The confirmation from Safran, shared during an interview with Collider, acknowledges ongoing conversations with the actor who has gained significant traction for his leading role in Prime Video's Reacher. While no specific part was disclosed, Safran expressed high regard for Ritchson, stating, "We talked about a couple things, but nothing that's come to fruition at this point." He further praised the actor's capabilities, adding, "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."

Speculation about Ritchson's DCU future has been rife, particularly concerning a proposed "Deathstroke & Bane" movie, rumored to be titled Savage Hunters. Reports from X/Twitter account Fortress of DC suggested Ritchson was in talks for Bane, while scooper Jeff Sneider on "The Hot Mic" posited Deathstroke as his potential role. These conflicting rumors highlight the intense fan interest and the secretive nature of DC Studios' casting process.

Before these villain-centric whispers, Ritchson's name frequently surfaced in fan discussions as a top contender for Batman. However, DC Studios never officially confirmed his consideration for that iconic role. His confirmed discussions with the studio heads now shift the focus firmly onto his potential involvement in the wider DC Universe, possibly as a formidable antagonist.

Ritchson himself has previously hinted at a future within the DCU. In a July 2026 interview with Josh Horowitz, he openly discussed his rapport with James Gunn, saying, "There could be a bright future for us, and there have been a lot of conversations." This sentiment aligns with Safran's recent confirmation, suggesting a strong mutual interest in collaboration.

With his commanding physical presence, honed through Reacher and roles in action blockbusters like Fast X, Ritchson is a natural fit for the superhero genre. Yet, his performances in dramas such as Ordinary Angels demonstrate a range that could bring unexpected depth to a complex comic book character. While official details remain under wraps, the confirmed meetings and positive remarks from both sides strongly suggest that Alan Ritchson's entry into the DC Universe is highly probable, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the definitive announcement of his role.