DC Studios Boss Peter Safran Confirms Alan Ritchson Talks and Teases the ‘Reacher’ Star’s Untapped Depth

Few actors have been linked to the DC Universe as often as Alan Ritchson. Thanks to his breakout work as the hulking ex-military investigator in ‘Reacher’, the actor has become one of Hollywood’s most in-demand stars and a perennial favorite among fans eager to see him join James Gunn and Peter Safran’s rebooted franchise.

For a long time, much of that buzz centered on Batman. Ritchson has been a popular fan-cast for the Dark Knight, though he said in 2025 that while Batman had been discussed, he didn’t believe the role was in his future, adding that he did think something with DC was.

Now the DC Studios co-chief has addressed the actor’s future directly. Speaking with Collider’s Steve Weintraub ahead of the release of ‘Clayface’, Safran confirmed that the studio has discussed potential roles with Ritchson, though none have moved forward yet.

“We talked about a couple of things, but nothing has come to fruition at this point. I think he’s great,” Safran told Collider. When Weintraub pointed out just how popular Ritchson has become, Safran praised the actor’s range. “Yeah, but he’s just good. I also think there’s a lot more depth to him than you might have seen. I think there’s more that he can do that people haven’t seen,” he said.

Safran’s comments suggest DC sees Ritchson as more than an imposing action hero. While his physical presence has made him a natural fit for brawler-type roles, the studio appears interested in exploring a different side of his talent.

Alan Ritchson says he’s in conversation with DC about playing a different character than Batman (Via @CinemaBlend ) https://t.co/159naoTcqI

— Everything_DCU (@EverythingDCU_) July 26, 2026

That lines up with Ritchson’s own wishes. In a November 2025 interview with Screen Rant, he said he had discussed potential roles with DC Studios and expressed a preference for a character who is messier and more morally complicated than the typical clean-cut hero.

Neither Safran nor Ritchson has revealed which characters were discussed. However, insider Jeff Sneider claimed on a recent episode of The Hot Mic that Ritchson had been in talks about playing Deathstroke, though those conversations reportedly never progressed.

DC’s deep roster of heroes and villains leaves plenty of options for the actor. Gunn has also publicly said he’s a fan of Ritchson, adding to hopes that the right project will eventually come together.

The final trailer for DC’s ‘CLAYFACE’ has been released. In theaters on October 23. https://t.co/ecTMB97Sto

— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) September 24, 2026

The comments arrive during a significant year for the studio. DC Studios has released ‘Supergirl’, ‘Lanterns’ and ‘Clayface’ this year, with the R-rated ‘Clayface’ winning its opening weekend at the box office.

The studio is also navigating a new corporate chapter. Skydance acquired Warner Bros. Discovery in October 2026, with Gunn and Safran retaining their positions at the helm of DC Studios. While a DC role remains in limbo, Ritchson’s career continues to evolve. He is reportedly still attached to star in Justin Lin’s ‘Helldivers’ adaptation after Jason Momoa dropped out.

Meanwhile, Keanu Reeves recently took over the lead role in Netflix’s action film ‘Maelstrom’ from Ritchson. Even so, the actor remains one of the most sought-after leading men in the business.

For now, Safran’s remarks offer encouragement rather than a casting announcement. The key takeaway is that conversations have happened and the studio clearly values what Ritchson could bring. With so many characters still waiting to be cast in the DCU, fans will be watching closely to see whether Ritchson finally lands the role he has been hoping for.

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