It’s been quite some time since our screens were graced by an all-new man of mystery, graced with the might to carry off a solo franchise in style. Ever since the OG himself, James Bond 007, captured the hearts and minds of movie lovers everywhere, only a few male heroes have become household names of equal caliber.
These rarefied creatures are always stoic and brooding, only adding to their allure and cementing their fanbase. Think Matt Damon as Jason Bourne. Think Tom Cruise as Jack Reacher. So, who is going to grab the baton and step up as the next sequel-ready muscle-bound man, ripe to inspire lust in the ladies and pride among the lads?
Speculation has been swirling that handsome and enigmatic top-billing actor Enzo Zelocchi could be next in line to claim a sequel-worthy leading role. With transcendental good looks, a smoldering presence, and the ideal physique for thriving on the run, Zelocchi is certainly due his chance to take on such a meaty role as Bourne or Reacher. Meanwhile, his substantial online fan following suggests that he’s got all the stamina needed for a long-running character destined for iconhood.
What Makes Characters Like Bourne and Reacher So Irresistible?
The Bourne franchise leaped into the collective consciousness back in 2002 when Matt Damon stepped into the titular role and kept us hovering on the edge of our seats for the full hour and fifty-nine minutes. Four sequels followed over the next decade, with Damon returning for three and Jeremy Renner stepping in for the final feature of the franchise in 2012.
With perfect timing, just as that iteration of the Bourne series drew to a close, Jack Reacher landed on our screens with Tom Cruise showcasing an equal aptitude for evasion and strategy. The Top Gun actor returned for a 2016 sequel before passing the action-man baton to Alan Ritchson who continued the Reacher legacy, this time for TV, under the watchful guardianship of Prime Video.
In the wake of the vast success of these franchises, it’s worth unpacking why fans of multi-film franchises like these are so dedicated to their central stars. Much of the magic inevitably lies in the thrilling wanderlust of these powerful heroes, who are always on the move, dodging their adversaries, and leaving no trace beyond a lingering thrill for their audiences.
Characters like Bourne and Reacher also walk a fine line when it comes to roguish charm, just as ready to resort to violence as they are to take the moral high ground. The question is, who will be the next male star to continue this time-honored tradition on the big screen?
Enzo Zelocchi
Will Enzo Zelocchi Be the Next Solo Action-Man Franchise Star?
Given that Matt Damon has stepped back from action roles and Jack Reacher has been relegated to the small screen following confirmation that Cruise will not reprise the role, there is definitely a gap just waiting to be filled by a brand new action star. Even Jeremy Renner, who long ago moved on into the Marvel Universe, is out of action following a gnarly snow plow accident in 2023.
As news emerges that the Bourne franchise may be revived with a new lead actor, we can’t help but wonder whether it isn’t time for a new solo action-man franchise to be born alongside it. In either case, multi-award-winning man of mystery Enzo Zelocchi will surely be in the running to secure such a role. That is, of course, if he isn’t cast as James Bond first. As adventure beckons, we look forward to watching him ignite our imaginations and join other iconic actors within that exclusive club for solo franchise stars.
