DC Studios co-CEO Peter Safran confirmed that the studio has held talks with “Reacher” star Alan Ritchson about joining the DC Universe, but no deal exists and no role has been named. Safran spoke to Collider ahead of “Clayface,” DC’s latest release. Asked about Ritchson’s earlier comments on meetings with the studio, Safran said the sides discussed several ideas but “nothing that’s come to fruition at this point.” He praised the actor, saying Ritchson has more depth and range than audiences have seen so far. Safran did not identify any character.
Ritchson has been unusually open about wanting in. He told one interviewer, “I do think there is something in my future with DC.” The actor has also said Batman is unlikely to be his part. At San Diego Comic-Con, he indicated that another DC character was under discussion. Ritchson has said he wants a morally complicated figure, one “a little messier” than the conventional hero.
Co-CEO James Gunn has encouraged the speculation. On a podcast, Gunn called himself a big Ritchson fan, both as an actor and as a person, while stressing he had not yet cast Batman. Rumors have filled the gap. One report tied Ritchson to Bane in a planned “Savage Hunters” film. Journalist Jeff Sneider later said the talks actually concerned Deathstroke and never progressed. Neither claim is confirmed by DC.
Ritchson’s calendar limits the options. One report says he is booked until 2028, and “Reacher” is confirmed for at least two more seasons. He is also still attached to Justin Lin’s “Helldivers” adaptation after Jason Momoa left. Ritchson has superhero experience: he played Hawk on “Titans” and Aquaman on “Smallville.”
Fans eager for a casting announcement should read Safran’s wording closely. A studio chief who describes talks without naming a part is signaling interest, not a commitment. Supporters of the pairing see a natural fit for an actor with a large audience and a physical presence that suits comic book roles. Skeptics counter that DC’s slate is crowded and that a busy schedule may keep the two sides from lining up for years.
