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For many years, John Krasinski was synonymous with comedic television, famously anchoring the beloved ensemble of “The Office” for over a decade. However, today, Krasinski has transformed into an action star, primarily recognized for his lead role in Amazon’s “Jack Ryan.” Interestingly, his portrayal of the CIA analyst with a Marine Corps background wasn’t his first foray into military roles on screen. Back in 2016, he donned a soldier’s gear in Michael Bay’s high-octane film, “13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi,” which is currently available for free on Tubi.
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“13 Hours” dramatizes the intense real-life events of the 2012 assault on two U.S. government installations in Benghazi by Islamic militants. This attack tragically resulted in the loss of American lives and sparked significant political debate in the U.S. In the film, a CIA security team, led by Commander Tyrone Woods (played by James Badge Dale) and joined by newcomer and former Navy SEAL Jack Silva (portrayed by Krasinski), must protect the compound and save the remaining personnel.
Unlike a traditional political drama, “13 Hours” focuses purely on the high-stakes action, avoiding the intricacies of the ensuing scandal. Krasinski trades his office-bound role for a more rugged persona, embodying Michael Bay’s latest action hero in a film described by The Guardian as a “bloody bonanza.” If high-energy action is your preference, you can stream the film for free on Tubi.
For John Krasinski, starring in “13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi” was more than just executing stunts in military attire; it was a chance to delve into the psyche of a soldier dedicated to safeguarding his compatriots. In a 2018 interview with Entertainment Weekly, while discussing his role in “Jack Ryan,” Krasinski reflected on how his experience with “13 Hours” shaped his portrayal in the Amazon series. He explained, “That really taught me how to approach [the Jack Ryan] role too, that as much as this is a Hollywood entertainment character, it really is representative of so many incredible men and women who have dedicated their lives to the rest of us and this incredible feeling of pride in our country.”
13 Hours prepared Krasinski for Jack Ryan
Paramount
According to “13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi” star John Krasinski, making the Michael Bay movie wasn’t just about shooting and performing stunts in full military gear — it was also about getting to know his character, a military man out to protect his countrymen.
Speaking with Entertainment Weekly in 2018 while promoting the first season of “Jack Ryan,” Krasinski described how his time on “13 Hours” influenced his performance on the Amazon series. “That really taught me how to approach [the Jack Ryan] role too, that as much as this is a Hollywood entertainment character, it really is representative of so many incredible men and women who have dedicated their lives to the rest of us and this incredible feeling of pride in our country,” he shared.
To further prepare, Krasinski also shadowed a real former CIA agent to learn more about their work. “I was blown away by a lot of things with the CIA — how incredibly diverse the place was and how apolitical,” Krasinski continued. “There was no politics being discussed; it was about objectives of protecting people and getting to the truth of the matter.” And ultimately, it doesn’t matter what side of the political spectrum a viewer is on — anyone can enjoy the thrills of taking down enemies across the globe, fictional or otherwise.