve?

Dramatically. Getting projects made and the processes in which they are cast have gotten so much more challenging. Everything is about risk aversion. The safest bet. Which, in many ways, has provided less opportunity for me unfortunately, as I haven’t crossed that threshold into being a movie star or household name. And the lucky actors that have, generally have most, if not all of the best opportunities. It takes a wild stroke of luck, like the one I experienced with Reacher, for actors to sometimes find themselves working on cool, fulfilling projects in challenging roles.

When you’re not on set, what kinds of stories, films, or performances inspire you as an actor?

Novels. Music. And bold, confident films and shows where talented people took risks to tell new and unique stories. I love filmmakers like Ben Stiller, Jon Faverau, Peter Berg, and Kathryn Bigelow who do that consistently.

Is there a dream role or genre you haven’t tackled yet but would love to explore?

I’d love to work with prestige filmmakers in any capacity. I have yet to find another type of creative person, or just person, whom I connect with as much. And who inspires in me such energy, enthusiasm and spirit.

Finally, what’s next for you after Reacher, and what can fans look forward to?

I haven’t filmed anything since I finished Reacher. I am writing a TV series for Screen Ireland that I created that’s very much in the vein of Ted Lasso, which I hope to act in and possibly direct. Other than that, I’m living and loving life as a single father, trying to find the comedy and gratitude in life day to day.