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

Alan Ritchson, best known for his commanding presence in the hit series Reacher, is set to bring his formidable energy to the big screen once again. The actor is fronting a new, as-yet-untitled action film from Amazon MGM Studios, which draws on a remarkable true account from the closing days of the Vietnam conflict. In a recent development, Joe Cole—recognised for his work in Peaky Blinders—has been confirmed to join the cast, adding further depth to the ensemble.

Cole, whose career spans both television and cinema with credits in Green Room, A Prayer Before Dawn, The Damned, Black Mirror, Gangs of London, and The Ipcress File, is often described as an underrated performer. His involvement in this high-stakes production marks a significant moment, placing him alongside Ritchson in what is shaping up to be a major action showcase.

True Grit: A Vietnam War Story

This new project sees Ritchson reuniting with director Patrick Hughes, following their collaboration on the upcoming science fiction action film War Machine. The production also boasts Sylvester Stallone among its producers, lending a touch of Hollywood gravitas. The plot, as outlined by Deadline, is as follows:

“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.”

The narrative promises a tense, character-driven exploration of bravery under fire, with Ritchson portraying Mike Thornton, whose actions during a perilous retreat earned him the highest military honour.

Upcoming Projects for Ritchson and Cole

Both leads have a busy slate ahead. Joe Cole is set to return to Amazon MGM Studios for another naval-themed action piece, Subversion, where he will appear alongside Chris Hemsworth, who plays a naval commander forced into a dangerous mission. Cole is also preparing to headline the action thriller He Bled Neon and will soon take on a more dramatic role in the biographical film The Queen of Fashion.

Meanwhile, Alan Ritchson continues to build his reputation as a go-to action star. He is due to reprise his role as Jack Reacher in a fourth series and a forthcoming Frances Neagley spin-off. Ritchson will also share the screen with Arnold Schwarzenegger in the festive action comedy The Man with the Bag, take a vengeful turn in Motor City, lead the thriller Runner, and face extraterrestrial threats in War Machine.

Anticipation Builds for Amazon’s Latest Action Epic

With a compelling true story at its core, a strong cast, and a seasoned director at the helm, this untitled Navy SEAL film is already generating considerable interest. The combination of Ritchson’s physicality and Cole’s nuanced performances, set against the backdrop of one of history’s most intense conflicts, suggests audiences can expect a gripping and authentic cinematic experience.