THE OFFICE: CIA – JIM ON STEROIDS
John Krasinski doesn’t want to get political when it comes to heroism, which is why starring in Amazon Prime’s “Jack Ryan” called to him. The Newton actor/director recently shared what it was like to play the titular character, an average guy who suddenly goes from being a desk-bound lackey to a CIA field agent hunting down terrorists.
“I really loved the idea of playing a superhero whose only real superpower is using his brain, and his instincts,” said Krasinski, likening the role to his former character on “The Office,” Jim Halpert — just on steroids.
“It’s very inspiring in the world of superheroes and capes and flying and shooting things out of your hands. It’s nice to focus on real people and real heroes,” Krasinski continued.
“We have not been telling their stories recently, people who believe in this country in a way that is apolitical, that’s about being proud of where you’re from, not which side of the aisle you stand on.”
Carlton Cuse and Graham Roland, who are at the helm of the Tom Clancy-inspired show, have stressed that the apolitical stance is strategic. They also added that the series deliberately shies away from depicting the CIA as deeply corrupt, a filter that Hollywood has frequently placed on the agency and other clandestine government organizations. It’s as simple as a normal, good guy taking on the bad guys.
The series made its global debut at the Monte-Carlo Television Festival last week, but it won’t be streaming to the general public until its Aug. 31 release on Amazon. And while Season 1 hasn’t even made it to our computer screens, “Jack Ryan” has already been renewed for a second season, with shooting to start in July in Colombia.