Lee Child says Tom Cruise is ‘too old’ to star in action films

Jack Reacher author thinks it is time for Cruise to become a character actor

The author of the Jack Reacher novel series Lee Child has said Tom Cruise is “too old” to star in action films.

Cruise, 57, starred as homicide investigator Reacher in two films before Child ended the franchise.

Child told The Sunday Times: “Cruise was reluctant. He had his own investment in it, he was going to argue against it. It sounds extremely patronising but I think it’s good for him. He’s too old for this stuff. He’s 57, he needs to move on, transition to being a character actor.

“He could get another 20 years out of it. He has the talent. He’s a terrific guy, very considerate, good fun.”

Cruise has made a career out of starring in action films, from the Mission: Impossible films to Edge of Tomorrow and The Mummy.

He can next be seen reprising his role as Maverick in the forthcoming Top Gun sequel, yet another action franchise.