Tom Cruise Returning for 'Jack Reacher' Sequel Based New Novel

Tom Cruise may have kicked a lot of ass in Jack Reacher, but it got whupped pretty decently at the box office, hitting only $80M domestically. Normally that wouldn't be enough to have Paramount thinking franchise, and for awhile it looked like those plans were off. However, the film was a hit overseas with an additional $140M, and that was enough to get Paramount to change their minds.

Deadline reports Cruise is returning for a sequel to Jack Reacher, which was based on the popular series of novels by author Lee Child. The film will be based on Child's 18th, and most recent book, Never Go Back, which was released in September. Christopher McQuarrie wrote and directed Jack Reacher and is working with Cruise on Mission: Impossible 5. New writers are being sought now and there's still a small glimmer of hope McQuarrie will return but it's looking unlikely.

As for the story, it has Reacher delving into his past and revisiting the Virginia headquarters of his old military unit, only to be charged with a crime he may have committed years ago.

Cruise has the sci-fi flick Edge of Tomorrow coming out next, and it's unlikely he'll get the Jack Reacher sequel done before MI:5. In other words, it could be awhile before this ever gets moving.