Alan Ritchsonfans perhaps know him best as the titular hero inReacher, which isreturning for a third seasonon Prime Video. But in the meantime, he’s starring in an all-new project with a softer edge, but it still packs an emotional gut-punch. InOrdinary Angels, he plays Ed, a “lone wolf” father of two daughters — one of whom is in dire need of a liver transplant at just 5 years of age. It’s based on an incredible true story and also features Oscar winner Hilary Swank — who recently shot down rumors of beinginvolved in the final season ofCobra Kai— in the lead role as the local hairdresser who helps Ed raise money for his daughter’s health care.
This impactful new drama will inspire families and communities everywhere, and we recently caught up with Ritchson to learn more about what it was like working opposite Swank and why action movies remain his “bread and butter.”
Playing a ‘Lone Wolf’ Like Himself in a Real-Life ‘Miracle’ Story
Ordinary Angels
Sure, Ritchson’s Ed persona inOrdinary Angelsisn’t exactly an action star — even if he looks the part thanks to that muscular build of his. That doesn’t mean Ed isn’t a no-nonsense, hardnosed protagonist, as we watch his quest to literally save his daughter’s life in the film. It seems Ritchson can relate to certain character traits of Ed’s. “I’m a lone wolf,” he told MovieWeb, adding:
I workwith a psychiatrist/therapist, and we meet every week or two. And the biggest theme in our conversations is her saying, ‘Your life would be much more fulfilling if you let other people in and had friends and did activities with other people.’ And I’m like, ‘I can’t. We don’t have the time. There’s a million reasons why I can’t.’
Ritchson continued to detail his real-life journey as a family man:
“It’s a big mission in my life right now to find a way to expand my community, and I totally get that about Ed. Ed was very much the same way. He’s a lone wolf and doesn’t know how to ask for help. I can relate to that. But I also have three kids, I have three boys — 11, 9, and 8 — similar ages with these girls in the film. And the thought of losing one, God, I mean, I couldn’t imagine.”
Words like “faith” and “miracle” come to mind in learning more about the true story behind Ed and his family. Then seeing it all on the big screen will surely bring tears to your eyes. “It’s a privilege to tell this story, one that definitely delves into the pain of loss like that, and the confusion and faith in doubt,” said Ritchson. “But at the end of the day, the real miracle is the way that Hilary Swank’s character Sharon was able to work miracles in the life of Ed and these girls. And that’s just a necessary story. I think we all need to be reminded that we have that kind of potential within us.”
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Alan Ritchson at the Height of His ‘Action Space’
Given the noticeable difference in genre between Ritchson’s latest effortsFast X, Reacher,andOrdinary Angels, we were curious which direction the acclaimed macho actor would like to head in his Hollywood future. “I love the action space. I mean, it’s kind of really the bread and butter, and probably always will be. It’s just, I’m built for it,” he told us. Adding,
“So there’s a lot of that ahead, in my future, and I’m looking forward to all those projects. But when you have the opportunity to tell a true story or play a historical figure, I mean, it’s really a great gift to an artist like myself, and it’s a huge challenge and a huge risk. And you really want to be authentic in those moments and honor their journey. But it really is like the kind of the highest calling, I think, as an actor. So I do look out for a lot of those, whether a father or otherwise.”
Working with the ‘Brave and Generous’ Hilary Swank
Ritchson simplynails the fatherly roleinOrdinary Angels. It certainly helps to have a seasoned Academy Award-winner like Swank to share the screen with. “Working with her was great,” said Ritchson. “I was approached about this movie, and we needed to find a Sharon. And when I knew that Hilary was interested in coming on board, I mean, I was honestly full of gratitude because I had a feeling she had no idea who I was. And the fact that she would be willing to take people’s word for it, and come on anyway, really says a lot about who she is and how brave and generous she is.”
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Ritchson went on to detail a funny little anecdote about the early days of production:
“I could tell meeting her — she was very nice — but I could tell there was this air of like, ‘I really hope you’re good. Please be good.’ And when we started to work together, after the first scene we shot, she took me by the arm, and she said, ‘I am so glad you’re doing this movie.’ And I was like, ‘Alright, we’re gonna be OK!’ We had a great time. She’s brilliant in it. But it’s an honor to share the screen with her. It was something I didn’t take lightly. And I felt like we really found each other in the right way in this movie.”
We think this movie will find you in the right way, too. From Lionsgate,Ordinary Angelshits theaters Friday Feb. 23rd, 2024.
