Standing at 7’2”, Olivier Richters is impossible to miss. Known as the world’s tallest professional bodybuilder, his towering presence alone commands attention. But beyond his record-breaking height, Richters has carved out a career in acting, most recently starring in Prime Videos’ Reacher Season 3 as one of Jack Reacher’s toughest opponents yet. In an exclusive interview, Olivier Richters opens up about training, discipline, and the intense physical demands of his role in Reacher.
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From bodybuilding to the big screen
While many bodybuilders dream of competition, Richters had a different goal in mind—acting. But training at his size presented unique challenges. “You have to see it like a piece of gum—when you stretch it out, it becomes thinner. So for a tall person, it takes a lot longer to see results,” Richters explained. His training process is far more demanding than that of the average bodybuilder, requiring not just longer gym sessions, but also a staggering 7,000-calorie daily diet just to maintain muscle mass.
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“People think you grow in the gym, but the gym makes you smaller.”
Olivier Richters on his approach to rest and recovery
Despite skeptics doubting whether he could achieve a competitive physique at his height, Richters remained determined. “My bodybuilding coach once said, ‘You can’t be a bodybuilder at 7’2”,’ and I said, ‘Let’s try it.’ I’ve been doing it for 15 years.”
The challenges of training at 7’2”
One of the biggest struggles Richters faced was finding gym equipment that fit his frame. “The hardest thing for me was fitting in machines. A simple chest press machine or shoulder press—the handles hit each other because my arms are too long. I could never get a full stretch,” he said. The solution? Building his own custom gym.
Beyond equipment issues, recovery was another major focus. While many athletes train six days a week, Richters learned that overtraining can actually hinder progress. “People think you grow in the gym, but the gym makes you smaller. It’s the rest days that make you bigger. I train every other day, sometimes even two rest days in between.”
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Discipline and staying motivated
For many, staying motivated in the gym can be a challenge. Richters’ advice? Take progress photos. “I took pictures every three months for 15 years. I didn’t look at them at first because I was ashamed, but over time, I saw the progress. Sometimes the changes are small, but when you look back over the years, you realize how far you’ve come.”
Having a clear goal also helped him stay disciplined. “For me, it was about feeling better about myself. I was so lanky, and gaining muscle made me happier. But then my goal changed—to reaching 160 kilos (352 lbs) so I could break into the film industry.” That determination paid off, landing him roles in Black Widow, The King’s Man, and now, a starring role in Reacher Season 3.
Bringing physicality to reacher’s biggest fight yet
In Prime Video’s Reacher Season 3, Richters plays Paulie, a character described as a “freak of nature, made in a lab.” For the first time, Jack Reacher (played by Alan Ritchson) will face an opponent who can truly match him in size and strength. “He’s the first nemesis that actually physically challenges Reacher,” Richters said. “We also have Quinn, another villain who mentally challenges him. So this season will be the toughest yet for Reacher.”
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To prepare for the role, Richters underwent four months of military fight training. While many actors find it intimidating to face someone of his size, he admitted that he was just as intimidated by Alan Ritchson’s fight skills. “Alan is a machine. They told me, ‘You have to keep up with Reacher’s speed,’ and I had to prove that a giant of 160 kilos can move fast.”
The most physically demanding part of filming
Beyond fight choreography, the gruelling production schedule pushed Olivier Richters to his limits. “We had so many night shoots. Imagine starting at 9:00 p.m. and finishing at 6:00 a.m. It was exhausting for the body, especially with recovery and small injuries in between,” he recalled. Despite the intensity, he and Ritchson formed a strong bond. “At the end, we hugged each other and said, ‘We did it.’ It was tough, but we were proud of what we accomplished.”
What fans can expect from Reacher Season 3
Fans of the show can look forward to some of the most intense action sequences yet. Richters teased the epic showdown between his character and Reacher as one of the most exciting moments of the season. “This fight is going to be seen in 240 countries, and I hope it’s the best and most entertaining fight people will ever see on a TV show.”
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But beyond the action, Richters hopes that audiences will simply enjoy the show as a form of escape. “For me, watching TV at night is a way to clear my mind. I hope that when people watch Reacher, they can take a break from real life and just enjoy the ride.” With his mix of towering strength, disciplined training, and commitment to acting, Olivier Richters is proving that his presence in Hollywood is only getting bigger.
