Alan Ritchson's DCU Dream: Why He Wants a 'Messier' Character

The Reacher star is deep in discussions for a new DC Universe role, but don't expect him to be the next Caped Crusader; he's got his sights set on someone far more complex and, well, 'messier.'

TL;DR

• Alan Ritchson has confirmed he's in ongoing talks with DC Studios for a role in the new DCU.
• He explicitly stated his preference for playing a "messier" character, moving away from typical clean-cut protagonists.
• Despite popular fan-casting, Ritchson "strongly" believes playing Batman is not in his DCU future.

If you've been anywhere near social media over the last year, you've probably seen the passionate pleas: "Alan Ritchson for Batman!" Fans have been tirelessly pushing the Reacher star as the perfect candidate to don the cowl in James Gunn's new DC Universe, especially given his imposing physique and intense screen presence. But Ritchson himself is now pumping the brakes on that particular fan-casting. In a recent chat, he confirmed he's absolutely talking with DC Studios, but his vision for joining the Dcu is a bit… rougher around the edges.

Beyond the Cape: Alan Ritchson's Quest for a Complex DCU Role

Forget the classic hero archetype for a moment. Alan Ritchson isn't just looking for another cape and tights gig. He's made it clear in recent interviews that he's angling for something with more moral ambiguity, a character that isn't afraid to get their hands dirty. Speaking with Screen Rant, Ritchson detailed his conversations with DC Studios co-head James Gunn, stating, "I want to play somebody a little messier."

He elaborated, outlining the kind of personality he'd pitched to them: "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: [Screen Rant, "Alan Ritchson Details DCU Talks: 'I Want to Play Somebody A Little Messier'", November 2025].

"I want to play somebody a little messier... I want to play somebody a little dirtier than your typical clean-cut protagonist."

— Alan Ritchson, speaking to Screen Rant

This isn't Ritchson's first rodeo in the DC world. Long before he was Jack Reacher, he made his mark as Aquaman in a few Smallville episodes and later as Hawk in Titans from Seasons 1 through 3. Interestingly, Hawk, or Hank Hall, already had a certain "messiness" to him, dealing with complicated relationships and employing more brutal methods against criminals than a typical hero. His current success as the no-nonsense, brutally efficient Jack Reacher further reinforces his suitability for characters who operate outside conventional heroic boundaries.

The appetite for anti-heroes and morally complex characters is huge right now. Just look at the success of Marvel's Deadpool or DC's own Peacemaker. Fans are drawn to characters who struggle with internal demons, make questionable choices, and don't always adhere to a strict moral code. Ritchson's desire perfectly taps into this trend, suggesting a role that could offer both compelling drama and intense action.

Dissecting the Batman Buzz: Why Ritchson Doesn't See Himself as the Dark Knight

Despite the overwhelming fan support, Ritchson has been quite candid about his low expectations for playing Batman. He told Variety that while James Gunn is indeed a fan and "words have been exchanged about Batman," he "strongly" doesn't think the role is in his future. Source: [Variety, "Alan Ritchson on Batman: 'I Strongly Don't Think That Batman Is In My Future'", November 2025].

There are a couple of practical reasons why Batman might not be the "messy" fit Ritchson is looking for, or why the timing might simply be off. James Gunn has described the DCU's Batman as a "fing maniac," suggesting a dark, intense, and non-campy portrayal. Source: [FandomWire, "Every Character the Actor Could Play After James Gunn's 'Maniac Batman' Comment", August 2025]. This could certainly align with Ritchson's desire for a "dirtier" character. However, Gunn has also confirmed that the DCU's Batman will retain his famous no-kill rule. While Batman can be a terror to criminals, there might be a boundary to how "dirty" he can truly get within those established parameters, potentially not meeting Ritchson's full vision for a messy role.

Another significant factor is the timeline. The DCU's first Batman movie, The Brave and the Bold, is still years away. It's not expected to release in the same year as Matt Reeves' The Batman Part II (slated for October 2027), meaning we won't see it until 2028 at the earliest. Ritchson, a popular actor with a rising profile, might prefer a role that could come to fruition sooner rather than waiting several years for a potential Batman project.

