Alan Ritchson Eyes a "Messier" DCU Role While the Hunt for Batman Intensifies

Forget the squeaky-clean heroes for a moment – Alan Ritchson, known for his imposing presence in Reacher, is in deep talks with DC Studios, but he's not looking to play another good guy. Meanwhile, the Dcu is still searching for its new Dark Knight, and the list of impressive contenders is growing.

TL;DR

Alan Ritchson confirms ongoing discussions with DC Studios for a role, but he wants to play a "messier" character, not a "clean-cut protagonist."
Ritchson has indicated he's unlikely to be the new Batman, despite fan speculation and past conversations with James Gunn.
The search for the DCU's Batman begins in earnest once The Brave and the Bold script is complete, with James Gunn envisioning a "fing maniac" Caped Crusader.

Imagine a DC Universe where heroes aren't always so squeaky clean, where the lines between good and bad are delightfully blurred, and where even the most iconic figures have a dark, traumatic edge. That's the exciting landscape currently taking shape under James Gunn and Peter Safran's creative vision for the DCU, and it's exactly where actor Alan Ritchson seems to be heading.

For months, the internet has buzzed with fan castings, particularly for the coveted role of Batman. However, Ritchson himself, a popular fan pick for the Caped Crusader, has recently shed light on his own aspirations within the new DC hierarchy, steering clear of the cowl for something a little more, well, dirty.

Alan Ritchson's Candid Confessions About His Potential DCU Future

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The star of Amazon Prime Video's hit series Reacher has been openly discussing his ongoing conversations with DC Studios. While he's no stranger to the DC world, having previously played Aquaman in Smallville and Hawk in Titans, Ritchson is looking for a different kind of challenge this time around.

He explicitly told ScreenRant that he’s pitching a very specific type of character. "The conversation that I've been having with them is like, 'I want to play somebody a little messier,'" Ritchson explained. He continued, "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." Source: [ScreenRant, "Alan Ritchson Reveals He's Still Having Chats With DC About A 'Messier' Character Role", November 8, 2025].

"The conversation that I've been having with them is like, 'I want to play somebody a little messier.' ...So yes, I want to play somebody a little dirtier than your typical clean-cut protagonist."

— Alan Ritchson on his desired DCU role (via ScreenRant)

This "messier" preference pretty much rules out the possibility of him donning the Bat-suit, a role he himself has downplayed. "But I strongly don’t think that Batman is in my future. I do think there is something in my future with DC. And I would like that to remain true," he told Variety. Source: [FandomWire, "Alan Ritchson wants to play 'dirty' superhero in DCU", November 8, 2025].

The Growing Allure of "Messy" Heroes and Anti-Heroes in Superhero Narratives

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Ritchson's desire for a character with more moral ambiguity isn't just a personal preference; it reflects a broader trend in the superhero genre. Audiences have shown a strong appetite for complex, flawed figures who operate in shades of gray.

Look at Marvel's Deadpool, brought to life perfectly by Ryan Reynolds, or DC's own Peacemaker, brilliantly portrayed by John Cena, who leaped from The Suicide Squad to headline his own hit show. Then there's The Boys, which demonstrates that fans will follow compelling writing even into the darkest corners of superhero storytelling. These characters prove that a hero doesn't have to be a paragon of virtue to be loved; sometimes, the dirtier they are, the more relatable and engaging they become.

While we wait for Ritchson's DCU announcement, fans can catch him promoting his upcoming movie, Playdate, co-starring Kevin James, which is set to arrive on Amazon Prime Video on November 15. No capes there, but definitely some laughs!

Beyond the Bat-Cowl: Fan Theories and Potential Roles for Alan Ritchson

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So, if not Batman, then who could Ritchson be playing in the DCU? His call for a "dirtier" hero has sparked a flurry of speculation, with several intriguing characters being floated.

