Alan Ritchson has been a prominent figure in television and film since the early 2000s, but it was his role as ex-military cop Jack Reacher in Amazon Prime Video’s original series, Reacher, that truly solidified his status as a household name. The series, adapted from Lee Child’s bestselling novels, features high-octane action sequences and a compelling hero reminiscent of medieval knights. However, Ritchson is set to take a different path in his upcoming feature film, Motor City.
Set against the backdrop of 1970s Detroit, Motor City tells a gritty tale of vengeance where Ritchson portrays a character motivated solely by his thirst for revenge. While details about the film remain somewhat scarce, early insights suggest that audiences can expect an intense and exhilarating experience.
Latest News on Motor City
Explosive Filming Highlights
The production of Motor City kicked off in July with filming taking place in al-Ula, Saudi Arabia, and several locations in New Jersey, particularly Jersey City and Paterson. An intriguing aspect of the shoot, reported by the North Jersey, was the use of an empty jail primed for demolition. This created a unique opportunity for the cast and crew, who managed to film inside the Passaic County Jail and enhance the action sequences with a controlled explosion for dramatic effect.
Recently, actor Ben Foster, one of the film’s leading cast members, shared insights during an interview at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2024. Foster mentioned that Motor City would primarily be a visual narrative with minimal dialogue, containing “only five lines of dialogue.” He praised Alan Ritchson highly, stating:
He’s terrific as a mover. I think he wants to do some deeper work or rather different kinds of work than he’s been doing, and that’s a joy.
As of now, a specific release date for Motor City is still pending. However, considering the timeline observed with director Potsy Ponciroli’s previous film, Old Henry, which released eight months post-production, fans might anticipate a Spring 2025 premiere.
Official Details about Motor City
Meet the Director: Potsy Ponciroli
The film Motor City was first announced in May 2023 by Variety, outlining Potsy Ponciroli as the director alongside producers Jon Berg and Greg Silverman from Stampede Ventures. Berg expressed enthusiasm about Ponciroli’s vision, highlighting dynamic cinematography, vibrant music, and immersive sound design that complements thrilling action scenes.
Ponciroli has previously gained recognition for his independent film Old Henry, which received critical acclaim and was celebrated by the National Board of Review as one of the Top 10 Independent Films of 2021 (via Deadline). Also, he directed the indie feature Greedy People (2024), adding to his portfolio.
Star-Studded Cast of Motor City
Introducing the Cast
Alan Ritchson stars as John Miller, the hero of Motor City. He is joined by a talented ensemble cast, including Ben Foster, who plays the film’s antagonist Reynolds. Foster is recognized for his remarkable performances in films such as Hell or High Water (2016) and 3:10 to Yuma (2007).
| Actor | Character | Notable Previous Work |
| Alan Ritchson | John Miller | Reacher, Blue Mountain State |
| Ben Foster | Reynolds | Hell or High Water, 3:10 to Yuma |
| Shailene Woodley | Sophia | Divergent, The Fault in Our Stars |
| Pablo Schreiber | Savick | Halo, Orange is the New Black |
| Ben McKenzie | Kent | Gotham, The O.C. |
Joining Ritchson is Shailene Woodley who portrays Sophia, a character dear to Miller. Woodley gained fame as Tris in the Divergent franchise and starred as Hazel in The Fault in Our Stars. Additionally, Pablo Schreiber, notable for his roles in American Gods, Halo, and Orange is the New Black, plays Savick. Ben McKenzie, recognized for his work on Gotham, takes on the role of Kent, a police officer involved in the unfolding drama.
Plot Overview of Motor City
A Gripping Tale of Revenge
In Motor City, Alan Ritchson embodies John Miller, a mechanic in Detroit who finds himself framed by the malevolent crime boss, Reynolds. After serving time unjustly, Miller embarks on a relentless quest for vengeance against those who ruined his life, dedicated to rescuing his girlfriend, Sophia.
While the plot may seem straightforward, it is the film’s unique approach that makes it compelling. Motor City is reported to feature minimal dialogue, allowing the narrative to unfold through breathtaking action sequences. Furthermore, music is set to play a pivotal role in conveying the story’s emotional weight.
Soundtrack and Musical Direction
Jack White Takes Charge of the Soundtrack
The film’s musical component is particularly noteworthy, with Ben McKenzie referring to Motor City as a “rock disco revenge film.” Producer Jon Berg elaborated, describing it as an artistic blend of opera, music video, and action movie. To ensure the soundtrack resonates, producers have enlisted the talents of Detroit-native and Grammy Award winner Jack White as the musical director.
Jack White, famed for his role in The White Stripes, boasts a versatile background that includes directing various music videos and acting in films. His experience will undoubtedly add depth to the film, where music is anticipated to be a driving force in narration.
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