What if we told you that Batman could be a 6’5″ smoldering superhero that hits like a truck? Well, that could be a reality if DC bosses heed the call of fans and cast Alan Ritchson in the new DC universe. If anything, this decision has been made much easier for James Gunn and Peter Safran by Ritchson, who’s expressed interest in portraying the iconic role.
In an interview with Fortress of Solitude, the Reacher star spoke about donning the Batman cape, stating: “With all the rumors flying that I’m supposed to be playing Batman, how can I knock Batman? I would love to play Batman.”
The rumors Ritchson is referring to were originated by American filmmaker Kevin Smith, who recently compared Ritchson’s Reacher to a version of “Batman without a cape.” Given the comic ties Smith has, we can’t blame fans for assuming that his statement was an indication of who would be the next Batman.
Though Jack Reacher might bear several hero similarities with Batman, the protagonist of Lee Child’s novels makes do with much less, something Ritchson also pointed out. “You know, that is a great analogy, actually. But I mean, Batman has got like a cave, and Reacher doesn’t even have a house. He’s got a toothbrush. So, I think Batman has got cool stuff. Dude is loaded and has caves, penthouses, and spotlights that call him. Batman’s cooler.”
It’s easy to deduce from his words that Ritchson is a comic fan, which shouldn’t come as much of a surprise given his past roles. Having portrayed Arthur Curry/Aquaman in Smallville and Hank Hall/Hawk in Titans, Ritchson isn’t new to the superhero genre. However, taking on the mantle of one of the most popular comic book characters is an entirely different matter.
Seven actors have played Batman on the big screen, including Adam West, Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer, George Clooney, Christian Bale, Ben Affleck, and the most recent, Robert Pattinson. It’s no secret that West, Kilmer, and Clooney’s Batman versions are pretty much the collective runt of the litter, which leaves us with Keaton, Affleck, Bale, and Pattinson.
Ben Affleck might have been the king of haymakers, but Snyder’s unfaithful adaptation of his character left many fans with a sour taste for this depiction. Keaton’s Batman was undoubtedly the one that made the nocturnal vigilante a household name, given the balance he brought between Bruce Wayne and Batman.
However, Pattinson and Bale’s portrayals left a longer-lasting impression, making them the best to ever do it. While Bale brought forth a compelling version of Bruce Wayne who nailed all the quirks you’d expect a genius, billionaire, playboy philanthropist to have, Pattinson embodied the dark, moody, and vicious Batman that keeps Gotham safe. His skill as a master detective made Reeves’ The Batman feel like a David Fincher film.
So, where would Ritchson rank on this list if he got to wear the cape for DC’s upcoming film, The Brave and the Bold? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.