Wildcat: Ritchson himself previously expressed interest in this boxer-turned-hero, a character known for his gritty, street-level approach to crime-fighting.
Midnighter: Often described as a darker, more brutal version of Batman, Midnighter's morally ambiguous methods and intense physicality would perfectly align with Ritchson's desired "messy" personality.
Owlman: An evil counterpart to Batman from another Earth, Owlman is a twisted reflection of Bruce Wayne, brilliant, cruel, and entirely corrupt. This would allow Ritchson to showcase a truly dark, complex villain.
Jason Todd (Red Hood): Batman's former Robin, who, after a brutal death and resurrection, becomes a violent anti-hero driven by rage and revenge. While Ritchson might seem a bit older for a traditional portrayal of Jason Todd, the character's profound trauma and "messy" moral code fit the bill. This highlights a limitation: Ritchson's age (42, as per one source) could be a factor for characters traditionally portrayed as younger, like Jason Todd. However, an older, grizzled Red Hood could also offer a fresh take.
Bane or Azrael: Other suggestions include powerful antagonists known for their physical prowess and complex motivations, offering Ritchson ample opportunity for a "dirtier" performance.

Ultimately, the specific role Ritchson will take on remains a mystery, but the general direction is clear: expect someone with an edge, perhaps an anti-hero or a complex antagonist who challenges the conventional definitions of good and evil within the DCU.

The Dark Knight's Next Chapter: James Gunn's Vision for Batman

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While Ritchson explores his "messy" options, the monumental task of casting the DCU's Batman is moving forward. James Gunn has stated that the search for the Dark Knight will begin in earnest once the script for The Brave and the Bold is complete. This film is expected to feature a full Bat-Family, including Damian Wayne as Robin.

Gunn's previous comments provide a tantalizing glimpse into his vision for Batman. He once described the character as a "fing maniac," a man haunted by trauma who uses fear and obsession as his weapons. Source: [FandomWire, "Every Character the Actor Could Play After James Gunn’s 'Maniac Batman' Comment", August 12, 2025]. This suggests a gritty, intense portrayal, far from a clean-cut protagonist, even for the hero himself.

This interpretation opens the door for actors who can convey both the suave playboy Bruce Wayne and the terrifying, driven vigilante Batman, embodying a nuanced darkness rather than a straightforward heroic ideal.

Who Could Wear the Cowl? Top Contenders for DCU's Batman

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With Alan Ritchson seemingly out of the running for Batman, the field is wide open. Here are some of the most compelling actors currently being discussed by fans and industry insiders, each bringing a unique blend of intensity, charisma, and complexity to the table:

Penn Badgley: Famous for his chilling role as Joe Goldberg in Netflix's You, Badgley has proven he can deliver magnetic intensity and a scary edge. His ability to portray a charismatic yet deeply disturbed character could translate into a fascinatingly dark Bruce Wayne, making villains truly fear him. He was also a fan-favorite for the MCU's Reed Richards, showing his broad appeal for superhero roles.
Jonathan Bailey: A standout in Netflix's Bridgerton and soon to be seen in Wicked and Jurassic World Rebirth, Bailey excels at playing serious, protective characters like Anthony Bridgerton, who fiercely defends his family. His charisma and experience with epic romances could also add depth to Batman's relationships, especially with Catwoman. James Gunn himself has praised Bailey's work in Wicked.
Ben Barnes: The actor has openly expressed interest, stating, "Just call me, I’ve got Bruce Wayne ready to go." Having played the kind-hearted Prince Caspian in Narnia, the rich playboy Logan with a dark edge in Westworld, and the nuanced villain Darkling in Shadow & Bone, Barnes clearly has the range to embody both sides of Batman. He even has superhero villain experience as Jigsaw in The Punisher.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson: With three superhero roles already under his belt (Kick-Ass, Quicksilver, Kraven), Taylor-Johnson brings comedic timing, an imposing physicality, and experience in violent, thrilling fight scenes. His portrayal of Kraven the Hunter erased any doubts about his ability to deliver a raw, physical performance, which would be crucial for the DCU's Batman.
Theo James: A commanding presence in The White Lotus and The Gentlemen, James is adept at portraying rich characters with complex layers. He could tap into Batman's trauma and dark mindset while also showcasing the charm and wit needed for Bruce Wayne's public persona. His comedic timing as a straight man in The Gentlemen also bodes well for the character's often stoic demeanor.
Andrew Lincoln: At 52, Lincoln is the oldest on this list, but if Gunn aims for an older, more established Batman with a Bat-Family, he'd be an excellent choice. His decade-plus experience playing Rick Grimes in The Walking Dead proves his ability to embody a kind-hearted hero who turns feral to protect loved ones, striking fear in villains while remaining a symbol of justice.
Jake Gyllenhaal: One of Hollywood's biggest stars, Gyllenhaal would bring significant star power to the DCU. He has openly stated his willingness to play Bruce Wayne. His intense performances in films like Nightcrawler and Prisoners showcase his talent for conflicted characters and dark storytelling, making his Batman impossible to look away from.
Glen Powell: Hollywood's latest rising star, Powell, 37, would be the perfect age to interact with David Corenswet's Superman and lead a Bat-Family. Having even starred alongside Corenswet in Twisters, Powell is an expert at playing charismatic action heroes, whether confident or a bit "annoying." His stock is only set to rise with The Running Man on the horizon, making him a popular fan pick for various DC heroes, including Batman.
Jensen Ackles: Already a fan-favorite, Ackles has voiced Batman in several animated movies in DC's Tomorrowverse, delivering compelling performances. His iconic role as Dean Winchester in Supernatural—a hunter who becomes a hero despite deep childhood trauma, flawed yet kind and brooding—parallels many of Batman's core traits, making him a prime candidate.
Brandon Sklenar: A rising star from 1923, Sklenar has quickly become a popular casting choice. He has confirmed his interest in playing Bruce Wayne, and significantly, James Gunn has praised his performance in 1923. Sklenar's Spencer Dutton is a physically imposing, intelligent, confident, and compassionate hero of few words, traits that would make him a compelling Batman. At 35, he's also an ideal age to anchor the new Bat-Family alongside Corenswet's Superman.

