“Reacher” star says Biden was present but didn’t say if only in body. Joe Biden accidentally interrupted filming of a police chase scene for “Reacher” season 4 in Philadelphia. Biden came upon the production while having breakfast at a nearby bistro with his wife, Jill, and son, Hunter. Lead actor Alan Ritchson described meeting the Bidens as a “privilege and honor” after previously criticizing Trump supporters.
Biden Family Interrupts TV Production
The cast and crew of Amazon Prime’s hit series “Reacher” got more than they bargained for during a recent filming session in Philadelphia. While shooting an action-packed police chase scene for the upcoming fourth season, production was suddenly halted by the appearance of former President Joe Biden along with his wife, Jill, and son, Hunter. The Biden family wasn’t part of the script, but their convoy of black SUVs and security detail certainly made an impression as they crossed paths with the TV production.
According to eyewitness reports, the Bidens were in the Rittenhouse Square area to have breakfast at Parc, a popular bistro on 18th Street. The former president’s security detail and motorcade naturally attracted attention as they made their way through the neighborhood, where “Reacher” happened to be filming nearby. What could have been a frustrating delay instead turned into a memorable moment for the production team, as crew members cheered upon recognizing the former president.
Joe Biden visits the set of Reacher
WHAT DO YOU NOTICE ⁉️ pic.twitter.com/oqhUOVYp2Q
— W (@ZitiDoggsGolf) June 17, 2025
“Reacher” Star’s Political History
Lead actor Alan Ritchson, who plays the titular character Jack Reacher, was quick to document the encounter on social media. Ritchson, whose show has become one of Amazon’s biggest streaming successes, shared photos of himself with the Biden family. The actor, who has previously made headlines for his outspoken political views, seemed delighted by the chance meeting. Ritchson humorously claimed to have discussed sophisticated topics like string theory and quantum entanglement with the former president.
“It was a privilege and an honor to meet the Biden family. They couldn’t have been more lovely. Kind, joyful, gracious, and present.” – Alan Ritchson
What went unreported by some media outlets is Ritchson’s history of making pointed political comments. Fox News noted that the actor has previously criticized conservatives and particularly took aim at Christian supporters of Donald Trump. In past statements, Ritchson called Trump “a rapist and a con man” and questioned why “the entire Christian church seems to treat him like he’s their poster child.” The actor has claimed he faced backlash, including violence, for expressing his political views.
Joe Biden Accidentally Crashed the 'Reacher' Set as Alan Ritchson Reveals He 'Beat Me at Arm Wrestling' https://t.co/FfBNhdWjJo
— People (@people) June 18, 2025
Unexpected Set Visit Amid Health Concerns
The former president’s appearance came shortly after he publicly revealed his diagnosis with an aggressive form of prostate cancer. Biden has been maintaining a schedule of public appearances despite the health challenge. Photographer Hugh E. Dillon captured the moment and later told reporters he initially mistook Biden and his entourage for actors, only realizing who they were when the crew began applauding. Several bystanders were heard expressing support for the former president.
The fourth season of “Reacher” is currently filming in Philadelphia and is based on Lee Child’s novel “Gone Tomorrow.” The upcoming season will take the character to New York City, where he investigates the sudden death of a subway passenger named Susan Mark. The Amazon Prime series has become a major hit for the streaming platform, with Ritchson’s portrayal of the former military policeman drawing significant viewership across its previous seasons.