"I'm Professionally, Incredibly Jealous": Reacher Author Explains Why He Approves Of Neagley Spinoff After Years Of Telling Readers He Wouldn’t Make One

Lee Child, author of the Jack Reacher books, now thinks a spinoff following Neagley, who has appeared in every season of Reacher, is a good idea after previously insisting he wouldn't make one. In the hit Prime Video series, Neagley is played by Maria Sten and is Reacher's most trusted ally. Even though she only appeared in a small handful of the Jack Reacher novels, she has starred in every season of Reacher. After becoming one of the most popular characters in the series, a Neagley spinoff has officially been announced.

In an interview with TheWrap, Child admits that he was nervous to make a spinoff following Neagley for years. He claimed that fans have always asked for a Neagley spinoff, but he insisted that the character was so interesting because she was mysterious. However, after seeing Sten play Negaley in Reacher, Child is extremely excited about the spinoff. He also reveals that he's jealous of showrunner Nick Santora for coming up with such an interesting story for the Neagley spinoff. Read Child's full comments below:

She’s this surprise hit of the series. She totally owns that character. I can’t see past her anymore. She has claimed that role and she totally deserves that spinoff. I hope it’s a huge success and I hope she enjoys doing it.
I was nervous about doing it, because the thing about her, it seemed to me, was that she’s mysterious. She’s unexplained. I didn’t want to go too deeply into what made her who she is. I felt that would burst the bubble somehow, so I shied away from it.
I think the solution that [Santora] came up with is magnificent, and I’m professionally, incredibly jealous of it. He did something that I was afraid to do and he did it superbly well.

What Child's Comments Mean For The Neagley Spinoff

Child Has Faith In The Neagley Spinoff

Since Reacher is such a success on Prime Video, it only makes sense for the franchise to expand. Out of all the characters in Reacher, it makes the most sense for Neagley to receive a spinoff. Even though Neagley doesn't appear in Jack Reacher novels like Killing Floor and Persuader, which is what seasons 1 and 3 are based on, Santora added Neagley into both seasons of the show. By doing this, Santora ensured that audiences would feel deeply connected to Neagley and desperately want to know more about her.

Not many details have been revealed about the spinoff, but Sten revealed that filming began just before the release of Reacher season 3.

After having a very large role in season 2 of the series, so far Neagley has only appeared in a few scenes in Reacher season 3. This is somewhat disappointing, but also makes sense since Reacher is on an undercover mission. Therefore, it is a relief to know that more of Neagley will be seen in the upcoming spinoff. Not many details have been revealed about the spinoff, but Sten revealed that filming began just before the release of Reacher season 3.

Our Take On Child's Comments About The Neagley Spinoff

The Neagley Spinoff Could Be A Great Addition To The Franchise

Maria Sten as Frances Neagley looking serious in season 2, episode 4 of Reacher — Frances Neagley in season 2, episode 4 of Reacher

Without a doubt, Neagley's mysterious persona is part of what makes her such an interesting character. This is why it is completely fair for some to be concerned about the Neagley spinoff revealing too much. However, it is great to hear that Child himself is very excited about the spinoff. After all, Jack Reacher is also an extremely mysterious character, and watching him throughout the three seasons has been amazing. Therefore, after the success Reacher has had, I have faith that the Neagley spinoff will be great.

Source: TheWrap