Alan Ritchson Says ‘War Machine’ Pushed Him to His Physical Limit, Actor Needed Oxygen on Next Film

Actor Alan Ritchson, best known for his role in the hit series Reacher, says his latest film War Machine pushed him harder than any project he has worked on before.

In a conversation with IndyaStory alongside director Patrick Hughes, the actor admitted the demanding shoot nearly pushed him to his breaking point.

A physically demanding role

In the Netflix action film, Ritchson plays a combat engineer known only as “81.” After losing his brother during a battle, the character joins the Army Rangers in search of purpose. During a dangerous mission, he leads his unit through a hostile landscape while confronting a massive and mysterious killing machine.

The role required intense action sequences, physically demanding stunts, and emotionally heavy moments.

Ritchson admitted that the experience tested his endurance more than any previous role.

He explained that the relentless pace of filming, combined with the physically exhausting scenes, made it difficult at times to see how he would complete the shoot.

According to the actor, the toughest part came during the filming of a Ranger training obstacle course sequence, which required multiple takes while he was already physically drained.

Filming in extreme locations

Director Patrick Hughes revealed that the film’s production itself was extremely challenging.

The story focuses almost entirely on Ritchson’s character, meaning the actor appears in nearly every scene. To achieve the realistic feel, the crew shot in remote outdoor environments, including rugged wilderness locations.

Some scenes required transporting crew, equipment, and safety teams by helicopter. One particularly intense sequence involved Ritchson crossing powerful rapids in New Zealand.

Despite the difficulties, Hughes said the team was determined to create a grounded action film centered on one character fighting to survive.

A project that left a lasting mark

The collaboration between Ritchson and Hughes became so meaningful that the pair even got matching tattoos after finishing the film. The ink features an early logo from the project, symbolizing their shared experience during production.

Ritchson joked that Hughes often pushes him to suffer for his roles, while the director admitted he enjoys creating demanding action sequences.

Lessons from the challenge

Reflecting on the grueling experience, Ritchson said that what helps him push through difficult filming days is remembering that the pain is temporary, but the finished film lasts forever.

He explained that when he eventually watches a completed project, he rarely remembers the physical discomfort of filming — only the pride of seeing the final result.

The actor also revealed that his next project was so physically demanding that he once had to call for a medic and receive oxygen during filming.

A new project already underway

Ritchson and Hughes are already collaborating again on another film inspired by the real-life story of decorated Navy SEAL Mike Thornton.

The script for that project was developed by Ritchson, Hughes, and Oscar-nominated writer Jason Hall, known for American Sniper.

While War Machine is a fictional action story, the upcoming film will explore real-life acts of sacrifice and brotherhood during wartime.