Alan Ritchsonis overqualified to become theDCU’s Batman, but in case you need more proof, these are some movies and shows you need to see. One of the most hotly debated castings for the DCU has to be who will play the new Batman.
While Robert Pattinson is already playing a novice version of the hero who is just starting on his vigilante journey, the DCU is preparing to showcase a more experienced Dark Knight with a youngRobin by his side in the DCU’s Batman, akaThe Brave and the Bold.
However, while the film remains in the earliest stages of production, one thing everyone wants to know is who will play Batman. But the perfect actor is already prepared to tackle the role, with many of his earlier projects training him to become the perfect Batman.
8Reacher
A Vigilante’s Sharp Intellect and Imposing Presence
Ritchson is the star ofReacher, an Amazon Prime Video series based on a set of books.In the show, Jack Reacher is this incredible veteran hero who has taken to solving crimes on his own terms and serving justice. Sounds like another vigilante hero we all know and love, right?
Well, Ritchson has completely made this role his own, and over the course of three seasons (with a fourth on the way), he has refined the character.This is the perfect preparation to become a dark detective in Gotham, putting the bad guys away.
7Smallville
Early Experience as a Comic Book Hero
But, if you need something a little more comic book than crime novel, then Ritchson has that covered too.Back in 2005, Ritchson appeared inSmallville, the prequel Superman show that starred Tom Welling, where heplayed Arthur Curry, aka Aquaman.
Evidently, there are differences between the God of the Sea and the Gotham Guardian, but both of these heroes are pulled straight from the pages of the comic books, and Ritchson proved that he can take that inspiration and bring it to live-action.
Ritchson has the skills necessary to do this story and the comics' justice, and to play the line between the hero and their alias.He was also good enough in the role that he returned several times between that 2005 appearance and when the show wrapped in 2010.
6Fast X
Exploring a Darker, More Complex Side
But fair enough, maybe he needs to go bigger than a CW show in terms of action and fantasy. Ritchson has also starred in theFast and Furiousseries, which is well known for evolving from a grounded street racing series into a superhero franchise past the fifth film.
So, well into that transformation inFast X, Ritchson plays Aimes, the new leader of the Agency, and an adversary to Dominic Toretto and his crew.This role gives Ritchson a chance to dig into his darker side in a movie that costs hundreds of millions to produce. With that scale, Ritchson continues to deliver and excel.
And tapping into the dark side of his characters provides a unique opportunity for Ritchson to acknowledge that characters are more than good or bad. The motivations, the shortfalls, and everything in between make up the whole.This is extremely important when considering the duality of Batman and his alter ego, Burce Wayne.
5Legends Of Tomorrow
A Glimpse into the DC Multiverse
Beyond his stint onSmallville, Ritchson has had several interactions with the world of stories built around DC Comics.And one of the most interesting comes in the form of an unnamed Hooded Vigilante from Earth-9 who shows up in season 5, episode 1 ofLegends of Tomorrow.
This was during theCrisis on Infinite Earths story arcthat happened across several Arrowverse shows. However,this moment is brief, and it could be missed.Regardless, it once again sees the actor partake in a DC show, and this time during a large-scale crossover event.
If he were to play the role of Batman in the DCU, a large interconnected world of stories,it’s almost certain he would be crossing over on a frequent basis with other characters and stories. And Ritchson has the experience and skill to do just that.
4Titans
Portraying a Brutal and Flawed Hero
Building on that last entry, the figure that Ritchson was playing during Crisis On Infinite Earths is actually known as Hank Hall, aka Hawk.This character was established in the series Titans, which sees Ritchson tackle the role in a prominent part of the show.
Once again, he dons a cape, and he wears a mask to dole out vigilante justice.This character also has several striking similarities to Batman which further prove why Ritchson is perfect for the part.From his intense aggression, his flawed nature, his cape, and his brutal fighting style.
Ritchson clearly has what it takes to play the part, and all of these comic book roles further prove that he has been tried and tested to an extreme degree in adapting these types of characters.But if more evidence is still needed, there are some other characters that highlight other virtues that could contribute to making him the perfect DCU Batman.
3Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
The Broody, Aggressive Team Member
In 2014, Alan Ritchson played Raphael inTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, a live-action adaptationof a popular animated cartoon.Raphael is by far the most broody and cool character on the team, which resembles how Batman fits into teams like the Justice League.
On top of that, Raphael is more aggressive and stronger than his brothers.While Superman may have the upper hand with his Kryptonian physiology in DC, Batman is by far the most aggressive and intense member of the team.
However, Raphael is also just as much a hero as his brothers, and he is well respected for what he brings to the team.Ritchson also reprized this role for the sequel in 2016, which again indicates how strong and well-received his earlier performance was.
2The Ministry Of Ungentlemanly Warfare
Holding His Own Among Top Talent
Next up, Ritchson recently starred inThe Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfarealongside an absolutely stacked cast.Henry Cavill, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, Cary Elwes, Alex Pettyfer, Eiza González, and more came together to create an unforgettable action flick, and Ritchson took on a leading role.
It takes a lot to be surrounded by incredible, enormously talented individuals and hold your own, much less take on a leading role.However, standing next to the literal Superman of the DCEU, Ritchson stands tall and maintains his position of influence and prominence.
If Ritchson were to be cast as Batman, that would put him in a similar situation in the Justice League as a leading member, alongside David Corenswet’s Superman. Clearly, Ritchson can take on that pressure and deliver an outstanding performance.
1Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Demonstrating Underrated Comedic Range
Finally, one thing that could be missing from some or most of the above is a touch of humor.Now, Ritchson has also proven he can take on a comedic role and still be heroic. InBrooklyn Nine-Nine, Ritchson plays the role of young Scully, back when the detective was a superstar of the precinct.
While Scully, in the contemporary setting of the show, is kind of a slob, his glory days on the force saw him prove a very capable and impressive detective, while still having fun with his partner, Hitchcock.This feels like thelast piece of the puzzle for Batman in the DCU.
As a more seasoned Bats, with a son whom he is training to fight crime, Bruce Wayne will need to have a sense of humor. And the DCU is already proving to be a much more upbeat era for these characters than what occurred in the DCEU. As a result,Alan Ritchsonfeels like the perfect choice to bring on board to play the part ofBatman.
