Ryan Phillippe Takes Aim at a Heroic New Role in the USA Thriller Shooter

Stuntmen of the world, beware: Ryan Phillippe just might put you out of a job. On USA’s new thriller Shooter, he portrays Bob Lee Swagger, a former military sniper falsely accused of plotting to assassinate the president. There will be plenty of pulse-pounding moments, and Phillippe has no intention of relying on Hollywood magic to convey his heroics. “There’s a scene in the premiere where I have to go off a building—the technical team said it was the highest jump they’d ever seen an actor do,” he says proudly. “I have a pretty extensive martial arts background, and I’ve had lots of weapons training through different projects, but I haven’t gotten a chance to do a ton of action. It needed to happen before I got too old!”

With that in mind, it’s fair to say that this may just be the role he was born to play, even if he isn’t the first to tackle it. The series is based on Stephen Hunter’s 1993 novel Point of Impact (there are eight other Bob Lee Swagger tomes in the collection), as well as the 2007 film adaptation starring Mark Wahlberg, who serves as executive producer on the show. “Mark loves this character,” says Phillippe, who migrated from teen flicks in the ’90s to decidedly adult roles on DirecTV’s Damages and ABC’s Secrets and Lies. “The fact that he trusted me to take him over really means a lot.”

In this incarnation, Swagger is living a quiet life following a career-ending injury suffered while serving with the Marine Corps in Afghanistan. Unlike the film version, this Swagger has an added vulnerability: his wife, Julie (One Tree Hill’s Shantel VanSanten), and their 6-year-old daughter, Mary (Lexy Kolker). The added emotional layers—and 10-episode format—should allow for richer storytelling, says Phillippe. “In a two-hour movie, you have to gloss over some of the intricacies and motivations. I saw this as an opportunity to update this story for today.”

Also in this issue:

• The Exorcist: Geena Davis opens up about the horror show’s game-changing reveal.

• Let’s Make a Deal: Our intrepid reporter helps design one of the game show’s “Zonk” prizes.

• Good Behavior: Downton Abbey’s Michelle Docker trades crumpets for cons on TNT’s new noir drama.

• This is Us: Sterling K. Brown takes us behind the scenes of NBC’s new breakout hit dramedy.

• MacGyver: A candid chat with Lucas Till and George Eads, stars of CBS’s update on the classic action romp.

• Plus: Designated Survivor’s Maggie Q, NCIS: Los Angeles, Empire, Westworld, The Librarians, Code Black and the best of movies, streaming, sports and more.