Alan Ritchson Seems To Rule Out Batman, But DC Talks Are Happening

Alan Ritchson isn't suiting up as Bruce Wayne in James Gunn's DCU (as far as we know) — but the Reacher star confirmed at San Diego Comic-Con 2026 that conversations with DC about another character are very much on the table.

Ritchson addressed the Batman speculation head-on during a panel for the action series, making clear that the Dark Knight role isn't happening. What is happening, though, remains under wraps. He acknowledged active discussions with DC Studios about a different character, though he stopped short of naming who or what that might be.

The confirmation lands as the DCU reshapes itself under Gunn and Peter Safran's leadership. With Batman: The Brave and the Bold and The Batman Part 2 both in development across the multiverse-adjacent landscape, there's plenty of room for casting announcements — and plenty of reason for fans to speculate about where a talent like Ritchson might land.

Given his track record with physical roles and commanding screen presence, the possibilities are wide open. For now, though, that's all they are: possibilities. Ritchson's comments suggest something real is being explored, but the specifics remain locked down. If you've been waiting on news about his next major franchise move, this is as close as we're getting for the moment — confirmation that it's happening, but not yet what it is.

Source: IGN