James Gunn has responded to the widespread fan campaign advocating for Alan Ritchson to portray Batman in the DC Universe (DCU). With plans for The Brave and the Bold underway, Gunn acknowledged his admiration for Ritchson but indicated that the script will ultimately guide the casting decision.
The anticipation surrounding the James Gunn Batman casting update has intensified as fans eagerly await clarity on who will embody the iconic Dark Knight in the evolving DCU. Gunn’s remarks come at a crucial time, following the successful release of the first DCU film centered on Superman, setting the stage for Batman’s introduction.
James Gunn Addresses Fan Campaign Supporting Alan Ritchson for Batman
Since James Gunn announced the development of The Brave and the Bold, there has been a significant fan-driven push for Alan Ritchson—known for his role in Reacher—to be cast as Batman. This campaign gained traction as fans highlighted Ritchson’s physical presence and prior experience with DC characters, including Aquaman in Smallville and Hawk in Titans.
In a recent interview on the Happy Sad Confused podcast with Josh Horowitz, Gunn acknowledged his fondness for Ritchson. When asked about the ongoing fan support for the actor, Gunn said,
I am a big Alan Ritchson fan. Both as an actor and as a guy. Let’s just wait to see what happens.
—James Gunn
Although Gunn did not confirm any casting decisions, he recognized the attention the campaign has generated. The director implied that the character of Batman in the DCU will be somewhat older, possibly as the father of Damian Wayne, which could influence casting choices.
Clarifying the Relationship Between DCU Batman and Robert Pattinson’s Portrayal
James Gunn also addressed concerns about potential confusion between the DCU’s Batman and Robert Pattinson’s Batman from Matt Reeves’s upcoming The Batman Part II. Noting that Pattinson’s film has been postponed from 2026 to 2027—the same year Gunn aims to release The Brave and the Bold—questions emerged about two Batmans appearing simultaneously.
Gunn reassured fans that the studio plans to avoid overlapping releases, stating succinctly,
Probably not the same calendar year.
—James Gunn
When asked how he intends to distinguish the two versions of Batman, Gunn emphasized that differences will arise from the scripts and storytelling rather than the actors themselves. He explained,
Do I ever think about it? Sure. There’s people out there I think about, but let’s see where the script comes in.
—James Gunn
Regarding whether The Brave and the Bold would serve as Batman’s first appearance in the DCU, Gunn playfully declined to comment, hinting at more revelations soon:
I’m not going to say that.
—James Gunn
Alan Ritchson’s Persistent Desire to Play Batman
Alan Ritchson has been vocal about his enthusiasm for portraying Batman, adding momentum to the fan-driven effort. Standing 6 feet 3 inches tall with a powerful build, Ritchson fits the physical profile fans imagine for the role of the Dark Knight.
In interviews, he has expressed his wish to take on the character multiple times. During a conversation with Fortress of Solitude, Ritchson remarked,
With all the rumours flying that I’m supposed to be playing Batman, how can I knock Batman? I would love to play Batman.
—Alan Ritchson
He echoed this sentiment more publicly to The Hollywood Reporter, stating,
Okay, I’ll shout it from the rooftops, ‘I want to be Bruce Wayne!’
—Alan Ritchson
Ritchson’s eagerness was also evident in WIRED’s Autocomplete Interview, where he humorously offered that he would pay to don the Batman suit, even demonstrating a Batman voice:
I get asked every day if I’m playing Batman. Yeah, would I play Batman? Yes. Would I pay handsomely to be Batman? You wouldn’t even have to pay me to be Batman. I would, yeah, I would don the suit. [Tries his Batman voice] ‘Gotham is mine.’ Look at that. I don’t even have to practice. It just comes out naturally.
—Alan Ritchson
While Ritchson remains a leading fan favorite, other names such as Jensen Ackles and Brandon Sklenar have also been discussed among the fan community as potential contenders for the DCU’s Batman.
What Lies Ahead for the DCU’s Batman Casting and Future
With James Gunn at the helm of key DCU projects, the Batman casting process remains shrouded in cautious optimism and speculation. Gunn’s approach—waiting for the script’s direction before finalizing decisions—reflects a careful balance between honoring fan enthusiasm and ensuring narrative coherence.
The significance of this decision extends beyond selecting an actor; it will shape the portrayal of one of the most iconic superheroes in a redefined universe. Fans eagerly await official announcements and the first glimpses of the DCU Batman, signaling a new chapter in the evolving saga of Gotham’s protector.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does James Gunn believe in God?
A. Gunn grew up in a Catholic household and has shared that prayer is still significant to him. However, he also describes himself as “in some ways, against religion.”
Q. Is James Gunn no longer with Marvel?
A. After being removed from the Guardians of the Galaxy series in 2018, the director feared his career was finished. Fortunately, in 2022, he and Peter Safran were chosen to lead DC Studios, giving him a chance to work on another superhero project.
Q. What is James Gunn’s religion?
A. Ozu influenced the new CGI version of Krypto the Superdog in Gunn’s 2025 Superman remake. Raised in a Catholic family, Gunn values prayer in his life. However, he also describes himself as being “in some ways, anti-religion.”
