Kevin Costner’s 55% Rated Action Thriller Becomes Unexpected Streaming Hit After 11 Years
Kevin Costner’s resurgence as the patriarch of Yellowstone has reignited interest in his film career, prompting fans to revisit some of his lesser-known work — like Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit. This 2014 action-thriller reboot, which initially flew under the radar with a lukewarm 55% score on Rotten Tomatoes, is now enjoying an unexpected second life. Eleven years after its release, Shadow Recruit has surged into the Top 10 on Pluto TV’s free streaming charts, currently sitting at #9. It’s a surprising comeback for a movie that didn’t exactly make waves when it first hit theaters — but the Kevin Costner effect might just be enough to breathe new life into this CIA thriller.
Before John Krasinski took on the role of Jack Ryan for Amazon Prime Video, Chris Pine stepped into the shoes of Tom Clancy’s iconic CIA analyst in this reboot. Directed by Kenneth Branagh, known for Thor, Shadow Recruit explores the origins of Jack Ryan — from his days as a wounded Marine to his recruitment as a CIA analyst uncovering a major Russian financial conspiracy. Costner stars as William Harper, a veteran CIA operative who mentors Ryan on his first field mission. Branagh also plays the villain, Viktor Cherevin, a shadowy Russian oligarch straight out of a Cold War thriller.
So, how was Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit received? “Divisive” might be the kindest word. While Pine and Costner earned some praise, critics found the film too safe and old-fashioned compared to modern spy flicks. Branagh’s direction was described as uninspired, and his portrayal of the villain lacked subtlety. Collider’s Blu-ray review was blunt: “The film’s disappointing box office run likely means no sequels for this version of Jack Ryan.”
Indeed, the film had a modest box office performance, grossing just over $135 million worldwide against a $60 million budget. Not a disaster, but not enough to kickstart a franchise either. Still, some viewers appreciated the throwback approach. Rather than flashy gadgets and globe-trotting escapades, Shadow Recruit embraced Clancy’s trademark Cold War paranoia, featuring Russian antagonists and tense boardroom confrontations. In a spy genre dominated by the likes of Mission: Impossible and Skyfall, this film focused more on strategy and intrigue — even if it occasionally felt a bit dated.
