Susan Turner

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Turner's journey begins when she helps Reacher bust a corrupt Louisiana Sheriff involved in human trafficking connected to a military contractor and a base. Upon returning to Washington, D.C., she is arrested for espionage and the murder of two US Army MP soldiers killed on duty in Afghanistan. Reacher believes she is being framed, and together they escape custody after two hitmen attempt to kill them. They discover that Colonel Sam Morgan is involved in the conspiracy, but he is killed by The Hunter, a sniper. Turner's investigation into General James Harkness, CEO of Parasource, reveals he framed her to cover up his sale of weapons to insurgents and smuggling of opium into the US. The film's epilogue sees Turner reinstated to her command after Harkness's arrest, and she shares a final, bittersweet moment with Reacher at a diner owned by Samantha's biological mother.

In Their Own Story

Major Susan Turner, commander of the 110th CID, first assists Jack Reacher in taking down a human trafficking ring run by a corrupt Oklahoma Sheriff. But her world collapses when she is arrested for espionage and the murder of two soldiers in Afghanistan. Reacher, convinced of her innocence, helps her escape from prison after they neutralize two hitmen. Together, they go on the run, uncovering a conspiracy led by General James Harkness, CEO of Parasource. Turner's investigation into Harkness's illegal weapons and opium smuggling is what got her framed. Along the way, they protect Samantha, Turner's 15-year-old daughter who had filed a paternity suit against Reacher for financial support. After a rooftop fight where Reacher kills The Hunter, Harkness is arrested, and Turner is reinstated to her command. She parts ways with Reacher at a diner, where Samantha reveals her mother is the waitress.

Reader's Guide

Major Susan Turner is a key character in the 2016 film *Jack Reacher: Never Go Back*. She is played by Cobie Smulders and serves as the female lead. Her role begins as a competent military officer who helps Reacher, but she quickly becomes a fugitive framed for espionage. She is not a romantic interest; her relationship with Reacher is based on trust and survival. She has a 15-year-old daughter, Samantha, who was living in foster care and filed a paternity suit against Reacher to get financial support for her mother. Turner's arc involves clearing her name by exposing General Harkness's conspiracy. She is reinstated to her command at the film's end. The film grossed $162 million worldwide and received mixed reviews, with praise for Cruise's performance and action sequences but criticism of the plot.

Did You Know?

• Cobie Smulders was cast as Major Susan Turner in August 2015.
• The film's plot is based on the 2013 Lee Child novel 'Never Go Back'.
• Principal photography began on October 20, 2015, in New Orleans, Louisiana.
• The film grossed $162 million worldwide against a production budget of $60–96 million.
• Lee Child, author of the Jack Reacher series, makes a cameo as a TSA agent.

Character Arc and Relationships

Major Susan Turner serves as the central female protagonist in the 2016 sequel, portrayed by Cobie Smulders. Initially introduced as a capable commander assisting Jack Reacher against human traffickers, her narrative takes a sharp turn when she is falsely accused of espionage and framed for the murder of two soldiers in Afghanistan. This accusation forces her into a fugitive status alongside Reacher, creating a dynamic partnership built on mutual survival rather than romance. A significant subplot involves Turner's biological daughter, Samantha, who was living in foster care. The film reveals that Samantha filed a paternity suit against Reacher not because he is her father, but to secure financial support for her mother. This revelation adds emotional complexity to the trio's journey as they flee from mercenaries and corrupt officials. By the story's conclusion, Turner is reinstated to her command after the conspiracy is exposed, while she shares a final, bittersweet moment with Reacher at a diner where her mother works, highlighting their unique bond before parting ways.

The Conspiracy and Antagonists

The film's plot revolves around a dark conspiracy orchestrated by General James Harkness, the CEO of the private military company Parasource. Harkness frames Turner to cover up his illegal activities, which include smuggling opium into the United States and selling weapons to insurgents in Afghanistan. The primary physical threat is 'The Hunter,' an ex-SOCOM operator turned mercenary hired by Harkness to eliminate loose ends, including Turner and Reacher. The conflict escalates as the protagonists uncover evidence linking Parasource to the murders for which Turner was arrested. Key turning points include the discovery of opium in a weapons shipment and the tragic death of Daniel Prudhomme, the sole eyewitness who could exonerate Turner. The climax features a high-stakes confrontation in New Orleans where Reacher and Turner dismantle Harkness's operation, leading to his arrest and the exposure of the truth behind the framed espionage charges.

Production History and Casting

The development of this sequel was initially uncertain following the first film's modest North American box office performance, but global earnings exceeding $200 million secured its production. Paramount Pictures and Skydance Media officially greenlit the project in late 2013, adapting Lee Child's novel 'Never Go Back.' Director Edward Zwick returned to helm the project, reuniting with star Tom Cruise after their collaboration on 'The Last Samurai.' The casting process saw Cobie Smulders join as Major Susan Turner in August 2015, bringing a grounded presence to the role. Other key cast members included Holt McCallany as The Hunter and Robert Knepper as General Harkness. Principal photography commenced in October 2015 across Louisiana locations like New Orleans and Baton Rouge, taking advantage of significant state tax incentives that contributed over $21 million toward the film's $96 million budget.

Reception and Financial Performance

Released on October 21, 2016, 'Jack Reacher: Never Go Back' achieved a worldwide gross of approximately $162 million. Critical reception was mixed; while reviewers frequently praised Tom Cruise's performance as the titular drifter and highlighted the film's intense action sequences, many criticized the plot for its complexity and pacing issues. The marketing campaign included early trailer premieres in mid-2016 and interactive browser games to engage fans. Despite the mixed critical response, the film successfully maintained the franchise's momentum following the first installment. It was subsequently released on digital HD platforms in January 2017, followed by physical media formats including Blu-ray. The production benefited from a robust promotional strategy that leveraged the star power of its lead actors and the established fanbase of Lee Child's novel series.

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