The rumor mill has been churning for years about who will don the cape and cowl as the next Batman in James Gunn’s rebooted DC Universe (DCU). Among the swirling speculation, one name has risen above the rest: Alan Ritchson, the towering star of Amazon’s hit series Reacher. Known for his commanding presence as Jack Reacher, Ritchson has emerged as a fan-favorite contender to play Bruce Wayne in the upcoming DCU film The Brave and the Bold. With James Gunn, co-CEO of DC Studios, openly expressing admiration for the actor, the possibility of Ritchson stepping into the Batcave feels tantalizingly close. But what makes this casting choice so compelling, and why is it generating such buzz?

Ritchson’s meteoric rise in Hollywood has been hard to ignore. At 42, the actor has carved out a niche as an action star with a magnetic blend of physicality, charisma, and emotional depth. His portrayal of Jack Reacher, a no-nonsense drifter with a knack for solving problems with his fists and wits, has drawn comparisons to Batman himself. In a 2024 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Ritchson didn’t shy away from the fan fervor surrounding his potential casting, declaring, “I would love to play Batman. There, I said it, OK? I’ll shout it from the rooftops. I want to be Bruce Wayne!” His enthusiasm is infectious, and it’s clear he sees the role as more than just another job—it’s a dream. He went on to highlight Batman’s unique appeal, noting, “Here’s the thing about Batman—you know what his superpower is? Intelligence. Dude is the smartest superhero there is. He’s inventive and he’s got all the gadgets stuff, but he’s super smart.”

This passion hasn’t gone unnoticed. James Gunn, the creative force behind the DCU’s bold new direction, addressed the Ritchson rumors directly during a 2025 appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast. While careful not to confirm any casting decisions, Gunn admitted, “I am a big Alan Ritchson fan, both as an actor and as a guy. Let’s just wait to see what happens.” His comments leave the door ajar, fueling speculation that Ritchson is a serious contender for The Brave and the Bold, a film that will introduce a seasoned Bruce Wayne alongside his son, Damian Wayne, as Robin. Gunn’s measured response suggests that while no final decisions have been made, Ritchson’s name is very much in the conversation—a fact that has fans buzzing on social media platforms like Facebook, where posts about Ritchson’s potential casting consistently garner thousands of likes and shares.

What makes Ritchson such a compelling choice? For one, his physical presence is undeniable. Standing at 6’2” and built like a tank, Ritchson embodies the imposing figure of Batman, a character who relies on his physicality to intimidate Gotham’s criminal underworld. His work in Reacher showcases his ability to handle high-octane action sequences, a must for a character who spends his nights leaping across rooftops and battling villains. Yet, Ritchson’s appeal goes beyond brawn. His performances in Smallville as a young Aquaman and Titans as Hawk demonstrate a versatility that could bring depth to Bruce Wayne’s complex psyche—a man driven by trauma, intellect, and an unyielding moral code.

Fans have taken to platforms like Facebook to champion Ritchson, with many pointing to his ability to balance action-hero grit with emotional nuance. A viral piece of fan art by Clements.Ink, shared widely across social media in July 2025, depicted Ritchson in a sleek, black Batman suit, further igniting the online frenzy. The artwork captured the imagination of DC fans, who see Ritchson as a natural fit for a Batman who is both a father and a seasoned crimefighter. The DCU’s The Brave and the Bold will focus on the dynamic between Bruce Wayne and his son Damian, a storyline inspired by Grant Morrison’s acclaimed comic run. This narrative demands an actor who can convey both the stoic intensity of the Dark Knight and the emotional weight of a father navigating a complicated relationship with his son. Ritchson’s ability to embody quiet intensity, as seen in Reacher, makes him a strong candidate.

However, not everyone is convinced. Some detractors argue that Ritchson’s larger-than-life physicality might overshadow the cerebral, detective-driven aspects of Batman’s character. In a 2025 GameRant article, critics noted that while Ritchson excels in roles requiring “external aggression,” Batman demands “mental stillness, analytical sharpness, and emotional nuance.” They point to iconic portrayals by Michael Keaton, Christian Bale, and Robert Pattinson, who each brought a brooding, introspective quality to the role. Yet, Ritchson’s supporters counter that his performances in Reacher and Titans show he can convey subtlety when needed, particularly in moments of quiet reflection or moral conflict.

Adding to the intrigue, Ritchson’s co-star in Reacher, Roberto Montesinos, offered a glowing endorsement in a March 2025 interview with Screen Rant. Montesinos praised Ritchson’s ability to convey complex thoughts through subtle expressions, saying, “He does it with his face, with his eyes. Every movement of your eye indicates to the audience a new thought.” He went further, boldly claiming, “He would kill Batman.” Such high praise from a colleague underscores Ritchson’s potential to bring a fresh yet faithful interpretation to the Dark Knight.

The timing of The Brave and the Bold adds another layer of curiosity. Gunn has hinted that the film, directed by Andy Muschietti, is still in the scripting phase, with no confirmed release date. In a July 2025 interview with Collider, Gunn clarified that The Brave and the Bold is unlikely to hit theaters in the same year as Matt Reeves’ The Batman Part II (set for 2027), suggesting a potential 2028 release. He also left open the possibility of Batman appearing in the DCU before the film, perhaps in a TV series or another project. This ambiguity has kept fans guessing, with many scouring Gunn’s cryptic comments for clues about Ritchson’s involvement.

The fan fervor surrounding Ritchson isn’t just about his qualifications—it’s about what he represents. At a time when the DCU is undergoing a bold reinvention, casting a relatively fresh face like Ritchson could signal a departure from the established names of the past. His lack of A-list baggage allows him to bring a new perspective to a character who has been portrayed by everyone from Keaton to Ben Affleck. Moreover, his vocal enthusiasm—joking in a WIRED interview that he’d play Batman “for free”—resonates with fans who want an actor as passionate about the role as they are.

As the DCU continues to take shape with projects like Superman and Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, the anticipation for Batman’s arrival grows. Social media platforms, particularly Facebook, have become a battleground for fans advocating for Ritchson, with posts like those from @DCFilmNews and @NerdTalksShow amassing significant engagement. The sentiment is clear: Ritchson’s combination of physical prowess, acting chops, and genuine love for the character makes him a frontrunner in the eyes of many.

Will Alan Ritchson become the next Bruce Wayne? While James Gunn’s admiration and Ritchson’s own eagerness keep the possibility alive, only time will tell if he’ll step into the Batcave. For now, the buzz surrounding this casting rumor shows no signs of slowing down, and fans are eagerly awaiting the moment when the DCU’s Dark Knight is revealed. Whether it’s Ritchson or another actor, one thing is certain: the next Batman will have big shoes to fill, and the world is watching.