From Smallville’s Aquaman To Reacher: 4 Ways Alan Ritchson’s DC Role Was His Toughest Training

Alan Ritchson’s career has officially exploded in recent years, but long before he was the unstoppable force known as Jack Reacher, he was a fresh-faced superhero taking his first big plunge into the DC Universe. The actor's debut role was none other than Arthur Curry, the future Aquaman, on The CW’s hit series, Smallville. This pivotal role, which began in October 2005, was a foundational experience that Ritchson has recently reflected on, comparing the overwhelming nature of his first major action role to the demanding physicality of his current blockbuster series. The journey from a guest star on a teen superhero show to a global action star is a compelling narrative of growth, discipline, and seizing a second chance at a major franchise.

The significance of his time on Smallville is often overlooked, yet it was the crucial stepping stone that introduced Ritchson to the world of superhero action and the challenges of a major television production. His appearances as Arthur Curry were integral to expanding the show's world beyond Clark Kent’s immediate orbit, setting the stage for the formation of the show's own version of the Justice League. This early work laid the groundwork for the massive, physically demanding roles that would define his career nearly two decades later.

Alan Ritchson: Complete Biography and Smallville Profile

Alan Ritchson is an American actor, model, singer, and filmmaker, best known for his roles in superhero and action franchises. His early career included modeling for Abercrombie & Fitch and a brief stint on American Idol before landing his breakout acting role.

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• Full Name: Alan Michael Ritchson
• Date of Birth: November 28, 1982
• Place of Birth: Grand Forks, North Dakota, U.S.
• Height: 6 ft 2 in (188 cm)
• Major Roles: Aquaman / Arthur Curry (Smallville), Thad Castle (Blue Mountain State), Gloss (The Hunger Games: Catching Fire), Hank Hall / Hawk (Titans), Jack Reacher (Reacher)
• Acting Debut: Smallville (2005)
• Smallville Role: Arthur Curry / Aquaman
• Total Smallville Appearances: 4 Episodes (2005–2010)
• Key Smallville Episodes:
  • Season 5, Episode 4: "Aqua" (First Appearance)
  • Season 6, Episode 11: "Justice" (Formation of the proto-Justice League)
  • Season 8, Episode 1: "Odyssey" (Implied, often cited as a key team-up episode)
  • Season 10, Episode 9: "Patriot" (Final appearance, featuring his wife Mera)
• Current Status: Lead role as Jack Reacher in the critically acclaimed Amazon Prime Video series Reacher.

The Overlooked Significance of Arthur Curry’s Smallville Debut

Ritchson’s introduction as Arthur Curry in the Season 5 episode "Aqua" was a landmark moment for Smallville. Prior to this, Clark Kent (Tom Welling) had only encountered villains and allies tied directly to Kryptonite or his own mythology. Arthur Curry, or "A.C.," represented the first major DC Comics hero outside of the Superman family to appear on the series.

The character was portrayed as an environmental activist and college student who clashed with Lex Luthor (Michael Rosenbaum) over a secret naval weapon. His initial meeting with Clark was less than friendly, setting up a dynamic rivalry that eventually blossomed into a crucial friendship. The episode "Aqua" was an immediate hit, leading to Ritchson’s return and the eventual introduction of other key heroes.

In Season 6, Ritchson returned for the fan-favorite episode "Justice." This episode is legendary among fans as it officially brought together the first iteration of the Justice League on the show, featuring Clark, Green Arrow (Justin Hartley), Cyborg, Impulse, and Aquaman.

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Ritchson’s performance brought a necessary charisma and physical presence to the role. He was the quintessential jock superhero, often seen shirtless or in his signature orange and green hoodie, embodying the youthful, rebellious spirit of a hero who operates outside the law. This early exposure to the team-up dynamic and the weight of a major comic book character proved invaluable.

How Smallville’s Aquaman Role Prepared Alan Ritchson for Reacher

The contrast between Ritchson’s two most famous roles—Aquaman on Smallville and Jack Reacher—is stark, yet Ritchson has frequently cited his early DC work as essential training. The action in Smallville was often less grounded and more focused on visual effects and wirework, whereas Reacher demands brutal, realistic, and highly choreographed fight sequences.

Ritchson has discussed how the sheer scale of his first major TV role was "more overwhelming than you know," forcing him to learn quickly on the job. This baptism by fire in the world of television production, stunts, and the pressure of portraying a beloved comic book entity built a foundation of resilience and professionalism that he carries into his current work.

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1. The Physicality of the Superhero Body

Even as a young actor, Ritchson had to maintain the physique of a superhero. Playing Aquaman meant frequent shirtless scenes and a constant focus on fitness. This discipline was the precursor to the extreme physical transformation he underwent to embody the massive, 6'5" (in the books) Jack Reacher. His early experience with the "superhero aesthetic" on Smallville gave him a head start in understanding the commitment required for such a physically demanding career.

2. Mastering Water Stunts and Action

A key aspect of playing Aquaman involved extensive work in water. From his debut episode "Aqua," which revolved around him as a mysterious swimmer, to his later appearances, Ritchson spent significant time on set performing stunts in tanks or natural bodies of water. Ritchson recently revealed that filming water-based action scenes for Reacher Season 3 brought back "flashbacks" to his time on Smallville, highlighting the lasting impact of that early, specialized training.

3. The Pressure of a Failed Aquaman Pilot

After his successful debut on Smallville, Ritchson was actually slated to star in his own spin-off series, an Aquaman pilot for The CW. However, the network ultimately passed on the series, and another actor, Justin Hartley (who later played Green Arrow on Smallville), was cast in the lead for a different version of the pilot, which also didn't get picked up. This early career setback, Ritchson has noted, taught him a valuable lesson in resilience and the unpredictable nature of Hollywood, preparing him for the long, winding road to becoming a lead actor.

4. The Evolution from Guest Star to Leading Man

On Smallville, Ritchson was a recurring guest star, often playing a supporting role to Clark Kent’s Superman. His work on the show, alongside seasoned actors like Tom Welling, Erica Durance (Lois Lane), and Michael Rosenbaum, taught him set etiquette and how to elevate a supporting role. This experience was the perfect training ground for the responsibility of being the number-one star on the call sheet for a global hit like Reacher, proving he could handle the pressure and the workload of a major franchise lead.

Alan Ritchson’s tenure as Aquaman on Smallville was more than just a footnote; it was the essential first chapter in a career defined by action, intensity, and a remarkable physical presence. The lessons he learned as Arthur Curry—from the demands of a superhero physique to the complex nature of TV production—are directly responsible for the grounded, powerhouse performance he delivers today as Jack Reacher.

Alan Ritchson’s DC Legacy Beyond Smallville

Ritchson’s connection to the DC Universe did not end with Smallville. He later returned to the world of DC Comics in the series Titans, where he played the role of Hank Hall, a.k.a. Hawk, a street-level hero known for his incredible strength and aggressive fighting style. This second DC role, which was far more mature and complex than his Aquaman portrayal, solidified his status as a reliable action star and a fan-favorite within the modern superhero landscape.

The journey from the clean-cut, water-based hero of Smallville to the gritty, martial arts-focused warrior of Titans, and finally to the relentless, hyper-competent investigator of Reacher, showcases a rare and impressive career evolution. For many fans, Alan Ritchson’s Aquaman will always be the first live-action version of Arthur Curry they truly connected with, a youthful, powerful hero who helped pave the way for a generation of interconnected superhero television.