You really can't make this stuff up. Usually, when a massive production like Amazon’s Reacher rolls into town, the biggest surprise is seeing Alan Ritchson’s biceps in person. But last June, Philadelphia got something a whole lot weirder.
Basically, the leader of the free world (well, the former leader now) accidentally walked right into the middle of a high-speed police chase.
On Monday, June 16, 2025, Joe Biden at Reacher filming Philadelphia became the crossover nobody saw coming. The former President, along with Jill and Hunter, wasn't there for a cameo or a walk-on role. They were literally just looking for breakfast.
The Breakfast Run That Stopped Production
It happened right in the heart of Center City. The Reacher crew was set up near Rittenhouse Square, specifically around the 18th and Locust area. They were filming a sequence for Season 4—which we now know is adapting the Lee Child book Gone Tomorrow.
The scene was intense. Police cars with flashing lights were screaming down the street. Alan Ritchson was doing his thing. Then, a line of black SUVs pulled up.
Initially, the crew thought it was part of the scene. Maybe some federal agents for the plot? Nope. Out stepped Joe Biden.
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"It was just something very bizarre," one local photographer, HughE Dillon, told news outlets. One minute they’re filming a gritty crime thriller, and the next, the entire cast and crew are clapping and shouting, "We love you, Joe!"
The Bidens were actually headed to Parc, that iconic French bistro right on the square. It turns out even when you've held the nuclear codes, you still have to navigate Philly road closures for a decent plate of eggs.
Biden vs. Reacher: The Arm Wrestling Match
If you follow Alan Ritchson on Instagram, you probably saw the fallout. He posted a carousel of photos and videos that pretty much broke the internet for a day. Ritchson, who is famously massive, looked genuinely thrilled to meet the family.
But the kicker? Ritchson joked that Joe Biden beat him at arm wrestling. Now, obviously, that’s a bit of Ritchson’s trademark humor, but it speaks to the vibe on set. It wasn't a stiff, political event. It was just a weirdly human moment where two very different worlds collided. Ritchson mentioned they chatted about "simple stuff" like string theory and quantum entanglement.
Honestly, seeing a guy who plays a 6'5" human wrecking ball hanging out with an 82-year-old former President is the kind of surreal imagery that only happens in a city like Philadelphia.
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Why was Reacher in Philly anyway?
Fans of the books might be scratching their heads. Gone Tomorrow is famously set in New York City. The opening scene on the subway is legendary among Lee Child fans.
So why was Joe Biden at Reacher filming Philadelphia?
It looks like the showrunners decided to swap the Big Apple for the City of Brotherly Love. Whether it was for tax credits or just a change of scenery, Philly is playing itself this season. We saw Ritchson holding a "Philadelphia" hat and even filmed a scene ordering a cheesesteak from a street vendor.
The Logistics of a "Set Crash"
A lot of people asked if this was a PR stunt. Entertainment Weekly actually reached out to Biden’s reps, and they confirmed it was totally unplanned.
When a former President moves, it’s a whole production. You’ve got the Secret Service, the motorcade, the local police coordination. Usually, these things are planned weeks in advance. But when the destination is a public restaurant next to a major TV set, things get messy.
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The Bidens spent about an hour inside Parc. While they ate, the Reacher crew basically had to pause the mayhem. You can’t exactly have simulated gunfire and screeching tires while the former First Family is having mimosas thirty feet away.
What this means for Season 4
Aside from the presidential distraction, the Philadelphia shoot gave us some massive casting leaks. Here is who we saw on the ground:
- Sydelle Noel (from GLOW) was spotted filming scenes as a Philly detective.
- Agnez Mo and Angun, the Indonesian superstars, were there for a mother-daughter subplot that seems to be a new addition to the book's story.
- Christopher Rodriguez-Marquette was also seen, reportedly taking over the role of Jacob Merrick after Jay Baruchel had to exit.
The production also hit up the Rail Park and the Free Library, so expect Season 4 to look very "Philly."
A Note on the Timing
It’s worth mentioning that this Philly visit came just a few weeks after the news broke about Biden’s prostate cancer diagnosis. Seeing him out, waving to fans, and "arm wrestling" a superhero-sized actor was a pretty significant moment for people watching his health. He stayed for about an hour, shook hands with the crew, and even posed for selfies with people walking their dogs in Rittenhouse Square.
It was a reminder that behind the politics and the TV magic, everyone's kind of just living in the same crowded city.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
If you’re tracking the production or just want to relive the "Biden at Reacher" hype, here is what you need to know:
- Location Scouting: If you're in Philly, the key spots used were Rittenhouse Square, Parc Restaurant, and the Philadelphia Free Library. They are all within walking distance if you want to see where the "crossover" happened.
- Release Date: While we don't have a firm date for Season 4 yet, filming in mid-2025 suggests a mid-to-late 2026 release on Prime Video.
- The Book: If you want to get ahead of the plot, read Gone Tomorrow. Just keep in mind that every time the book says "New York," the show is probably going to show you a SEPTA station or a Philly rowhome instead.
Keep an eye on Alan Ritchson’s socials. He’s been surprisingly open about the filming process, and if any more high-profile guests "crash" the set, he’ll likely be the first one to post the evidence.