DC Studios Boss Confirms Talks With Alan Ritchson
Every superhero universe has its list of actors fans want to see in the cape. For years, one name has shown up near the top of nearly every wish list for the DC Universe, thanks to an imposing frame and a tough-guy charm. That actor is Alan Ritchson, and the conversation about where he might fit has only grown louder.
The ‘Reacher’ star has been unusually open about his desire to join James Gunn and Peter Safran’s DC Universe. At the same time, he has made clear that playing Batman is increasingly unlikely, which has sent fans searching for other possibilities. Gunn has also spoken warmly about Ritchson in the past, which has kept the speculation alive.
Now DC Studios co-chief Peter Safran has addressed the situation directly. He confirmed that the studio has discussed several roles with Ritchson, although no deal has been reached.
Safran spoke exclusively with Steve Weintraub of Collider ahead of ‘Clayface.’ Asked about Ritchson’s earlier comments regarding meetings with DC, he said the two sides had talked about a couple of things, but that there is “nothing that’s come to fruition at this point.”
When Weintraub pointed out how popular Ritchson is right now, Safran emphasized that there’s more to the actor than meets the eye. In his view, Ritchson has more range than audiences have seen so far. That’s an encouraging signal that the door is open, even if nothing is imminent.
Ritchson has been clear about what he wants. He confirmed in the days before San Diego Comic-Con that he had been talking with Gunn, and he has said he told DC he wants to play someone a bit more imperfect, with moral complexity, rather than a traditional hero. That description fits a wide range of DC characters.
Fans have already started casting. Suggestions have included Booster Gold, who would let Ritchson showcase his comedic side, and Bane. Other lists have floated Hawkman, Aquaman and Kilowog. Ritchson is no stranger to DC, having made his acting debut as Aquaman on ‘Smallville.’
It’s worth noting that some of the most obvious options are already taken. Nathan Fillion plays Guy Gardner in the DCU, having debuted in ‘Superman’ and reprising the role in ‘Lanterns.’ Safran did not name any character, and no project has been tied to Ritchson.
That leaves the field wide open. With a slate that spans live-action films, animation and series for HBO, the studio has a lot of places where a star of his stature could land.
Ritchson’s calendar is already packed. He starred in ‘War Machine’ for Netflix earlier this year, and a sequel is in development. He also has other Netflix projects lined up, including a MotoGP thriller and a survival competition series.
Meanwhile, he recently dropped out of Netflix’s ‘Maelstrom,’ where Keanu Reeves has taken over the role. No reason was given for his departure. He also has an Angel Studios thriller, ‘Runner,’ alongside Owen Wilson.
DC Studios has been building its universe steadily. ‘Superman’ arrived in 2025, followed by ‘Supergirl’ this summer and ‘Clayface’ on October 23. ‘Batman: The Brave and the Bold,’ which is meant to bring the Dark Knight into the main DCU, remains in active development.
Gunn has said that the new Batman is unlikely to arrive in the same year as Matt Reeves’ sequel. That timeline helps explain why Ritchson’s name keeps coming up for other roles. Safran also produces all films in the franchise, so his word carries weight.
For now, the news is a measured but positive update. Safran’s comments confirm that conversations have happened and that the studio sees something special in Ritchson. They also remind fans that nothing is guaranteed, and that casting in a shared universe takes time.
If a deal does come together, it will likely be built around a character that lets him show a side that audiences haven’t yet seen. That could be exactly what makes the pairing work.
Which character would you most like to see Ritchson play in the DC Universe?
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