Virgin River: 5 actors who should have played Jack instead of Martin Henderson

When Netflix first announced it was adapting Robyn Carr’s Virgin River series, our minds instantly began thinking about who the show might tap to play the various characters we’d come to know and love via the book series.

Of course, the books take a bit of a different approach to their storytelling with a rotating ensemble of characters featured within the franchise. However, for the show, showrunner Sue Tenney knew she had to find a couple to make the show’s core focus which led her to select Mel and Jack, who take center stage in the first book in the series.

Once it was confirmed Mel and Jack would be the heart of the show, it was easy to begin dream casting the roles and tossing around names in our heads of actors we’d love to see play the characters. The roles, of course, ultimately went to Alexandra Breckenridge and Martin Henderson who have been perfect as Mel and Jack.

However, that doesn’t mean there isn’t a part of us that still wonders what could have been had Netflix gone a different direction with the characters. Henderson will always be Jack to us, but we have to admit there is still a part of us that thinks the following actors could have been amazing in the role!

Dylan Bruce

Dylan Bruce’s charismatic presence and versatile acting would have made him a perfect candidate to play Jack in Virgin River. With his rugged charm and emotional depth, he could effortlessly capture the complexities of Jack’s character which we’ve seen play out across the show’s various seasons. Bruce’s ability to convey both vulnerability and strength would have added an authentic and captivating dimension to the show.

Daniel Lissing

It was Daniel Lissing’s portrayal of Jack Thornton in When Calls the Heart that made it easy to picture him in the role of Jack on Virgin River. His performance on Hallmark’s hit series perfectly showcased his ability to embody a character with rugged charm, emotional depth, and a strong sense of integrity. These qualities would have made him a natural fit for the role of Jack in Virgin River, a character show shares a similar blend of charisma and vulnerability.

His experience in playing a small-town hero, combined with his natural chemistry with co-stars, would have added depth to the character’s journey and made him a standout in the role.

Jay Ryan

Jay Ryan is no stranger to playing a complicated lead in a romantic drama. For four seasons, Ryan had audiences swooning as Dr. Vincent Keller in The CW’s Beauty and the Beast, a complicated character who shared many similarities to Jack including a military background and battle with inner demons.

Ryan was absolutely phenomenal in the role, making Vincent such a layered character that audiences quickly fell in love with. And yes. I’m just shallow enough to admit that he is fine as hell and definitely brings that leading man energy you look for in a romantic drama lead such as Jack in Virgin River. 

Chad Michael Murray

When one thinks of the romantic drama genre, it’s hard not to think of Chad Michael Murray. One Tree Hill and A Cinderella Story are just two prime examples of Murray breathing life into a character who has emotional depth, yet is also undeniably charming.

His experience in the genre, coupled with his ruggedly good looks, would have brought a charismatic and relatable quality to the role of Jack that could have helped to enhance the character’s complexities and resonate with audiences on a deeper level. There is also no denying that Murray tends to have this unmatched energy with his costars which would have absolutely led to some magical scenes with his Jack and Alexandra Breckenridge’s Mel.

Sam Page

Sam Page possesses an innate likeability and charm that would have been a perfect fit for the role of Jack on Virgin River. His on-screen presence exudes warmth and relatability, which could have injected a more uplifting and approachable dimension to Jack’s character that some could argue is lacking in the show.

Despite the complex and often heavy stories tied to Jack — there is no arguing that he’s been through a lot and that those darker moments shouldn’t be handled with care — Page’s ability to bring a sense of positivity and genuine connection to his characters would have balanced the character’s struggles perfectly. This could have made Jack more relatable and less of a downer, creating a more dynamic and engaging portrayal of the character in the series.

Virgin River is streaming now on Netflix.