Here’s Who I Think Should Play Batman in James Gunn’s DCU

With David Corenswet’s Superman all set to debut in the DCU, it is high time James Gunn selects Batman for his shared universe. Despite Ben Affleck not having a solo film in the DCEU, it was confirmed that he would be stepping down from the role and a new actor would be cast for the upcoming The Brave and the Bold film Gunn announced.

While Robert Pattinson’s Batman is still a great portrayal, Matt Reeves’ insistence on keeping his Batverse grounded in reality will not be the right fit for the more cosmic adventures in the DCU. Several candidates have popped up over the past few months, but for me, no one else comes close to Alan Ritchson to play Bruce Wayne. Here are three reasons why he is the perfect man for the job.

3 Alan Ritchson’s time on Reacher has prepared him for Batman

Alan Ritchson in Reacher | Credits: Amazon Prime Video

Batman is one of the most popular superheroes in pop culture and playing him is always an honor for an actor. The character has been portrayed by some truly great actors like Michael Keaton, Christian Bale, and more recently by Ben Affleck and Robert Pattinson. Despite Affleck not having a solo film, his performance was appreciated by a section of the fans.

James Gunn’s DCU will not only be looking at a Batman who has already been a vigilante for some time, unlike Matt Reeves’ younger Batman in his first year as ‘Vengence’, but will also explore the Bat Family, including his son Damian Wayne in the announced The Brave and the Bold film.

David Corenswet’s Superman in Gunn’s upcoming film will be seen fighting not just threats from Lex Luthor but also from alien worlds as shown in the teaser trailer for the film. Hence, Matt Reeves’ grounded approach will not be the right fit for a crossover, no matter how much it has focused on his detective skills.

A new Batman is the need of the hour for James Gunn’s DCU and Alan Ritchson has to be the most perfect candidate yet. The actor has proven himself to be a great action star with his roles in films like The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, the upcoming Motor City, and the show Reacher.

He has also proven that he can portray Batman’s more detective side with the role of Jack Reacher in the Amazon Prime Video series. The show Reacher, based on Lee Child’s books of the same name, sees Ritchson play the eponymous character, who is a former army veteran with incredible survival skills.

While it is not clear what direction The Brave and the Bold will be taking with Batman, these characteristics are a must-have for the caped crusader. He is also capable of pulling off the charming persona of Bruce Wayne as evidenced by many of his films and off-screen appearances.

2 Alan Ritchson has played a superhero before

Alan Ritchson has played a DC superhero in Titans | Credits: DC Universe/Max

While it is always better to have a fresh face to be synonymous with an IP, there have been instances where an actor has successfully transitioned from one hero to the next. Ryan Reynolds did it with Deadpool after he played Hal Jordan in the horrendous Green Lantern, and Ben Affleck did it with Batman after he played Matt Murdock in Fox’s Daredevil.

Alan Ritchson has already played two DC superheroes, however, both were not part of the DCU (or DCEU). His first stint was playing Arthur Curry in the CW series Smallville. His iteration of Aquaman may not be as cool and macho as Jason Momoa’s in the DCEU (the actor is also set to transition into playing Lobo in the DCU), but he was pretty decent.

Ritchson has spoken about how embarrassed he is about the bright orange suit in the show and how he wanted to run away at the sight of it. He said to Bro Bible,

What comes to mind first is how fast and far I can run from all civilization when I see myself in that orange head-to-toe Speedo, zipped up the middle. I see those pictures and I kind of can’t believe anybody thought it was a good idea to dress me like that and photograph me with that ensemble.

That was not the only DC character he played. He also portrayed Hank Hall a.k.a Hawk of Hawk and Dove in the series Titans. He was still pretty decent in the show and had a main role in seasons 2 and 3. However, that would not deter him from playing Bruce Wayne as his image has completely transformed since he played those characters.

1 Alan Ritchson has already expressed his interest in joining James Gunn’s DCU as Batman

Alan Ritchson | Credits: YouTube/Mulville

At 42, Alan Ritchson is at the perfect age to portray a Bruce Wayne who has seen some years as a vigilante in Gotham and has been through a couple of Robins. Andy Muschietti’s The Brave and the Bold has maintained that the film will explore the Bat Family and Batman’s relationship with his son Damian Wayne who becomes the new Robin.

Ritchson will also be one of the most physically imposing Batmen. The actor is bulky and would add to the imposing nature of the caped crusader. Robert Pattinson’s Batman may be good at figuring things out and detective work, but for street criminals, a strong and hefty Batman would instill the fear of punishment in them.

Ritchson probably knows that he is one of the best candidates for the role as he has championed himself to be Batman on many occasions. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he said,

I would love to play Batman. There, I said it okay? I’ll shout it from the rooftops, ‘I want to be Bruce Wayne’. Here’s the thing about Batman. You know what his superpower is intelligence. Dude is the smartest superhero there is. Like he’s inventive and he’s got all the gadgets and stuff but he’s super smart. I want to be that guy.

The actor has blockbuster experience with roles in the Fast & Furious franchise and one of the leading roles in Guy Ritchie’s The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare. His experience with DC roles has made him an asset more than a liability as he has transformed himself with each character. And his work on Reacher has made him a pretty bankable star. 

James Gunn’s Batman is right here and he better get those contracts signed. Even among actors like Jensen Ackles and Glen Powell, Alan Ritchson definitely takes the cake.