DC Studios has spoken with Alan Ritchson about joining the DC Universe, but the studio has not locked him into a part. Peter Safran, the co-CEO of DC Studios, confirmed the conversations in a new interview with Collider published on October 26, 2026. The update puts a direct studio answer behind months of fan casting chatter that tied the Reacher star to Batman and other DC characters.
What Peter Safran Said About Alan Ritchson
Safran was asked about the possibility of Ritchson joining James Gunn’s superhero franchise. His answer confirmed that talks took place but did not produce a final deal.
“We talked about a couple things, but nothing that’s come to fruition at this point. I think he’s great. Yeah, but he’s just good. I also think there’s a lot more depth to him than you might have seen. I think there’s more that he can do that people haven’t seen.” — Peter Safran, DC Studios co-CEO, to Collider
The comment does two things. It confirms that DC Studios sees Ritchson as a serious option. It also makes clear that no character, project, or contract has been settled.
Why Fans Kept Linking Alan Ritchson to Batman
Ritchson became a popular fan choice for Batman after his run on Reacher turned him into one of the most recognizable action leads on television. His size and physical presence fit the look of a comics-accurate Dark Knight, especially the older, heavier version from The Dark Knight Returns.
Ritchson himself has addressed the Batman talk more than once. Speaking with Variety in 2025, he said words had been exchanged about the role but added a direct caveat.
“I don’t want to mislead people. Words have been exchanged about Batman. 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.” — Alan Ritchson, to Variety
That quote lines up with Safran’s update. DC Studios has had discussions with Ritchson, but the studio is not treating Batman as the likely landing spot.
Alan Ritchson Has Already Played Two DC Characters
A DC role for Ritchson would not be his first time in the company’s adaptations. He played Aquaman in Smallville, The CW’s long-running Superman prequel series. He later played Hank Hall, also known as Hawk, in the HBO Max series Titans. Ritchson appeared as Hawk in Supergirl and Legends of Tomorrow as well.
Those past roles matter to the current conversation because they show Ritchson has already worked inside DC productions. The new DCU under Safran and Gunn is a separate continuity, so a new role would not be a continuation of his Titans character.
The Characters Fans Have Suggested Beyond Batman
Fan discussion around Ritchson has moved past Batman into other names. Shazam and Aquaman have come up as characters fans want to see him play in the DCU. IGN noted that his build makes him a natural fit for physically imposing roles like Bane or Deathstroke, and DC is currently producing a film centered on those two characters.
Safran’s comment about depth suggests the studio is not only looking at Ritchson for a pure brawler part. The phrase “more that he can do that people haven’t seen” points to a role that asks for range beyond the action-heavy work Ritchson is best known for.
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James Gunn’s Side of the Conversation
Ritchson said on the Happy Sad Confused podcast that he has respect for James Gunn and that conversations between them have taken place. He also said any DC project he joins would have to meet his own standards.
“I really respect James. I would like to do something with James. James would like to do something with me. I know how to develop a project and anything I do with DC will still meet my standards. It’ll have to meet my standards. And I hope that we work on something that feels like we’re making this movie that I would be proud of.” — Alan Ritchson, on Happy Sad Confused
Gunn has also said publicly that he is a fan of Ritchson. Those comments, combined with Safran’s update, show interest from both sides without a finished deal.
What DC Has Not Said About Alan Ritchson
Safran did not name the characters or projects discussed with Ritchson. DC Studios has not announced a Ritchson casting, a start date, or a film title tied to him. The studio’s Batman project, The Brave and the Bold, remains without a confirmed lead actor. Robert Pattinson continues to play Batman in his own separate film series, and Pattinson has said the tonal gap between his version and Gunn’s DCU may be too wide for a crossover.
Ritchson remains attached to Reacher at Amazon Prime Video, where two more seasons are in development after four seasons. Any DC deal would have to fit around that schedule.
Also Read: Keanu Reeves Replaces Alan Ritchson in Netflix Action Film Maelstrom After Surprise Exit
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