Will Alan Ritchson Finally Don the Cape For The DCU? The Reacher Star’s Batman Dreams Explored

Alan Ritchson, the towering action hero from Reacher, has set the internet ablaze with his unrelenting desire to play Batman in the DC Universe (DCU). As fans eagerly await the casting of the Dark Knight for James Gunn’s upcoming The Brave and the Bold, Ritchson’s name keeps surfacing, fueled by his own passionate declarations.

From saying he’d take the role for free to showcasing his Batman voice, the 42-year-old star isn’t shy about his ambitions. But with Gunn debunking rumors, is there still hope for Ritchson to become Gotham’s next vigilante? Let’s dive into the latest reports and what they mean for his DCU dreams.

Why Does Alan Ritchson Want to Play Batman So Badly?

Ritchson’s love for Batman isn’t new. In interviews, he’s called the character a childhood favorite, telling The Hollywood Reporter, “I would love to play Batman. I’ll shout it from the rooftops. I want to be Bruce Wayne!” His passion reached a fever pitch in a recent WIRED Autocomplete Interview on March 7, 2025, where he declared, “You wouldn’t even have to pay me” to don the cape and cowl.

This isn’t just a casual wish—Ritchson sees Batman as a dream role, blending his action-hero physique with the detective-like intellect he showcases as Jack Reacher. Fans trending on X echo this sentiment, noting his 6’3” jacked frame fits the “Absolute Batman” vibe teased in the DCU.

What’s the Latest on Ritchson’s Batman Casting Rumors?

Despite Ritchson’s enthusiasm, DC Studios co-head James Gunn has repeatedly shut down speculation. In a public statement on X, Gunn laughed off the rumors with a simple, “LOL, he’s not playing Batman.” Yet, as Ritchson noted in his WIRED interview, “This thing will not die.”

Reports from CBR and Forbes on March 8-9, 2025, highlight how the rumor persists, with fans and even filmmaker Kevin Smith championing Ritchson for The Brave and the Bold. Gunn’s confirmed the script isn’t ready and no casting decisions have been made, leaving the door slightly ajar for Ritchson’s hopes.

How Does Ritchson’s Experience Make Him a Batman Contender?

Ritchson isn’t a stranger to superhero roles. He played Aquaman in Smallville, Hawk in Titans, and has the physicality to match Batman’s imposing presence. ScreenRant and Collider point out his action chops and ability to portray a sharp mind—key traits for a great Batman.

At 42, he aligns with the DCU’s vision of an older Bruce Wayne mentoring his son, Damian Wayne, in The Brave and the Bold. Compared to Robert Pattinson’s leaner, Elseworlds Batman, Ritchson offers a bulkier, battle-hardened take that could stand toe-to-toe with David Corenswet’s 6’4” Superman.

What Are Fans Saying About Ritchson as Batman?

The fanbase is split but vocal. On X, supporters argue Ritchson’s charisma and size make him ideal, with one trend calling him “the people’s Batman.” Critics, however, worry his Reacher commitments—renewed for Season 4—might clash with DCU demands, per ComicBook.com. Still, his viral Batman voice demo in the WIRED video (a gravelly “Gotham is mine!”) has only fueled the hype. SuperHeroHype and GamesRadar+ report fans won’t let go of the idea, even as Gunn insists no deal’s in place.

Could Ritchson Still Join the DCU Despite Gunn’s Denials?

Gunn’s dismissals don’t tell the full story. With The Brave and the Bold in early development and no script finalized (per Meristation and MovieWeb), casting remains fluid. Ritchson’s persistence mirrors past fan-favorite wins like Jason Momoa’s Lobo recasting. ScreenRant suggests Batman could debut elsewhere in the DCU—like the Clayface movie—before The Brave and the Bold, giving Ritchson a shot if schedules align. His willingness to “pay handsomely” to play the role, as noted by Yahoo, shows he’s all-in.

Some Closing Thoughts:

Alan Ritchson’s quest to become the DCU’s Batman is a saga of passion, persistence, and fan fervor. While James Gunn’s “not happening” stance holds firm for now, the lack of a locked-in script or actor keeps the dream alive. Whether Ritchson trades Reacher’s fists for Batman’s gadgets remains uncertain, but one thing’s clear: he’s got the heart—and the voice—for Gotham.

As Brain Awareness Week 2025 kicks off today, March 10, reminding us of mental agility, Ritchson’s sharp mind and brawn might just be the combo the DCU needs. Will he get the call? Only time—and Gunn—will tell.

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