Alan Ritchson’s comments on his potential involvement in the James Gunn–led DC Universe (DCU) have sparked renewed discussion among fans, industry observers, and comic book movie enthusiasts. Over recent months the actor, best known for his breakout performances in the hit Amazon Prime Video series Reacher and DC adaptations like Smallville and Titans, has publicly addressed speculation around his future in the sprawling superhero franchise. His candid remarks about which iconic DC roles he’s open to—and which he firmly rules out—have influenced fan casting trends and expectations for the DCU’s evolving character lineup.
Ritchson’s statements come at a pivotal time for DC Studios, which is reshaping its cinematic universe under the co-leadership of Gunn and Peter Safran. With several flagship projects in development, including Superman (2025), The Brave and the Bold, Lanterns, Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, and others, casting decisions are under intense scrutiny. Fans and pundits alike are closely watching which characters will anchor the next era of DC films and television shows, and whether actors previously associated with DC roles might return in new capacities.
In public interviews, Ritchson has directly addressed rumors about potentially portraying two of DC’s most iconic heroes: Batman and Aquaman. Despite years of speculation and significant fan support, he has downplayed the likelihood of taking on either mantle in the upcoming DCU slate. His responses reflect both personal respect for existing portrayals and an eagerness to pursue fresh territory within the franchise rather than revisiting familiar ground.
In an interview referenced across entertainment news outlets, Ritchson explicitly stated, “I strongly don’t think that Batman is in my future,” even though he acknowledged having had discussions with Gunn about the role. He also made clear that stepping into Aquaman’s shoes would not be something he would pursue, citing his respect for Jason Momoa’s iconic performance as the Atlantean hero. These comments have resonated within fan communities, especially given Ritchson’s previous performances as Aquaman on Smallville and as Hawk on Titans.
Industry observers note that Ritchson’s stance demonstrates a nuanced understanding of legacy performances and audience attachment to established portrayals. His comments have fueled fresh debate about which characters he might embody in the DCU, with suggestions ranging from Wildcat to Captain Atom and even Hawkman. While Gunn has not confirmed any specific casting decisions involving Ritchson, the actor’s openness to exploring lesser-known roles has sharpened predictions about possible character introductions and narrative directions for the franchise.
Ritchson’s DC History and Fan Expectations
Alan Ritchson is no stranger to DC adaptations. Early in his career, he portrayed a young Arthur Curry, better known as Aquaman, on the television series Smallville. His work in that role helped establish his comic book credentials, and fans have often cited his physicality and screen presence as ideal for superhero portrayals. Later he appeared as Hank Hall/Hawk on Titans, further embedding him in DC’s performance lineage.
Despite this history, Ritchson’s recent remarks make it clear he does not want to revisit roles he’s already played, especially if doing so would overshadow or take away from other actors’ interpretations—such as Momoa’s tenure as Aquaman. That dynamic adds weight to his expressed desire to pursue new horizons rather than reprise past roles, reflecting both respect for previous interpretations and his own artistic ambitions.
Fan communities have responded enthusiastically to his openness about future DC opportunities. Various online forums and social platforms have speculated about which characters could best fit his persona and acting strengths. Suggestions include powerful comic book figures like Captain Atom, Shazam, Hawkman, and even Wildcat—each offering distinct narrative possibilities within the DCU setting.
What Ritchson Said About Batman and Aquaman
Ritchson’s comments about Batman stem from a broader conversation about the direction of the DCU under Gunn’s guidance. In interviews he has acknowledged that Gunn is a fan of his work, yet he remains realistic about the likelihood of securing the role of Bruce Wayne. While discussions have occurred, Ritchson believes other actors may ultimately fill that iconic position. He reiterated that his interest in joining the DC Universe remains strong, but he is focused on roles that present fresh challenges rather than retreading familiar ground.
Regarding Aquaman, his reasoning for ruling out the role in the DCU speaks to both professional courtesy and personal integrity. Ritchson has consistently emphasized his respect for Jason Momoa’s influential performance, stating he would not want to “take that” from him. Given that Momoa is being recast in the DCU as the antihero Lobo, some fans had speculated Ritchson might step into the Aquaman role again. However, the actor has firmly shut down that pathway, reinforcing his preference for new characters.
