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Alan Ritchson in talks for a darker DC character
Alan Ritchson, best known today as the powerhouse lead of Reacher, has confirmed he’s in discussions with James Gunn and DC Studios co-chair Peter Safran about joining the reinvigorated DC Universe. Far from seeking another straight-arrow hero, Ritchson says he wants a character with moral complexity—a role that sits in the grey zone between heroism and outright villainy.
Ritchson has prior DC credentials. Years ago he played Aquaman on Smallville and later took on the role of Hawk in Titans; he also reportedly declined a reprise as Aquaman. Those credits explain why fan speculation about him possibly playing Batman gained traction online, but Ritchson gently pushed back in an interview with Screen Rant, clarifying that what attracts him now is something rougher and more ambiguous than most caped crusaders.
What he said—and what it might mean
"Yes. This is the kind of conversation we had," Ritchson explained, describing his discussions with the new DC leadership. "I told them the kind of character I want to play and what that role could mean for their world. I think it’s what people want to see: a character dirtier than the usual spotless hero."
He didn’t name a specific character, and DC’s upcoming slate—Supergirl, Lanterns, and Clayface—are already in post-production, while Man of Tomorrow begins filming early next year. That leaves room for Ritchson to slot into a future project or an as-yet-unannounced film or series under Gunn and Safran’s creative plan.
Context: why this matters for DC
DC’s current strategy under Gunn and Safran is to emphasize tonal diversity and character-driven storytelling. Casting an actor like Ritchson, who’s proven he can carry a gritty, character-focused series, would align with the studio’s push toward morally complex protagonists and antiheroes—similar to the industry trend seen in other franchises where villain-centric or darker takes (think Joker or Venom) have found commercial and critical interest.
Comparatively, Ritchson’s physicality and screen presence echo Jason Momoa’s move from supporting TV roles to leading a blockbuster superhero identity; both actors bring a grounded, lived-in toughness that can reshape audience expectations.
Fan reaction, trivia and behind-the-scenes notes
Fans have debated potential roles across social platforms, with speculative threads imagining Ritchson as anything from a brooding Batman to a layered villain like Clayface or a ruthless antihero. Trivia: Ritchson has a history of turning down certain franchise reprises when he feels the role doesn’t offer enough complexity—something he reiterated in recent interviews.
"Ritchson choosing complexity over familiarity signals a smart recalibration for DC casting," says cinema historian Marko Jensen. "Casting actors willing to subvert heroic archetypes could help DC distinguish itself and deepen its narrative stakes."
Critically, while some observers worry about over-saturating the market with gritty takes, others welcome nuanced characters who challenge binary notions of good and evil. Under Gunn’s stewardship, DC seems poised to bet on personality-driven risks.
Whether Ritchson becomes a key piece of the next DC chapter remains unconfirmed, but his public appetite for a dirty, complicated role hints at an exciting possibility: a performer ready to reshape a franchise part with nuance rather than repetition.
A final note: whatever the specific casting, Ritchson’s involvement—if it happens—would be another signal that DC’s new era favors texture and moral ambiguity over straightforward heroics.
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