Tom the Reacher

Well, it can’t be said that Tom Cruise isn’t trying new bold things as he strives to reboot his career.

The actor is in talks to take on the role of Jack Reacher in writer-director Christopher McQuarrie’s adaptation of Lee Child’s 2005 novel One Shot.

The Cruiseter would play the rugged former U.S. Army cop in the would-be franchise, which is more character- than action-driven (evidently, Reacher can pack a punch...and is not immune to the effects of a well-thrown one).

Hollywood’s former golden man would make for an interesting casting choice given that the character is meant to be really, really tall (like, 6’5”), and the actor is famously not.

Or 250 lbs.

Or particular unattractive.

I say it’s good that Cruise is diversifying. He’s working on Rock of Ages, a musical, and eyeing a starring part in a fallen-politician drama. Plus, he’s got Mission: Impossible: Ghost Protocol opening this fall....

He could be in for a moment again.

Photo: Details.com.