Alan Ritchson addresses Batman rumors – with a clear statement
The Reacher star has been in talks with DC
Alan Ritchson puts an end to the speculation: The "Reacher" star will not be playing Batman. Rumors to that effect have surfaced time and again. That's why the actor addressed the matter during the "Reacher" panel at this year's San Diego Comic-Con, as seen in a social media clip from the website Cinemablend. He told the fans in attendance:
"I feel like I have to address this, because it comes up all the time. I don't ever want to lead somebody on to feel like maybe – look, I've had a lot of conversations with DC about what to do, because we'd like to work together. Never say never, maybe Batman is in the future, but I don't think it is, because we're having conversations about another character."
His last statement caused a murmur among the audience. Ritchson didn't reveal which character he was referring to. But: Fans can still hope to see the actor in the DC Universe. One of the attendees immediately had an idea and jokingly suggested Wonder Woman – which drew loud laughter from both the audience and Ritchson.
Batman will return
As for Batman, fans can still look forward to another movie. In "The Batman 2," Robert Pattinson will once again play the titular superhero. However, this version of the Dark Knight exists independently of the DC Universe, which was established on the big screen last year with James Gunn's "Superman" adaptation. Exactly what the sequel by director and screenwriter Matt Reeves will be about is not yet known. The first teaser, which was released recently, didn't shed any light on that either. The atmospheric clip merely gives us a brief glimpse of Batman. At least Reeves has already hinted that the sequel will focus more on the character of Batman's alter ego, Bruce Wayne. The film was originally scheduled to be released next year. However, the theatrical release of "The Batman 2" has since been postponed: it is now set for February 18, 2028.
Reacher and Runner: Alan Ritchson stays on the action track
As for Alan Ritchson, some fans may be disappointed that they won't get to see him as Batman. But the actor will continue to embody the signature role that gave his career a major boost for quite some time to come: Jack Reacher. New episodes of the action series are coming soon. The fourth season of "Reacher" premieres on August 12, 2026, on Prime Video. This time, the title character is set to face ruthless adversaries from the highest echelons of power. And one thing is already certain: the series will continue after that. The fifth season of the popular series has also already been greenlit.
In addition, Ritchson will soon be appearing on the big screen in a new action movie. In "Runner," he plays former elite soldier Hank Malone. He now makes a living as a courier for particularly sensitive cargo. His latest assignment: to transport a vital organ for a terminally ill seven-year-old girl. At his side is medical courier Ben, played by Owen Wilson. The problem: A ruthless gangster has his sights set on the cargo. What follows is a merciless fight for survival. "Runner" hits theaters on September 11, 2026. To get in the mood, you can watch the trailer here:
