Alan Ritchson has spent plenty of time talking about his interest in playing Batman, but it sounds like DC may have had another character in mind for the Reacher star.
According to a new report, Ritchson was in talks to play Deathstroke in the developing Bane and Deathstroke crossover movie from DC Studios. That’s a pretty interesting piece of casting to think about, especially considering the physical presence Ritchson brings to his roles.
During an appearance on The Hot Mic, scooper Jeff Sneider reported that Ritchson had been in discussions to play Slade Wilson, aka Deathstroke. There’s no clarification if he’s still in talks or word on if he actually landed the role.
For now, this remains a rumor., but the possibility is particularly interesting because Ritchson has already confirmed that he’s spoken with James Gunn about finding a place for him in the DC Universe.
Fans have frequently connected him with Batman, a role Ritchson himself has openly wanted, but Deathstroke would make a lot of sense for the actor as well.
It also wouldn’t be his first trip into the world of DC. Ritchson previously played Aquaman on Smallville, long before becoming Jack Reacher and establishing himself as one of Hollywood’s go-to action stars.
Deathstroke, meanwhile, was previously played on the big screen by Joe Manganiello, who appeared as the character in Zack Snyder‘s Justice League.
The planned Bane/Deathstroke movie has reportedly been in development for more than two years. Earlier reports indicated that the project still didn’t have a completed script, although Greg Mottola has reportedly emerged as the frontrunner to direct. Matthew Orton has been linked to the project as its writer.
What Bane and Deathstroke will actually be doing together remains a mystery. Story details are being kept under wraps, including whether Batman could factor into the movie. Pairing two of the Dark Knight’s most dangerous enemies naturally raises that question, but there’s currently no confirmation that he’ll appear.
DC Studios will begin digging further into Batman’s corner of the DCU with Clayface, which is scheduled to arrive later this year. The studio’s actual DCU Batman movie, The Brave and the Bold, still hasn’t received any major recent updates.
Still, Ritchson as Slade Wilson? It’s easy to see why DC might have considered it. He certainly has the size and action chops to make Deathstroke one hell of a physical threat.
