'Jack Reacher' Sequel Gets Official Title [Release Date, Cast, Plot & Rumors]

The second film in the "Jack Reacher" franchise has finally gotten the green light to start filming, and it now has an official title.

According to IGN, the film will be called "Jack Reacher: Never Go Back," and will be based on the 18th Jack Reacher book published by Lee Child. The synopsis of the book reads that the titular character of Jack has finally reached his destination of Virginia. However, his long-awaited reunion with Susan was not meant to be.  When Jack arrives, he finds out that Susan has been arrested and that there is a new commander of the 110 MP, his old military unit. The following events may even pull Jack back into the military if he is not careful.

Den of Geek reports that Edward Zwick, who worked with Tom Cruise on "The Last Samurai", has been chosen to direct the sequel, while Age of Ultron's Colbie Smulders will also join the cast and crew. Currently, there is no word yet on what role Smulders will be playing. Aldis Hodge has also been confirmed to appear in the movie, as well as Patrick Heusinger who will be playing the main villain in the story.

The first "Jack Reacher" film was based on the 9th book in the series called "One Shot." The movie did relatively well in the box office, posting over USD200 million worldwide. However, only about USD80 million of that was through North American sales. Given the low North American sales, that status of the sequel was left in limbo for a while.

However, after the success of the film internationally, the sequel was given a green light, with Tom Cruise signing on early to reprise his role as Reacher.

For those who are not aware of the character, Jack Reacher is an ex-major in the United States Military Police Corps. A highly decorated solider, Reacher mysteriously quits at the young age of 36 and soon becomes a drifter after years of being told what to do and where to go. Reacher roams the United States in an attempt to experience the country he has spent most of his life trying to protect.

Reports have the movie already in filming status and have the premiere date set for Oct. 21, 2016.

What do you think of Tom Cruise returning as Jack Reacher? Do you think the books and first film warrant a sequel? Let us know in the comments below.