Alan Ritchson has been in talks for potentially portraying the role of Batman in James Gunn’s DCU. Of course, it all started with speculation that gave rise to rumors until eventually James Gunn himself admitted that he was a fan of Alan Ritchson’s work.
During his talk with Variety, Ritchson also brushed up on Gunn’s comments and further hinted at his possible superhero debut in James Gunn’s DCU.
Well, it’s not rumor that James Gunn is a fan. He said it himself. And am I a fan of James Gunn? Absolutely. I don’t want to mislead people. Words have been exchanged about Batman.
Words have indeed been exchanged about the role of Batman, and Alan Ritchson would indeed make a pretty good fit for the role. There’s just one slight problem, though. Alan Ritchson doesn’t want to do it.
Alan Ritchson Will Be a Part of the DCU, Just Not as Batman
As the interview continued, Ritchson revealed that although words were being exchanged about the role of Batman, he was pretty sure that he didn’t want to do it.
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.
It could be true that Ritchson might not want to have a lifetime contract with the DCU, or maybe Ritchson might have a problem with Batman’s persona. The character has indeed been recast and reformed several times over.
Although Alan Ritchson wants to be a part of the DCU, he isn’t interested in portraying the role of Batman. However, that doesn’t mean that Ritchson doesn’t have a place in James Gunn’s cinematic universe.
There’s a Place For Alan Ritchson’s Superhero in Justice Society of America
Alongside the rumors of Batman, Alan Ritchson has also been fancast in the role of Wildcat. A heavyweight boxer, Ted Grant got entangled in the underworld and crime families and donned a costume in hopes of clearing his name.
The character has been a long-time member of the Justice Society of America (JSA), and during a scene in Superman, a mural of Wildcat is also seen at the headquarters.
Of course, nothing would be better for James Gunn than to rope in Ritchson as Wildcat, since not only does the role suit him well, but it also opens the door for some iconic possibilities.
Wildcat trained Black Canary in the comics. With Wildcat’s potential appearance in the DCU, fans could also expect Black Canary to be involved in the project as well. Black Canary also had a significant relationship with Green Arrow, thus solidifying Oliver Queen’s presence in James Gunn’s DCU as well.
It’s literally the perfect casting, and not to mention that James Gunn loves putting the not-so-famous characters from the comic books at the forefront. Thus, if Alan Ritchson wouldn’t play Batman, he can always make an appearance as Wildcat in the DCU.
| Key Facts About Superman | |
| Directed By: | James Gunn |
| Cast: | David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult |
| Year of Release: | 2025 |
| IMDb Rating: | 7.2/10 |
| Rotten Tomatoes Score: | 83% |
| Worldwide Box Office: | $614 million |
| Production House: | DC Studios |
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Superman is available to rent on Apple TV (USA).
