DC is overhauling its cinematic universe after the much-debated DCEU ended a few days back. Led by James Gunn new DCU has already announced a slate of new projects that also involve a new adaptation of the ever-popular Batman. The character of The Dark Night is dear to comic book fans and thus it also gives rise to an incredibly loyal and picky fanbase when the question of who can play the role on the big screen arises. With Robert Pattinson, the latest live-action Batman, part of a separate cinematic universe, fans have a new name who can don the cape and mask in Gunn’s DCU.

The new DCU head James Gunn faces the dilemma of casting the new Dark Knight. Every time an actor gets picked to portray the caped crusader in a live-action setting, heated online debates ensue. However, it looks like the 41-year-old Reacher star Alan Ritchson already has fans on his side to play the role of the Caped Crusader in the new-look DCU.

How did Alan Ritchson for Batman debate start?

At 6’2, 240 lbs, Alan Ritchson has the size and the ripped physique to portray an older, seasoned Dark Knight. He has already created quite a buzz in Amazon Prime’s Reacher series. The idea of Ritchson portraying Gotham’s guardian on the big screen gained traction when American filmmaker Kevin Smith, compared Ritchson’s Reacher to a version of “Batman without a cape.” Notably, Smith has deep comic ties having written a six-issue Batman miniseries, The Widening Gyre for DC. Thus, fans can assume Smith’s comments could be an indication of who the Batman will be in Gunn’s DCU. Ritchson also responded positively to the idea.

In an interview with Fortress of Solitude, the Reacher star addressed the rumors and said, “With all the rumors flying that I’m supposed to be playing Batman, how can I knock Batman? I would love to play Batman.” That’s not all. Richtson has already portrayed DC hero Hawk, in the Netflix show Titans.

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James Gunn might already have plans for his DCU Batman film titled “Batman: The Brave and the Bold. So will the pieces fall into place for Ritchson? The fans certainly seem to be on board. 

‘Makes Pattinson look like a small child’ fans eye Alan Ritchson as their next Batman

Fans voiced their approval of Alan Ritchson as the next Guardian of Gotham in a video by Luke Sherran on YouTube. “His physique is literally comic Batman,” wrote one fan. Fans are very particular about the comic book portrayals of their favorite characters and perhaps Alan Ritchson fits the bill. Another fan thought the 41-year-old would look like the caped crusader from the beloved Arkham video game trilogy. “He’d make a great Arkham Batman,” wrote the fan.

One fan claimed Ritchson would dwarf Pattinson as Batman. “He makes Robert Pattinson look like a small child,” commented the fan. Having a much bigger build would mean Ritchson will look like a bigger Batman on-screen than Pattinson. “The guy is a beast!” wrote one fan about the man who portrays Jack Reacher. One fan explored his history with DC in the TV series Titans, where he played Hawk and got killed by Red Hood.

The fan wrote, “He already has the Gotham ties as his Hawk and being killed by Red Hood. How appropriate for this guy to redeem himself as the dark knight.” As always one fan had another request if Ritchson gets to play Batman, he wrote, “Oh he definitely looks like a batman. Just make sure the batsuit looks awesome.”

Ritchson seems to be the fan favorite at the moment in some capacity and will have a lot to live up to if does end up getting the nod for the iconic character. Not to forget, the role has been portrayed by the likes of Michael Keaton and Christopher Nolan in the past and are considered the gold standard.

However, only time and James Gunn will tell if Alan Ritchson gets to put on the bat suit. Do you feel the 41-year-old is the perfect fit? Tell us in the comments.

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