It's a tricky balancing act. While Ritchson's intense screen presence and physical build would make for a formidable Dark Knight, the nuances of Gunn's specific vision, combined with the project's distant release date, might steer him towards a different, perhaps more immediately satisfying, character in the DCU.

Exploring Deeper Shades of Heroism: Alternative 'Dirty' Roles for Ritchson

If not Batman, then who could Alan Ritchson embody in the DCU that fits his "messier" criteria? The DC mythology is brimming with complex anti-heroes and even sympathetic villains who operate in shades of gray. Two strong contenders immediately jump to mind:

• Owlman: This character is essentially an evil version of Batman from an alternate Earth. Owlman is a twisted reflection of Bruce Wayne, who chooses a path of villainy rather than heroism. He possesses a genius-level intellect, masterful combat skills, and advanced technology. Playing Owlman would allow Ritchson to delve into a truly dark, corrupt, and brilliant strategist, offering the ultimate "dirty" take on the Batman archetype without actually playing Bruce Wayne.
• Jason Todd / Red Hood: A fan-favorite, Jason Todd was one of Batman's Robins who was killed and later resurrected, returning as a violent, gun-wielding anti-hero. He shares Batman's trauma but channels it into unbridled rage and revenge, often clashing with Batman's no-kill rule. While Ritchson might be on the older side for a direct portrayal of Jason Todd's early Red Hood days, the character's internal conflict and brutal methods perfectly align with Ritchson's desire for a "messier" role. This could be approached as an older, more established Red Hood.

Example: Imagine a scene where Ritchson's character, perhaps a grizzled Red Hood, corners a corrupt politician who's escaped the law. Instead of bringing them to justice in a clean, heroic way, he uses their own darkest secrets and fears against them, forcing them into a brutal public confession that saves innocent lives but leaves a trail of moral compromise. That's the kind of "messy" Ritchson could excel at, where the lines between right and wrong are blurred for a greater, albeit darker, purpose.

These roles would allow Ritchson to truly sink his teeth into characters who aren't afraid to break rules and challenge the traditional heroic narrative, something he clearly finds appealing. They offer a depth and edge that a "clean-cut protagonist" often can't.

Peeking Into the Larger DCU Blueprint and Future Casting Needs

James Gunn and Peter Safran's DC Universe is being envisioned as a sprawling, 10-year plan under the "Gods and Monsters" banner. This means there will be plenty of opportunities for various types of characters, from the quintessential heroes to those dwelling in the moral gray areas that Ritchson seems to favor. The DCU isn't just about Superman and Batman; it's about building a vast, interconnected world.

We know that the next few DCU projects with completed filming include Supergirl, Lanterns, and Clayface, with Man of Tomorrow set to begin shooting early next year. While Ritchson's role isn't attached to these specifically, his star power suggests he'd likely be a leading figure in his own project or a pivotal supporting character who could grow into a larger role over time, similar to how Jason Momoa is set to debut as Lobo in Supergirl. Source: [CinemaBlend, "Alan Ritchson Confirms He's Had DCU Talks And What Kind Of Character He Wants To Play", November 2025].

The beauty of a vast cinematic universe is its ability to introduce a wide range of characters. While some roles demand a traditional hero, others thrive on complexity and ambiguity. The DCU certainly needs big names to helm its various projects, and Ritchson, with his proven appeal in action roles like Reacher, could definitely carry a project centered around a "messy" character.

The Endless Search: Other Contenders for the DCU's Caped Crusader

Even with Alan Ritchson seemingly out of the running for Batman, the fancasting for the Dark Knight continues to be a hot topic. As James Gunn and Andy Muschietti (director of The Brave and the Bold) work on casting, other names frequently pop up as fan favorites or intriguing possibilities. Here are a few notable ones:

