The DC cinematic universe is just beginning to rebuild after a major reboot. DC Studios head James Gunn has addressed fan casting rumors for the new Batman and hinted at when the next Dark Knight film might arrive.
Many fans see Reacher star Alan Ritchson as a strong candidate for the role of Batman, and their voices have reached James Gunn. In an interview with Collider, he responded cautiously, saying casting hasn’t begun yet—but time will tell:
I haven't thought of casting yet. I am a big Alan Ritchson fan, both as an actor and as a guy... let's just wait to see what happens.
Interestingly, the 42-year-old actor himself has said he’s willing to play Batman even for free, as he revealed in a Wired Q&A. Considering the upcoming film The Brave and the Bold will portray the Dark Knight as Damian Wayne’s father, Ritchson could be a fitting choice.
Meanwhile, James Gunn isn’t ready to confirm exactly when Batman will return to the screen as part of the new DC Universe. It’s known that Robert Pattinson’s version of the character will not be part of the rebooted DCU. Still, it’s unlikely that The Brave and the Bold will release in 2027, as The Batman 2 directed by Matt Reeves is already scheduled for that year:
Probably not, probably not in the same calendar year again. I'm not going to say if The Brave and the Bold is the first time you'll see this Batman.
In the meantime, director Matt Reeves has reportedly completed the script for The Batman sequel starring Robert Pattinson. A new Marvel/DC comic book crossover was also unveiled, where the Dark Knight faces off against Wolverine.
