Alan Ritchson and Joe Cole Join Forces in Gritty Navy SEAL Thriller

Alan Ritchson, best known for his breakout role in the hit series Reacher , is stepping into the spotlight once again, this time leading a high-octane Navy SEAL action film from Amazon MGM Studios. The project, still untitled, draws from a remarkable true account set during the closing days of the Vietnam War. Ritchson’s commanding presence is set to anchor the film, while Joe Cole, recognized for his work in Peaky Blinders and a string of acclaimed film and TV roles, joins the cast in a pivotal role.

Joe Cole’s addition to the cast marks a significant moment in his career, bringing his understated talent to a major action feature. His previous credits span both television and film, including standout performances in Green Room, A Prayer Before Dawn, Black Mirror, and Gangs of London. This new collaboration with Ritchson is set to showcase both actors in a gripping, adrenaline-fueled story.

True Valor in the Face of Overwhelming Odds

Directed by Patrick Hughes, who previously worked with Ritchson on the upcoming sci-fi action film War Machine, the movie also boasts Sylvester Stallone among its producers. The story centers on Navy SEAL Mike Thornton, portrayed by Ritchson, as he leads a desperate mission after five men become trapped deep in North Vietnam. Facing overwhelming enemy forces, the team must fight their way through relentless danger, culminating in a daring escape across hostile waters.

“Based on an extraordinary true story from the final days of the Vietnam War, the film follows Navy SEAL Mike Thornton (Ritchson) as he leads a desperate last stand after five men are trapped behind enemy lines in North Vietnam. Outnumbered by an army of 150 soldiers, they fight through relentless enemy fire before making a harrowing retreat into the South China Sea. With both a gravely wounded lieutenant and fellow soldier tied to him, Thornton swims for hours through hostile waters to reach safety, an act of valor that earned him the Congressional Medal of Honor.”

This harrowing tale of courage and sacrifice highlights the extraordinary lengths these men went to for survival, with Ritchson’s character at the heart of the action.

Upcoming Projects for Ritchson and Cole

Both Ritchson and Cole have a packed slate of action projects ahead. Joe Cole is set to return to Amazon MGM Studios for another Navy-themed thriller, Subversion, starring alongside Chris Hemsworth. In this film, Hemsworth plays a naval commander forced into a dangerous mission, while Cole takes on a leading role in the upcoming action feature He Bled Neon and shifts gears for the biographical drama The Queen of Fashion.

Ritchson, meanwhile, continues to build his reputation as a go-to action star. He’s set to reprise his role as Jack Reacher in a fourth season and a new spin-off, team up with Arnold Schwarzenegger for the holiday action comedy The Man with the Bag, and headline several other action-packed films, including Motor City, Runner, and the sci-fi thriller War Machine.