• Penn Badgley: Known for his intense portrayal of Joe Goldberg in You, Badgley brings a magnetic and somewhat scary charisma that could translate well to a psychologically complex Batman.
• Jonathan Bailey: From Bridgerton to Wicked, Bailey’s serious yet charismatic characters show he can embody both the protective leader of the Bat-Family and the charming Bruce Wayne.
• Ben Barnes: With experience as a kind hero (Prince Caspian) and a rich, darker playboy (Westworld), plus superhero villain experience as Jigsaw in The Punisher, Barnes has shown he can handle both sides of Batman.
• Aaron Taylor-Johnson: Having played multiple superheroes (Kick-Ass, Quicksilver) and the physically imposing Kraven, his physicality and comedic timing offer a versatile approach to the Caped Crusader.
• Theo James: His roles in The White Lotus and The Gentlemen showcase his ability to play rich, layered characters with dark edges and comedic timing, perfect for Bruce Wayne’s dual identity.
• Andrew Lincoln: At 52, he represents an older Batman, fitting a fully established Bat-Family. His decade as Rick Grimes in The Walking Dead proves his ability to play a kind hero who can turn feral to protect loved ones.
• Jake Gyllenhaal: A major star who has expressed interest in Batman. His work in films like Nightcrawler and Prisoners highlights his skill with intense, conflicted characters, which could bring significant star power and gravitas.
• Glen Powell: A rising star at 37, perfect age to interact with Superman actor David Corenswet. Known for charismatic action heroes, he could easily embody both the playboy Bruce Wayne and the confident Batman.
• Jensen Ackles: Already voiced Batman in animated movies and is widely beloved for his role as Dean Winchester in Supernatural. His ability to play a flawed, brooding, yet kind hunter with deep trauma aligns perfectly with Batman's character.
• Brandon Sklenar: A popular choice after his role as Spencer Dutton in 1923, earning praise from James Gunn himself. Sklenar, 35, brings a physically imposing, intelligent, and compassionate presence, making him an excellent fit for the DCU's Bruce Wayne. Source: [Screen Rant, "10 Actors James Gunn Should Consider for the DCU’s Batman (If Alan Ritchson Won’t Do It)", November 2025].

The sheer number of talented actors in contention shows how significant the Batman role is for the DCU. While Ritchson might be off to explore different corners of this new universe, the quest for Gotham's protector is clearly a hot one.

Practical Takeaways for DCU Fans

• Keep an eye out for official announcements regarding Alan Ritchson's role; he's actively in talks.
• Don't expect Ritchson to be the new Batman, as he's indicated it's not likely to happen.
• Prepare for a potentially grittier, morally complex character from Ritchson, aligning with modern superhero storytelling.
• The DCU's "Gods and Monsters" phase promises a wide array of heroes and anti-heroes, so many exciting castings are yet to come.
• You can catch Alan Ritchson next in his movie Play Date, available on Amazon Prime Video around mid-November 2025.

FAQ: Your Burning Questions About Alan Ritchson and the DCU

Is Alan Ritchson playing Batman in James Gunn's DCU? No, Alan Ritchson has stated he "strongly" doesn't think Batman is in his future, despite fan speculation and ongoing talks with DC Studios.

What kind of role does Alan Ritchson want in the DCU? Ritchson is interested in playing a "messier" and "dirtier" character, one that isn't a typical clean-cut protagonist and offers more moral complexity.

When is the DCU's Batman movie, The Brave and the Bold, expected to be released? The Brave and the Bold is not expected until 2028 at the earliest, as James Gunn plans for it to release after The Batman Part II in October 2027.

Where can I see Alan Ritchson next? Alan Ritchson's next movie is Play Date, which is premiering on Amazon Prime Video around mid-November 2025.

Sources

• Screen Rant, "Major Batman Fancast Actor Breaks Silence on Joining James Gunn’s DCU After 1 Year of Rumors", November 2025.
• ComicBook.com, "Could Alan Ritchson Play the DCU's Batman?", November 2025.
• Dark Horizons, "Alan Ritchson Wants To Play ‘Messier’ DCU Role", November 2025.
• Geo News, "Alan Ritchson wants to play 'dirty' superhero in DCU", November 2025.
• FandomWire, "Alan Ritchson Wants To Play A 'Dirty' Superhero In James Gunn's DCU", November 2025.
• CBR.com, "Reacher's Alan Ritchson Confirms DCU Talks, Details Kind of Character He Wants to Play", November 2025.
• CinemaBlend, "Alan Ritchson Confirms He's Had DCU Talks And What Kind Of Character He Wants To Play", November 2025.
• FandomWire, "Every Character the Actor Could Play After James Gunn’s 'Maniac Batman' Comment", August 2025.
• Screen Rant, "10 Actors James Gunn Should Consider for the DCU’s Batman (If Alan Ritchson Won’t Do It)", November 2025.