Reacher star Alan Ritchson has confirmed that while he will not be portraying Batman in the upcoming DC Universe, he has engaged in discussions with DC about taking on a different character.
Ritchson addressed the persistent rumors of him playing the Caped Crusader during a panel at San Diego Comic-Con. He acknowledged the widespread fan casting of him as Batman, a role many hoped he would embody as DC Studios establishes its new cinematic continuity. However, Ritchson indicated that his casting as Bruce Wayne is unlikely in the near future.
"I don't ever want to lead somebody on to feel like, 'Maybe he's…' I've had a lot of conversations with DC about what to do because we would like to work together," Ritchson stated. "I still never say never – maybe Batman is in the future – but I don't think it is."
This is not the first time Ritchson has commented on the Batman speculation. He has previously addressed the rumors, sometimes with amusement and other times confirming talks with DC but downplaying the likelihood of him playing Batman. During a recent appearance on the "Happy, Sad, Confused" podcast, he remained somewhat coy, further fueling fan theories.
Despite the unlikelihood of him donning the cowl, Ritchson revealed that discussions with DC are ongoing for a different role. "We're having conversations about another character," he teased, though he did not disclose which character it might be. The announcement was met with considerable interest from the audience at San Diego Comic-Con.
While the DCU's Batman has yet to be officially cast, the studio is moving forward with its plans. DC is set to introduce its new take on Gotham in an upcoming Clayface movie, and James Gunn and Peter Safran are developing "Batman: The Brave and the Bold." Fans can also anticipate "The Batman Part 2" in the interim.