A quick counterpoint to the casting discussion is that "messy" or "dark" can be interpreted in countless ways, making precise predictions difficult. While we can speculate based on an actor's past roles and expressed preferences, Gunn's specific vision for each character will ultimately guide casting choices, potentially leading to surprising selections. Example: A fan, Sarah, spends hours on Reddit threads, scrolling through fan art and parsing every vague interview quote, convinced that Jensen Ackles is a lock for Batman. She even watches old Supernatural episodes just to "prepare." But then, a rumor about a lesser-known actor like Brandon Sklenar gains traction, making her realize that Gunn often chooses talent that might not be on everyone's radar, forcing her to re-evaluate her "perfect" pick.

The Road Ahead for the DCU's "Gods and Monsters" Phase

These casting developments are just pieces of the larger puzzle that is James Gunn and Peter Safran's DC Universe. Their "Gods and Monsters" phase is envisioned as a ten-year plan, aiming to explore a new era of comic book-inspired storytelling.

Beyond Batman's introduction in The Brave and the Bold, the DCU slate includes other highly anticipated projects. David Corenswet will lead as Superman in Superman, while Supergirl and Lanterns are also on the horizon. There's also Man of Tomorrow, a Lex Luthor and Superman team-up tale, expected to shoot early next year. And an intriguing Clayface project is also reportedly in development, adding to the roster of complex characters joining this new universe.

For fans, the wait for official announcements is always the hardest part, but the ongoing conversations and tantalizing hints ensure the excitement remains at an all-time high.

Practical Takeaways for DC Fans

Keep an eye out for news on The Brave and the Bold script completion; that's when the official Batman casting search ramps up.
Don't expect Alan Ritchson to be Batman, but definitely anticipate him in a compelling, morally complex DCU role.
Familiarize yourself with the diverse talents of actors like Penn Badgley, Jensen Ackles, and Brandon Sklenar, as they represent the kind of depth the DCU is seeking.
Prepare for a Batman who is less traditionally heroic and more aligned with James Gunn's "maniacal" vision for the character.

FAQ: Your Burning Questions About the DCU's Future

When will we know who the DCU's Batman will be?

The search for Batman will officially begin once the script for The Brave and the Bold is completed. James Gunn has not specified a timeline for this, so stay tuned for official announcements.

What kind of Batman is James Gunn looking for?

James Gunn has indicated he wants a "messier" and "dirtier" Batman, someone who is a "fing maniac" driven by trauma, reflecting a darker, more complex take on the character than typical clean-cut heroes.

Is Alan Ritchson still going to be in the DCU?

Yes, Alan Ritchson has confirmed he's still in ongoing discussions with DC Studios for a role. However, he's explicitly stated he wants to play a "messier" character and is unlikely to be Batman.