Alan Ritchson Says He Faces Criticism from Fellow Christians Over His 'Unmarried' Sex Scenes inReacher

Mar. 15, 2025

Alan Ritchson.Photo:Jasper Savage/Prime

Jasper Savage/Prime

Alan Ritchsonis revealing how his faith intersects with his acting career.

“I’m sorry — I doubt that’s going to be part of the conversation when I’m standing at the pearly gates!” he added.

Alan Ritchson.Jasper Savage/Prime

Ritchson, who has been starring as titular character Jack Reacher in the action series since 2022, opened up toThe Hollywood Reporterlast year about his faith.

“I’m a Christian quite simply because of what Jesus calls us to do,” he said. “Love other people until death. It doesn’t mean we’re all to be hung on a cross, but how can I suffer for you? That is a beautiful thing.”

Reflecting on his decision to start sharing how he lives his life as a Christian several years ago, Ritchson said he remembered telling his wife “that it could be the last time I worked in this business.”

Now, given the current political climate, Ritchson admitted that his personal values do not always align with those of his fellow Christians. He said he believes some people who practice the religion have “become the most vitriolic tribe,” which he feels is “so antithetical to what Jesus was calling us to be and to do.”

Alan Ritchson.Peru Williams/Variety via Getty

Peru Williams/Variety via Getty

Ritchson’s brutal honesty doesn’t just apply to his personal life. Maria Sten, who also stars inReacher,toldGQthat Ritchson is just as straightforward on set.

“He says what he means and he means what he says, very much like Reacher in a lot of ways,” she revealed, comparing him to his character. “A lot of people try to sugarcoat things to make it sound pretty or correct. But, Reacher’s gonna Reacher and Alan’s gonna Alan.”

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

The first three episodes ofReacherseason 3 are now streaming on Prime Video. New episodes drop every Thursday at 3 a.m. ET/12 a.m. PT.

source: people.com