Alan Ritchson recently shared an update on his chances of playing Batman in James Gunn’s DC Universe, and it opens the door for the actor to take on other exciting characters. Batman’s The Brave and the Bold movie will reboot the character for the new shared universe. A few names have emerged as fan favorites for DC’s new Batman actor.

After his star turn in Prime Video’s Reacher, Ritchson became a popular pick to play the DCU Batman, with actors like Jensen Ackles, Glen Powell, and Brandon Sklenar also being favored by fans. Ritchson has talked about wanting to play Batman in multiple interviews, but he might have another DCU canon character in his future instead.

Recently, Ritchson revealed he talked to James Gunn about playing Batman. While words were exchanged about the DCU Bruce Wayne, Ritchson does not believe he will lead the DCU’s upcoming Batman movie. However, the door is not closed for him at DC, saying, “I do think there is something in my future with DC.” Here are DC characters he could play:

Wildcat

While the character still has to be cast, Gunn’s DC Universe has already revealed that Wildcat exists — or existed — in the franchise. That came from the Superman movie’s biggest Easter egg, with Wildcat appearing in a mural in the Hall of Justice. Ritchson would be perfect as a grizzled DC hero.

The role would actually come pretty naturally for the actor. Ritchson has given life to two DC heroes in the past, with one of them being Hawk on тιтans. Both he and Wildcat share the aging hero with a non-nonsense atтιтude. With his imposing physique, dramatic skills, and DC past, Ritchson’s Wildcat would be a believable veteran hero.

Aquaman

Jason Momoa will stay at DC for Gunn’s DCU, but it will be through a new character — Lobo, who debuts in 2026’s Supergirl movie — rather than continuing in his DCEU role of Aquaman. That opens the door for a new actor to step into the role, and Ritchson is perfect for two reasons.

For one, he already played a young Aquaman in Smallville, so he has the skills for a big-screen adaptation of the hero. The second reason is that he offers the ideal blend between the comics-accurate Aquaman and Momoa’s wilder take on the character. Ritchson is perfect for the DCEU to DCU transition.

Midnighter

Since he will seemingly not play the DCU Batman despite wanting to, Alan Ritchson could play a character that has ties to the Dark Knight. Midnighter and Apollo are often seen as more violent versions of Batman and Superman. Lucky for Ritchson, the duo is expected to join the DCU.

Midnighter should be part of The Authority movie, with someone like Ritchson being able to help push the project forward after Gunn revealed development had stalled on the film. The character is nuanced beyond his hyper-violent exterior, allowing Ritchson to experiment with different sides of the character, going from sarcastic remarks to his deep love for Apollo.

Shazam

Shazam is one of the absolute best roles for Ritchson at DC. After the hero’s second solo movie bombed, it is unlikely that Zachary Levi will return as the character in the DCU. While Ritchson’s most famous role is the stoic Jack Reacher, the actor has other projects that show his excellent comedic timing.

Among those are Blue Mountain State, The Wedding Ringer, and The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, to name a few. Ritchson would be completely believable as the adult, superhero version of a child like Billy Batson. The actor’s past roles show that he can capture that child-like wonder and make the superhero action hilarious and charming.

Captain Atom

While Ritchson has campaigned to play Batman in the DCU, a popular counteroffer among fan circles for the character he should play is Captain Atom. After pondering the possibility, I believe the Reacher actor would really excel as the DC character. Looks-wise, the actor is perfect. Captain Atom would be as imposing as needed.

Ritchson playing a hero with a U.S. Air Force background tracks, as we have seen how his role in Reacher could translate to that easily. Not many characters can defeat Superman, but Captain Atom is one of them. Ritchson can instantly make the audience believe that it is possible, and the role offers thematic ties to Reacher.

Deathstroke

If he can’t be Batman, then why not beat him? Deathstroke has fought Batman many times in the comics and other adaptations, and the same could happen in the DCU. The character is expected to be a big part of DC’s plans, as a Deathstroke and Bane team-up movie of sorts is reportedly in development at the studio.

Deathstroke is one of DC’s most interesting characters. He can be an overarching DCU villain, and Ritchson is definitely a big enough name to carry that responsibility. A killer with a twisted sense of honor, Deathstroke is a complex character. Ritchson would make him a villain with the potential for an anti-hero turn later on.

Orion

DC Comics writer Tom King is a key part of James Gunn’s plans for DC, ᴀssisting in several projects. King will have a direct role in the Mister Miracle animated series, which, if connected to the DCU, could usher in Darkseid and several characters from DC’s New Gods. Orion could then debut.

Orion is a layered character. A dog of war, he is often known for his hard exterior. However, as Darkseid’s biological son, raised by the Highfather, there is a constant struggle inside him. The classic nature vs nurture. Ritchson’s Hawk in тιтans leaned towards that dynamic in a way, growing to be a scene-stealer. The actor could pull it off.

Booster Gold

Like Shazam, Alan Ritchson’s comedic past would be just what DC needs for its Booster Gold. While I still believe that Glen Powell is perfect casting for the character, the Reacher star has the comedic timing to make Booster Gold DC’s lovable idiot. Ritchson could also make Booster Gold more than just a jokester.

After all, Booster Gold has a tragic past, which eventually leads to him becoming a hero. In the same way that Superman balanced dark elements with a vibrant version of Clark Kent, Ritchson could make Booster Gold funny but rooted in complex emotions. Ritchson’s football and comedy past in Blue Mountain State makes him perfect for Booster Gold, a former player.

Catman

Catman might be a bit of an odd character for DC fans who are not comic readers. That said, James Gunn’s time at both Marvel and DC has shown that he excels with lesser-known characters. He made the Guardians of the Galaxy famous, elevating Peacemaker’s status within DC. Catman could work on a Secret Six project.

The modern version of Catman is a nuanced character who looks like Batman with a feline motif. He has a code of honor, but can get brutal if needed. It is a complex role that allows Ritchson to tap into some of the beats he would have explored as Batman, while playing a character whose wealth escapes him, and so he must reinvent himself.

Hawkman

Finally, Hawkman would be a role that Ritchson not only matches physically, but that could bring out one of the most action-packed performances from the actor. Hawkman is one of DC’s most intense heroes, always seeking the thrill of a fight and often showing a short temper. As Hawk in тιтans, Ritchson was effective in portraying that.

However, Hawkman has a softer side towards his loved one, Hawkgirl. With Isabela Merced’s Hawkgirl being a standout in Gunn’s Superman movie, that dynamic should be explored in the DCU eventually. While the actors’ 18-year age difference could affect Alan Ritchson‘s Hawkman chances, the character’s many resurrections could be used to explain it. As such, the DCU role could be nuanced.