Why Reacher's Alan Ritchson Wasn't In The Aquaman Pilot After Playing The Hero On Smallville
Before Reacher, Alan Ritchson played Aquaman on Smallville, but he lost the role in the character's failed spin-off to another Smallville star.
Alan Ritchson, known for his role in the CW series "Reacher," previously starred as Arthur Curry/Aquaman in "Smallville." The show, which aired from 2001 to 2011, introduced fans to the origins of Clark Kent (Tom Welling) and some key members of the Justice League. Ritchson joined the series in Season 5, bringing a younger version of the DC hero.
While his performance was well-received, the studio was hesitant to cast him as the lead in an Aquaman spin-off, a project that never materialized. Ritchson remained unfazed by the decision, stating that he hadn't done anything at the time and that Aquaman was his big break. Despite the setback, Ritchson learned a valuable lesson about the unpredictable nature of Hollywood.
However, another "Smallville" alum, Justin Hartley, took the Aquaman role in the pilot episode of the movie, which was filmed but never aired. Hartley went on to portray Green Arrow in the series. Ritchson and Hartley crossed paths in Season 6, Episode 11, "Justice," where their on-screen chemistry contributed to a memorable crossover that led to the formation of the Justice League.
The episode was one of the highest-rated in "Smallville." Despite the initial disappointment, Ritchson maintained a positive relationship with Hartley, stating that there was no tension between them and expressing his happiness for Hartley's success.
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