The name of Alan Ritchson, star of the series Reacher, has once again surfaced in the superhero universe. According to various specialized reports, the actor held talks with DC Studios to join the project that would unite two of the publisher's most fearsome villains: Bane and Deathstroke.
The topic is gaining relevance now because the studio led by James Gunn and Peter Safran continues to move forward, albeit cautiously, in the development of this film, which still does not have a definitive green light or a director confirmed by Warner Bros. Discovery.
What role was offered to Alan Ritchson?
Journalist Jeff Sneider, during his appearance on The Hot Mic podcast, clarified the rumors circulating about the involvement of Ritchson and actor Josh Brolin in the film. Although initial speculation suggested that Ritchson could play Bane, Sneider clarified that the actor's actual conversations with the studio revolved around the character of Deathstroke, also known as Slade Wilson.
According to analyst Apocalyptic Horseman, Ritchson had the opportunity to join the project but decided not to continue with the negotiations. The reason, according to this source, is that the film does not yet have final approval from Warner Bros. Discovery or a hired filmmaker, which would have created uncertainty regarding production timelines.
Bane’s casting and the search for a director
Regarding the other lead villain, reports rule out the studio looking for a non-Latino actor to play Bane, thus respecting the character's origin as established in the modern comic book canon.
As for the direction, the names of Greg Mottola, known for Superbad and his work on Peacemaker, and Ilya Naishuller, director of Nobody, had been mentioned. However, recent information indicates that Mottola will ultimately not take charge of the project, leaving the director's chair still vacant.
The script for the film is being written by Matthew Orton, who also participated in the screenplay for Captain America: Brave New World. For now, it is unclear whether the story will end up pitting both mercenaries directly against each other or if the project will lean toward a covert version of the Secret Six.
Salvation, the possible setting for the film
A report from the specialized account CartierFilms suggests that the plot would take place in Salvation, the alternate reality introduced by the character Rick Flag Sr. via the Quantum Deployment Chamber in the second season of Peacemaker.
This setting revisits the concept of the comic book Salvation Run, in which the most dangerous criminals were banished to a hostile world without law or supervision. Linking this territory with the interdimensional technology already shown in Peacemaker would allow DC Studios to connect its television productions with its cinematic ventures without completely rewriting the street-level origins of Bane and Deathstroke.
However, having both characters originate entirely from this parallel dimension could generate resistance among regular comic book readers, who are accustomed to seeing them linked to the urban and military crime of the main Earth.
Background in film and connection to Batman
Both Bane and Deathstroke have had previous appearances on the big screen. Tom Hardy played a militarized version of Bane in The Dark Knight Rises, directed by Christopher Nolan in 2012. For his part, Joe Manganiello briefly played Slade Wilson in the post-credits scene of Justice League, released in 2017.
Looking to the future, the long-term intention within the revamped DC Universe would be for both antagonists to eventually face the new Batman, which could lay the groundwork for their appearance in The Brave and the Bold or future film projects set in Gotham City.
DC Studios’ caution with its villains
The prudent handling that James Gunn and Peter Safran are giving this project reflects a change in strategy compared to previous productions in the genre. Instead of closing rushed contracts without a solid script or a confirmed director, the studio seems to prioritize narrative strength before moving forward with the final casting.
This way of working seeks to prevent recognizable characters like Bane and Deathstroke from ending up as part of a rushed production, and instead bets on ensuring that their arrival in theaters has real weight within the canon that DC Studios is building.
For now, the film centered on Bane and Deathstroke remains in the development stage under the script by Matthew Orton for DC Studios, with no release date or officially confirmed cast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Alan Ritchson confirm his participation in the DC film?
No. According to available reports, Ritchson held talks with DC Studios for the role of Deathstroke, but negotiations did not advance due to the lack of a definitive green light and a confirmed director for the project.
Which character was actually offered to Alan Ritchson, Bane or Deathstroke?
According to journalist Jeff Sneider, Ritchson's conversations with the studio focused on the character of Deathstroke (Slade Wilson), not Bane, despite initial rumors linking him to the latter.
Who will play Bane in the new DC film?
There is no confirmed actor yet. Reports indicate that the studio is ruling out choosing a non-Latino performer for the role, in line with the character's origin established in the modern comic book canon.
Who will direct the Bane and Deathstroke film?
There is still no confirmed director. The names of Greg Mottola and Ilya Naishuller had been mentioned, but recent reports indicate that Mottola will not take charge of the project.
Does the film already have the green light from Warner Bros. Discovery?
No. According to the cited sources, the project does not yet have final approval from the studio, which would have influenced Alan Ritchson's decision not to continue with the negotiations.
What setting would the story be set in?
Reports suggest that the plot could take place in Salvation, the alternative dimension introduced in the second season of Peacemaker, although this has not been officially confirmed by DC Studios.
Who wrote the film’s script?
The screenplay was commissioned to Matthew Orton, who also worked on the script for Captain America: Brave New World.
