Hey there, fellow superhero fanatics! You know, the internet is a wild place. One minute we’re all talking about who should be the next Batman, and the next, a name pops up for Aquaman that you might not have initially considered: Alan Ritchson. Best known recently for his no-nonsense portrayal of Jack Reacher, and someone who has even thrown his hat in the ring to play the Caped Crusader, Ritchson has surprisingly become a popular fan cast for the King of Atlantis. Stay with me, because the reasons behind this groundswell of support are actually pretty intriguing!
We all remember Jason Momoa’s time as Aquaman in the DCEU, a portrayal that brought an exciting cinematic legacy to the character, starring in the biggest film of that universe. His take was unique, to say the least, with the character being somewhat transformed to fit Momoa’s charismatic personality. However, there’s a noticeable buzz online, a desire for a different approach this time around – a more classic take on the Justice League hero. And who has the internet decided might fit that bill? You guessed it, Alan Ritchson.
The Internet Has Spoken (and Some Might Be Forgetting Something!)
Seriously, scroll through the superhero corners of the web, and you’ll see the name Alan Ritchson cropping up in discussions about who should be the next Aquaman. It’s become a genuine fan-casting trend! But here’s where it gets a little ironic, a little “you’re never gonna believe this” as one Smallville fan perfectly put it. You see, while many modern fans might only know Ritchson from his recent roles, this isn’t his first dip in the Atlantean waters.
He’s Been Here Before: Alan Ritchson’s History as Aquaman in Smallville
Let’s take a trip back to 2005, shall we? That’s when Alan Ritchson first made a splash as Arthur “AC” Curry/Aquaman in the Superman prequel series Smallville. For those who might be newer to the DC scene, Smallville was a pretty big deal, often referencing or adapting a surprising number of DC characters. Aquaman became a fairly substantial presence in the show. Remember the season five episode “Aqua,” or the epic “Justice” crossover that brought together a young Superman, Green Arrow, Cyborg, and Impulse? Ritchson was right there as Aquaman!
Interestingly, Ritchson was even set to lead his own Aquaman spinoff series, starring in the pilot episode. However, due to his relative inexperience at the time, he was ultimately recast. Reflecting on his initial casting, Ritchson mentioned a couple of years ago, “I was the only guy out of probably 3,000 people they auditioned that didn’t come in with some kind of affectation. I was just coasting on these instincts to be natural. He just happens to be a superhero, but he’s also just a guy”. Despite this history, it seems many newer fans have forgotten this connection.
Why Now? Ritchson’s Rise to Prominence and the Shift in Perception
So, why is Ritchson suddenly a hot name for Aquaman again? Well, a lot has changed since 2005. His recent roles in projects like Amazon’s Reacher and even a stint in Fast X have significantly boosted his profile. He’s become one of the most popular television stars of the moment, successfully transitioning into bigger film roles. These performances have showcased the physicality and intensity that are definitely required for any superhero role.
It seems that Ritchson’s earlier portrayal in Smallville, while significant for those who watched the show, might have flown under the radar for a large portion of today’s superhero-loving audience. Now, with his increased visibility and proven ability to command the screen, combined with the fond memories some have of his earlier take, he’s become an attractive choice. As one might say, he was great before, and he’s now an even bigger star than ever!
The Allure of a “Classic” Aquaman in a New DCU
Beyond Ritchson’s personal journey, there’s also the matter of what fans might want for the new DCU. With Jason Momoa now set to portray Lobo, the door is wide open for a new Aquaman. Many are hoping for a departure from Momoa’s interpretation, yearning for a version that aligns more closely with the classic comic book archetype. Interestingly, Ritchson, with his blonde hair and impressive physique, resembles this more traditional iteration of the character. As James Gunn and his team aim to create a DCU that feels distinct from its predecessor, opting for a different style of Aquaman could be a strategic move.
Ritchson vs. Momoa: A Different Kind of King of the Seven Seas
It’s not about one actor being “better” than the other; it’s about different interpretations. Momoa’s Aquaman was a force of nature, a powerful and charismatic figure whose look and demeanor were specifically crafted for him. Ritchson’s potential Aquaman, based on his Smallville performance and his overall presence, would likely offer a distinctly different vibe. This difference in iteration could be precisely what justifies bringing back an actor who has previously played the role in a new universe.
Gaps in the Narrative and Potential Angles
While the enthusiasm is there, there are still some unknowns. We don’t have extensive details readily available about the specifics of Ritchson’s performance and storylines in Smallville beyond a few mentions. The details surrounding the unproduced spinoff pilot remain largely a mystery as well. Additionally, while Ritchson has been vocal about wanting to play Batman, we haven’t heard much recently about his feelings towards potentially reprising the role of Aquaman. Considering the diverse interpretations of Aquaman in the comics, it leaves room for speculation about what kind of “classic” approach fans are truly envisioning.
The Broader DCU Context and the Likelihood of Casting
It’s worth noting that Alan Ritchson himself seems to be campaigning more actively for the role of Batman. While Aquaman has certainly proven to be a box office draw, the new DCU might not be in a rush to bring him in immediately, potentially prioritizing other popular characters first. The architects behind the franchise clearly want to establish a fresh identity and avoid immediately mirroring the DCEU. Ultimately, it seems like the ideal scenario would be to have an Aquaman who truly wants the role. If Ritchson’s heart is set on the Bat-Signal, then perhaps the King of the Seven Seas should be played by someone whose dream role it is.
Fan Perspectives and the Power of Online Buzz
Let’s not underestimate the power of the internet! Online discussions and fan casting can sometimes have a real influence on how studios perceive potential actors for roles. For long-time fans of Smallville, bringing back Ritchson as Aquaman would be a fantastic Easter egg, a nod to the show that helped bring so many DC characters to a wider audience. And for those who are just discovering Ritchson through his more recent work, his established action star presence would undoubtedly resonate.
Conclusion: A Surprising Yet Intriguing Possibility
So, why is Alan Ritchson suddenly the internet’s darling for the role of Aquaman? It boils down to a surprising combination of factors: his previous experience in the role (which many are only now rediscovering), his current status as a popular and capable action star, and the desire among some fans for a different, more classic interpretation of the character.
Of course, there are still many unknowns. What are Ritchson’s personal preferences regarding the role? What are James Gunn’s long-term plans for Aquaman in the DCU? Only time will tell. But one thing is for sure: the unexpected wave of support for Alan Ritchson as Aquaman is a compelling and intriguing possibility that has definitely got the internet talking!
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