Alan Ritchson Takes Lead in Vietnam War Epic From Stallone
Alan Ritchson will headline a new Vietnam War action film produced by Sylvester Stallone, based on the true story of Navy SEAL Mike Thornton. Filming kicks off soon in Australia, with Amazon MGM Studios behind the project.
Alan Ritchson, best known for his breakout role in the Prime Video hit Reacher , is stepping into the spotlight once again as he gears up to star in a high-stakes Vietnam War action film produced by Sylvester Stallone. The movie, still untitled, is being developed by Amazon MGM Studios and is set to start shooting in Queensland, Australia in the coming weeks.
Ritchson will portray Mike Thornton, a legendary Navy SEAL who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary bravery during the Vietnam War. Thornton’s heroics included saving a wounded comrade while under relentless enemy fire, a feat that has become the stuff of military legend. The film is helmed by Australian director Patrick Hughes, known for his work on Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard. The cast also features Joe Cole, recognized for his performances in Subversion and A Prayer Before Dawn, alongside Hoa Xuande, who appeared in The Sympathizer and Avatar: The Last Airbender.
Real-Life Heroism on the Big Screen
The newly released synopsis teases a gripping survival story:
the incredible real-life struggle for survival in the hostile waters of the South China Sea that earned Mike Thornton a Congressional Medal of Honor.
This project promises to deliver all the hallmarks of a classic war film, focusing on the harrowing ordeal of soldiers stranded behind enemy lines, fighting against impossible odds in a desperate bid for survival.
For Ritchson, this marks another major step in his action-packed career, following his acclaimed turn as Jack Reacher. The film aims to capture the intensity and raw emotion of real-life combat, bringing Thornton’s remarkable story to a new generation of moviegoers.
Expanding Action Horizons
Beyond this Vietnam War epic, Ritchson and director Patrick Hughes are teaming up again for the sci-fi action thriller War Machine, which is set to premiere on Netflix on March 6, 2026. The film boasts a star-studded cast, including Dennis Quaid and Jai Courtney, and is expected to push the boundaries of the genre.
Ritchson’s schedule remains packed, as he’s also set to return as Jack Reacher in a fourth season, along with a spin-off centered on Frances Neagley, both anticipated in 2026. Additionally, he will headline Motor City, a gritty action thriller set in the 1970s and directed by Potsy Ponciroli. In this film, Ritchson plays a silent ex-con out for vengeance after being wrongfully accused of a crime.