One of the most popular fan-casts for Batman in the rebooted DC Universe, Alan Ritchson, would actually be perfect for a number of other iconic DC heroes. While he’s most recently become known for roles in the likes of Reacher, Blue Mountain State, Blood Drive, and more, Alan Ritchson has a long history with DC that makes a role in the new DCU very likely. Ritchson has played notable characters in Smallville, Titans, Supergirl, and Legends of Tomorrow, but James Gunn and Peter Safran’s new live-action franchise could revive his DC career.
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James Gunn confirmed the development of The Brave and the Bold, a new movie following a recast Batman, for the DCU back in January 2023. While planning for the project is underway, DC Studios hasn’t yet cast a new actor as Bruce Wayne’s Batman – though he was briefly glimpsed in silhouette in Creature Commandos. Alan Ritchson has been a very popular casting choice, given his commanding physique and dramatic acting talent, and while this casting would be great to see come to fruition, there are a number of other iconic DC Comics characters Ritchson would be perfect for.
4) Oliver Queen’s Green Arrow
Alan Ritchson’s recent role as the titular character in Amazon Prime Video’s Reacher has proven that he has the action experience necessary to take on a role as demanding as Green Arrow. Stephen Amell is best known for playing Oliver Queen in The CW’s Arrow series, but Ritchson would be a fantastic fit for the character in the legitimate DCU. Green Arrow made his first DC Comics appearance back in 1941’s More Fun Comics #73 as a wealthy businessman who acts as a vigilante by night, using his incredible archery skills to fight crime in Star City.
Amell’s version of Green Arrow got pretty old over Arrow’s eight-season run, but Ritchson could bring new personality traits and even allow him to become a member of the Justice League. Ritchson’s imposing build and proficiency in archery leaves little doubt he’d portray the hero’s skills accurately and authentically. The Emerald Archer received a mention in Peacemaker season 1, leading some to speculate whether the Green Arrow is still canon to the rebooted DCU. While James Gunn has suggested that he simply doesn’t yet know, it would be great to see Ritchson embody this iconic role.
3) Nate Adam’s Captain Atom
At 6’3″ tall and with an impressive and powerful build, Alan Ritchson would be an inspired choice for a supremely powerful DC character such as Nate Adam’s Captain Atom. First seen in DC Comics in 1987’s Captain Atom (Vol. 3) #1, Nathaniel Adam harbors immense energy-manipulating powers related to nuclear fission and atomic energy. He has been a member of several different Justice League teams, so this casting would give Ritchson a central role in the DCU, while also giving James Gunn the opportunity to do what he does best – taking an obscure superhero and making them a household name.
2) Alan Scott’s Green Lantern
We’ve already seen Guy Gardner’s Green Lantern (Nathan Fillion) in the DCU, and Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler) and John Stewart (Aaron Pierre) are coming in the upcoming Lanterns series. We’d love to see DC Comics’ first Green Lantern debut, too. First seen in 1940’s All-American Comics #16, Alan Scott was the first human to bear the Green Lantern title, and with his strong build, blond hair, and action-based adventures match Alan Ritchson to a tee. It would be great to see all the DCU’s Green Lanterns brought together, and Alan Ritchson would be a strong addition to the line-up.
1) Arthur Curry’s Aquaman
Jason Momoa won’t be returning as Aquaman in the DCU, as he has instead been recast for the role of Lobo, and is set to make his new debut in 2026’s upcoming Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. Alan Ritchson is uniquely qualified to play Arthur Curry, should the Atlantean hero be featured in future DCU adventures. Ritchson played a young Arthur Curry in four episodes of Smallville opposite Tom Welling’s Clark Kent, so could reprise the role almost two decades later. Ritchson has demonstrated the ability to balance toughness and charm, making him the perfect fit for a new Aquaman.
Aquaman first appeared in DC Comics in 1941’s More Fun Comics #73 alongside Green Arrow. His longevity in DC Comics has seen him be central to many memorable storylines, and even become a core member of several Justice League teams, which would create the opportunity for Alan Ritchson to have a long and varied career in the DCU. Ritchson already has a grasp of the character, has the talent to deliver emotional depth with comedic wit, and has the imposing physique of an Atlantean King, so he would be an incredible choice for Aquaman, if not Batman, in the DCU.
Who do you want Alan Ritchson to play in the new DC Universe? Let us know in the comments!
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Image courtesy of Focus Features.
