No Batman Role for Alan Ritchson, But He May Join the DCU After All

Alan Ritchson may not be stepping into the role of Batman in the DC Universe, but new reports suggest he is in discussions to join the franchise in another capacity. While fans have long urged that he take on the role of the Dark Knight, and Ritchson has not dismissed the idea himself, the actor now says he has been speaking directly with DC Studios co-head James Gunn about a different part.

DC’s casting choices are made quietly, even as Gunn often clarifies online who is not signed for certain roles. In a recent interview with ScreenRant, Ritchson said he is confident that he will become part of the DC Universe at some point, though the exact role remains unclear. He explained the kind of part he hopes to play.

“Yeah. Yes. That’s the conversation that I’ve been having with them is like, ‘I want to play somebody a little messier.’ And I told them, I said, if I’m going to do this, I described to them the kind of personality that I’d want to play and what that would mean to their world, and I think it’s something everybody wants to see right now over there. So yes, I want to play somebody a little dirtier than your typical clean-cut protagonist.”

Although some fans view Batman as a darker hero, Ritchson has made it clear that he is not pursuing that specific role. Gunn has publicly said that while he would like Ritchson to be part of the DCU, it would not necessarily be as Batman in the upcoming film The Brave and the Bold.

Ritchson has already built a strong connection with DC properties. He previously played Arthur Curry, also known as Aquaman, on Smallville before Jason Momoa took over the character in the larger film series. He also appeared as Hawk in Titans, which added to his reputation as an actor familiar with comic book adaptations. Because of this background, some fans believe his next role could be less heroic and more complex.

Speculation has increased as the upcoming film Man of Tomorrow begins casting. Some observers suggest that Ritchson’s recent talks with Gunn might link him to a new character in that project, possibly an antagonist to Superman. Theories have also expanded to include other characters from across the DC catalogue, especially given Gunn’s history of spotlighting lesser-known heroes and villains in his productions.

Names that have surfaced among fans include Wildcat, Midnighter, Bane, and Azrael, who might appear in The Batman Part II. Others have mentioned Swamp Thing, a film that has seen delays, or the idea of Ritchson returning as Hawk. None of these possibilities have been confirmed, and it is likely that Gunn will keep details quiet until DC is ready to make an official announcement.

For now, all eyes remain on how Ritchson fits into Gunn’s developing DC Universe and what kind of role will finally bring him back into the comic book spotlight.

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