REACHER Star Alan Ritchson Hints at a Future Role in James Gunn’s DCU

Alan Ritchson has been very open about his desire to suit up in James Gunn’s DCU, and while his campaign to become the next Batman may not have worked out, the Reacher star isn’t giving up on joining the universe just yet.

In a recent interview with movie influencer Liam Saul from LiamLovesMovies on Instagram, Ritchson teased that he might be stepping into a new DC role soon, saying:

"I would definitely want to explore some new horizons, and I think I have a feeling we may. We'll see."

For a long time, Ritchson championed himself as the perfect candidate to play Batman in Gunn’s upcoming The Brave and the Bold. He once said he "would absolutely love" to take on the role, even joking that he wanted it so badly, "you wouldn't even have to pay me."

But when Gunn was asked if Ritchson was being considered, the filmmaker explained, "I haven't thought of casting yet… I am a big Alan Ritchson fan, both as an actor and as a guy... let's just wait to see what happens."

By August 2025, however, Ritchson admitted Batman likely wasn’t in his cards, saying:

"Words have been exchanged about Batman. But I strongly don't think that Batman is in my future."

Still, he gave fans hope for something else in the DCU, adding:

"I do think there is something in my future with DC. And I would like that to remain true."

Fans have been speculating about who the actor could play from characters like Wildcat, Orion, the son of Darkseid, and Bane. We’ll just have to wait and see how this all shakes out.

Long before Reacher came along, he played Arthur Curry, aka Aquaman, on Smallville. But don’t expect him to reprise that role. When asked, he said:

"No, I would never take that from Momoa, I have too much respect." When reminded that Jason Momoa is now playing Lobo in the DCU, Ritchson replied, "That's true."

Whether it’s Orion, Bane, Wildcat, or someone totally unexpected, it definitely sounds like Ritchson will find his way back to DC. Fans will just have to wait and see which character he will end up playing.