From Reacher to the Batman? James Gunn Hints at Alan Ritchson in the DCU

The DC Universe might be getting a new Batman — and Reacher star Alan Ritchson just might be the guy for the cape and cowl.

James Gunn, co-head of DC Studios, has finally addressed the mounting speculation that Ritchson could be the next Dark Knight in the evolving DCU. With key characters like Superman, Supergirl, Green Lanterns Hal Jordan and John Stewart, Hawkgirl, and Lobo already locked in, the mystery of who will play Batman has fans in overdrive.

Appearing on the Happy Sad Confused podcast with Josh Horowitz, Gunn responded directly to the Ritchson rumors, saying:

“I am a big Alan Ritchson fan, both as an actor and as a guy. I… let’s just wait and see what happens.”

That deliberate pause? Yeah, it didn’t go unnoticed — and it was just enough fuel to set fan theories ablaze.

While Gunn confirmed that Batman isn’t the furthest-along project in DCU development, he did admit the caped crusader is one of his top creative priorities alongside Wonder Woman. “Batman’s my biggest issue in all of DC right now, personally,” he told Rolling Stone. “I’m not writing Batman, but I am working with the writer and trying to get it right.”

Meanwhile, Ritchson has leaned into the rumors himself — and he’s totally game for the role.

“Would I play Batman? Yes,” Ritchson told Wired. “You wouldn’t even have to pay me… I’d don the suit.”

Even after Gunn publicly laughed off the idea on X, Ritchson says the buzz around him as Batman refuses to die. “I get asked every day if I’m playing Batman,” he said, even doing a mock growly Bat-voice for fans.

So, is Ritchson truly in the running? Or is DC cooking up a different role for the rising action star?

🎭 More About Alan Ritchson

Alan Michael Ritchson is an American actor, singer-songwriter, producer, and screenwriter known for his commanding screen presence and action-packed roles. Ritchson first gained national attention as Aquaman in Smallville, making him the first actor to portray the character in live-action television.

He later brought his trademark intensity to blockbuster roles like Raphael in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles reboot and Gloss in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. Comedy fans may know him best as Thad Castle from the cult-favorite football series Blue Mountain State.

In recent years, Ritchson has exploded in popularity as the lead in Reacher, the hit Amazon Prime series where he plays Jack Reacher — a role perfectly suited to his physicality, grit, and sharp charisma.

With superhero experience and action-genre credibility, Ritchson has become a fan-favorite contender for major DCU roles, including Batman.

🦇 MainEvent.News | Backstage Take

Ritchson has the look, the physicality, and the fanbase to make a bold Batman — and let’s face it, the DCU needs a grounded star with mainstream momentum. Gunn’s wording was vague, but calculated. Whether it’s Batman or another high-profile role, don’t be surprised if Ritchson ends up in the new DCU sooner than later.