Reacher star Alan Ritchson breaks down what makes him the best choice to be the next Batman in James Gunn‘s DC Universe.

While taking part in a Career Bucket List interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Ritchson addressed his DC fan-favorite status as the top choice for Bruce Wayne/Batman in The Brave and the Bold. “I’m getting this question, would I rather play Batman or Joker.

Joaquin Phoenix crushed it, there’s no following that,” Ritchson said. “I would love to play Batman, there, I said it! Okay I’ll shout it from the rooftops, ‘I want to be Bruce Wayne!’”

He added, “Here’s the thing about Batman — you know what his superpower is? Intelligence: The dude is the smartest superhero there is. He’s inventive and he’s got all the gadgets stuff, but he’s super smart. I want to be that guy and also to have like a cave with hyper cars, sports cars, and awesome motorcycles.”

Ritchson has been the leading contender for the next Batman since his breakout performance on Reacher for Amazon Prime. As the actor’s name has risen above additional contenders including Jensen Ackles and Oscar Isaac, Ritchson has welcomed the possibility of putting on the cape and cowl.

“With all the rumors flying that I’m supposed to be playing Batman, how can I knock Batman? I would love to play Batman,” Ritchson said to Fortress of Solitude.

What is The Brave and the Bold about?

Separate from the continuity of Matt Reeves‘ The Batman, The Brave and the Bold will be the Dark Knight’s introduction to the rebooted DCU banner under DC Studios CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran.

Described by Gunn as a “strange father and son story,” the movie follows the relationship between Bruce Wayne and his son Damian Wayne/Robin. The Flash‘s Andy Muschetti is set to direct the movie while a screenwriter has yet to be announced.

The Brave and the Bold does not yet have a release date.