This stance has further encouraged discussions about the creative direction of the DCU and how studios handle legacy roles when rebooting or reimagining iconic characters. Fans and critics alike see Ritchson’s comments as reflective of broader industry debates about continuity, respect for past portrayals, and the balance between nostalgia and innovation.
Potential Roles Ritchson Could Play in the DCU
With both Batman and Aquaman off the table according to Ritchson, speculation has swirled around which characters might align with his interests. One character frequently mentioned as a strong candidate is Wildcat, a gritty and seasoned fighter with deep roots in DC’s Justice Society of America. Ritchson has openly entertained the idea of playing Wildcat, suggesting the character’s less mainstream status could allow for creative freedom and a unique narrative thread in the DCU.
Another compelling option is Captain Atom, a powerful figure in DC lore known for his energy manipulation abilities and military background. Fans have pointed to this character as a natural fit for Ritchson’s physical presence and action-oriented persona. Unlike more traditional superheroes, Captain Atom’s complexity and less frequent on-screen appearances offer a fresh opportunity for both actor and studio.
Other suggested roles include Hawkman, a warrior with a fierce and ancient lineage; Shazam, a character whose youthful exuberance combined with mythic power could present a fun and dynamic portrayal; and even Orion, a member of the New Gods with a rich comic book history. Each of these roles presents distinct storytelling possibilities that could expand the DCU’s narrative palette and provide Ritchson with meaningful material to explore as an actor.
- Wildcat – A veteran street fighter and mentor figure within the DC Universe whose gritty charm could suit Ritchson’s on-screen energy.
- Captain Atom – A character with immense power and moral complexity, offering a blend of military discipline and superhero might.
- Hawkman – A mythic and battle-hardened figure tied to ancient legacies, potentially enriching the DCU’s cosmic narratives.
- Shazam – A beloved character combining lighthearted humor with epic powers, offering a chance for Ritchson to show range.
- Orion – A New God with ties to cosmic DC mythos, presenting opportunities for larger-than-life storytelling.
These character prospects highlight the diverse paths available to Ritchson in the evolving DCU landscape. Each offers a blend of physical presence and narrative depth, allowing the actor to carve out a meaningful place within the franchise without stepping into roles dominated by past performances.
Industry Perspective and Fan Reactions
Entertainment industry analysts see Ritchson’s statements as a strategic embrace of opportunity rather than a rejection of superhero work. By expressing a clear preference for original roles, he positions himself as a versatile actor ready for significant contributions to the DCU. His comments resonate with ongoing trends in Hollywood that emphasize character reinvention and narrative complexity, particularly in comic book adaptations where audience expectations are continually evolving.
Fan response has been robust and mixed, with some emphasizing excitement at the prospect of seeing Ritchson in a bold new role and others lamenting the lost opportunity of a Batman casting. Social media discussions, online polls, and fan art attest to the vibrant engagement around his future in the DCU. Many fans have rallied behind the idea of Ritchson playing characters like Captain Atom or Wildcat, viewing these as creative and rewarding directions for the franchise.
At the same time, debates continue about how studios should balance honoring legacy portrayals with introducing fresh interpretations. Ritchson’s stance contributes to that dialogue by illustrating a thoughtful approach to respecting iconic performances while seeking new artistic challenges. This approach aligns with the evolving ethos of the DCU under Gunn’s leadership, which aims to blend reverence for source material with inventive storytelling.
Conclusion
Alan Ritchson’s remarks about his future in the DC Universe illuminate a broader conversation about legacy, casting, and creative evolution within one of the most ambitious cinematic universes in entertainment. While he has made it clear that he does not see himself playing Batman or Aquaman in the upcoming DCU slate, his expressed interest in exploring other characters signals both professional poise and narrative potential. As the DCU continues to develop new projects and expand its roster of heroes, the possibility of seeing Ritchson as a fresh and dynamic character remains a compelling prospect for fans and industry observers alike. His thoughtful positioning reflects a mature engagement with the superhero genre, one that balances respect for iconic portrayals with a desire to forge new paths in storytelling.
