Reacher star Alan Ritchson has been making waves in the entertainment industry with his portrayal of the titular character in the Amazon Prime Video series. However, in a recent panel discussion at San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) 2026, Ritchson shed light on a topic that has been on the minds of fans and DC enthusiasts alike – the possibility of him playing Batman in the DCU.
Ritchson’s thoughts on the matter were met with a mix of excitement and skepticism, as he addressed the rumors that have been circulating for years. The actor, who has been a fan favorite for his role in the Reacher series, seemed amused by the idea of playing Bruce Wayne in the DCU when it was first brought up in 2023. However, he dodged mentioning any potential conversations about actually portraying the character at that time.
Fast forward to August 2025, when Ritchson confirmed that he had spoken with DC about a potential role in the DCU. However, he cast doubt on being Batman, leaving fans wondering if the rumors were true or just mere speculation. The Reacher actor seemed to be playing a cat-and-mouse game with the media and the fans, leaving everyone guessing about his potential involvement in the DCU.
However, during a recent panel discussion at SDCC 2026, Ritchson downplayed his chances of playing Batman once again. Despite the rumors and speculation, Ritchson seemed to be hinting at the possibility of playing another character in the DCU. The actor mentioned that he and DC were having conversations about another character, but he didn’t reveal any further details about who that character might be.
The DCU is currently in the process of revamping its movie universe with a new Superman, a new Gotham, and eventually, a new Batman. The introduction of a new Batman is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the character and the DCU as a whole. With the DCU’s Batman not yet cast, the possibilities for who might take on the role are endless.
Ritchson’s mention of conversations about another character has sparked a lot of excitement among fans and DC enthusiasts. While he didn’t reveal any further details about who that character might be, the possibilities are endless. The DCU is known for its diverse range of characters, from superheroes to supervillains, and it’s possible that Ritchson might be in talks to play a character that has not been previously mentioned.
While the DCU’s Batman has not been publicly cast, DC will introduce viewers to its new Gotham when its Clayface movie comes to theaters later this year. The Batman Part 2 is also expected to be released in the near future, which will likely help to quell some of the speculation surrounding the DCU’s Batman. However, until then, fans will have to wait and see if Ritchson will be playing another character in the DCU.
It’s worth noting that the DCU is currently under the helm of DC Studios co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran, who are working to revamp the DCU and bring new characters and storylines to the forefront. With their vision and direction, it’s possible that we might see some unexpected casting choices in the future.
