Ep. 108 - Jack Carr takes us behind the scenes of The Terminal List: Dark Wolf & his upcoming 9th book, Cry Havoc
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In our recent conversation, Jack Carr provided fascinating insights into the upcoming prequel series "The Terminal List: Dark Wolf" and his ninth novel "Cry Havoc," both of which deepen the rich storytelling world he's created.
"Dark Wolf," premiering August 27th on Amazon Prime, explores the origin story of Ben Edwards, the complex character brilliantly portrayed by Taylor Kitsch in the original Terminal List series. As Carr explained, this prequel was born from the unexpected depth Kitsch brought to the role, elevating the character beyond how he was written in the books. The series begins in Mosul, Iraq in 2015, following Edwards as a Navy SEAL whose journey eventually leads him into the shadowy world of CIA operations.
What makes this series particularly special is the exceptional team assembled both in front of and behind the camera. Carr emphasized the family-like atmosphere created by Chris Pratt, director Antoine Fuqua, and showrunner David DiGilio. This collaborative spirit has attracted talented professionals who genuinely want to bring their best to the project.
The commitment to authenticity is a cornerstone of Carr's creative approach. He describes their goal as "80% authenticity, 20% Hollywood hot sauce" – getting the details right while still crafting engaging entertainment. This meticulous attention extends to his upcoming novel "Cry Havoc," which presented unique challenges as historical fiction set in 1968 Vietnam.
Carr detailed the extensive research required to write authentically about this period, needing to examine everything through the lens of 1968. His dedication to historical accuracy and his level of immersion creates a rich, believable world that serves as the foundation for his espionage narrative.
"Cry Havoc" introduces readers to Tom Reese, James Reese's father, during his time with MAC V SOG in Vietnam. This expansion of the Reese family lineage, along with the Hastings family, opens opportunities for exploring generational stories of service and sacrifice.
Beyond his creative outputs, Carr's commitment to veterans and independent bookstores demonstrates his values in action. He shared touching stories about his work with the Best Defense Foundation, which brings World War II veterans back to the battlefields where they served. Having these heroes attend premieres and after-parties creates powerful connections between generations. His innovative "signed and shot-through" editions of his books, available exclusively through independent bookstores, provide collectors with unique items while supporting small businesses challenged by online retail giants.
Throughout our conversation, Carr's humility and gratitude were evident. He attributes his success to readers who took a chance on him and shared his books with others, creating a grassroots movement that preceded any major media coverage. This appreciation for his audience drives his engagement across social media and his Danger Close podcast, where he features authors and interesting personalities.
Jack Carr's expanding universe of stories – from books to television series – continues to captivate audiences while honoring the service and sacrifice of military personnel. His work maintains the authenticity, depth, and respect that have become his signature as a storyteller.
To learn more about Jack Carr, visit:
OfficialJackCarr.com
To learn more about the Host, George Blitch, visit:
SonofaBlitch.com
IG: TheSonofaBlitch
YouTube.com/@sonofablitch
Chapters
1. Jack Carr Returns to Son of a Blitch (00:00:00)
2. Terminal List: Dark Wolf Premiere (00:00:53)
3. The Ben Edwards Origin Story (00:03:25)
4. Creating an Authentic Military Experience (00:06:15)
5. Supporting Veterans and The Greatest Generation (00:10:15)
6. Cry Havoc: James Reese's Father in 1968 (00:13:29)
7. Supporting Independent Bookstores (00:17:37)
8. Building Legacy Through Reading (00:21:48)
9. Jack's Gratitude and Future Projects (00:24:05)
110 episodes