Netflix‘s most recent addition to the sci-fi action subgenre proves that, after Reacher, Alan Ritchson should serve as the lead in a $5.4 billion franchise.

Alan Ritchson is easily one of the fastest-growing Hollywood stars right now and his popularity will seemingly grow from strength to strength this year, with Reacher set to return. Even beyond Reacher, Ritchson has been showing up in several big-screen projects. While none of these projects have proven to be as acclaimed as Reacher, Ritchson has many fascinating movie roles lined up.

One of Alan Ritchson’s recent movie appearances not only allowed him to put his action-hero charisma on full display but also highlighted how effortlessly he can anchor a high-concept sci-fi narrative. After seeing the movie, it is hard not to notice how he would be the perfect casting choice for a $5.4 billion franchise.

After War Machine, Alan Ritchson Must Play Duke In A G.I. Joe Transformers Crossover

After his roles in Reacher and War Machine, Alan Ritchson looks like a 1980s action figure come to life. Owing to this, it is not even surprising that his portrayal of the main character in War Machine is being compared with Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Dutch in 1987’s Predator. While the Predator comparison makes a lot of sense, a closer look at War Machine reveals how it resembles another major action franchise.

If one thinks about it, the main alien threat in the Netflix action flick looks more or less like a Decepticon who disguises itself as an army base camp in the beginning before unleashing its fury on a bunch of Army Rangers.

Even Alan Ritchson and his fellow Ranger trainees can be reimagined as G.I. Joes who try to ward off an alien threat to protect Earth. With these G.I. Joe and Transformers parallels in mind, it is hard not to see Alan Ritchson as Duke in a potential G.I. Joe and Transformers live-action crossover.

As reports suggest, a live-action crossover movie has been in the talks for quite some time. Transformers: Rise of the Beasts‘ ending even seems to set one up. Chris Hemsworth was also reportedly being considered for a role in the live-action flick.

If the live-action movie sees the light of day, Alan Ritchson should be considered as one of the top contenders for the role of Duke. With his recent line of roles in action movies and brilliant portrayal of Jack Reacher in the Prime Video detective series, he seems to have the perfect acting chops to embody the G.I. Joe field commander.

Hopefully, after Reacher, we will soon get to see him as the lead in another major action franchise.

Is The Live-Action G.I. Joe & Transformers Crossover Even Happening?

Interestingly, even though the G.I. Joe and Transformers crossover movie seemed like the next step forward in the overarching action franchise, its future remains uncertain. There have been several rumors and behind-the-scenes developments surrounding its creation, but no concrete confirmations have come out yet.

An exciting comic crossover between the two franchises has already happened, and even an animated crossover movie is being developed. When it comes to the live-action side of the franchise, though, things have been far less clear.

Given how each new addition to the live-action Transformers universe has gotten diminishing returns at the box office, it is possible that the crossover movie has been delayed. It might also never see the light of day if the upcoming animated film does not perform too well.

Hopefully, after Transformers: Rise of the Beasts fascinating ending setup, we will get to see a G.I. and Transformers crossover movie. And if the movie happens, it will hopefully cast Alan Ritchson as one of its G.I. Joe characters after his performances in Reacher and Netflix‘s War Machine.