Alan Ritchson is no stranger to the superhero world. However, this time, he’s after something very different. Known for his commanding presence in ‘Reacher’ and past DC roles like Aquaman in ‘Smallville’, Ritchson has revealed he’s in talks with DC Studios for a “messier” character in James Gunn’s rebooted DC Universe.
And if his recent comments are anything to go by, the actor is preparing to shed his clean-cut image and dive into a role that’s grittier, more morally gray, and potentially unlike anything he’s done before.
Alan Ritchson Is Keen To Play A New Kind Of DC Character
In an interview with SR while promoting his new film ‘Playdate’, Ritchson opened up about his ongoing conversations with DC. He teased that he’s eyeing a part that’s far from your typical superhero archetype. “Yeah. Yes. That’s the conversation that I’ve been having with them,” he said. “I want to play somebody a little messier, I told them the kind of personality I’d want to play and what that would mean to their world. I think it’s something everybody wants to see right now over there.”
Related: Alexandra Daddario Reacts To Wonder Woman Fan Casting For The New DCU
That last part, “something everybody wants to see right now”, hints that this mystery role might already be on DC’s radar for its next phase. For years, Ritchson has embodied strong, stoic, and honorable types. From ‘Reacher’s calculated confidence to his earlier superhero work as Hawk, whose moral compass (while complex) still pointed toward justice. However, it seems he’s ready to break that mold.
Fans have long fancast him as Batman, an idea Ritchson hasn’t exactly discouraged in the past. His physicality, brooding energy, and grounded performances made him an ideal choice in many eyes. Even James Gunn, co-CEO of DC Studios, publicly praised the actor in 2024, calling himself “a big Alan Ritchson fan, both as an actor and as a guy.” However, Ritchson has now made it clear that Gotham’s Caped Crusader probably isn’t in his future.
“Words have been exchanged about Batman,” he told Variety in 2025, “but I strongly don’t think that Batman is in my future. I do think there is something in my future with DC.” That quote now feels even more intriguing given his recent tease about a darker role. Could Gunn and Ritchson be circling a morally ambiguous antihero like Deathstroke or Bane, characters whose charisma is matched only by their chaos? It certainly fits Ritchson’s description. These are not “clean-cut protagonists.” They’re men of conflict, guided by a personal code rather than traditional heroism.
‘Bridgerton’ Star Wants To Be The New Batman
The timing of Ritchson’s revelation is particularly interesting as DCU gears up for its 2026 slate. The next major projects include ‘Lanterns’, ‘Supergirl’, and ‘Clayface’. Gunn and co-head Peter Safran have been steadily reshaping the DC landscape with a focus on deep characterization and interconnectivity. Ritchson could easily enter that lineup in several ways. His versatility makes him an ideal candidate for a cinematic debut.
In case you missed it: Netflix’s Latest Power Move Could Finally Revive Zack Snyder’s DC Snyderverse
Interestingly, Ritchson’s potential addition comes as ‘Batman: The Brave and The Bold’ remains in development. The project, directed by Andy Muschietti, is still being written. However, rumors about who might don the cowl have been swirling for months. One name that keeps popping up is ‘Bridgerton’ star Jonathan Bailey, who recently addressed the fan chatter during an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
Bailey didn’t confirm anything, but his response, “Would I do Batman? … It’s a legacy. I think James Gunn is amazing. Who knows?” left the door wide open. If Bailey ultimately takes on Batman, Ritchson’s “messier” role could exist alongside the Dark Knight rather than replace him, perhaps as a rival or reluctant ally.
