According to none other than DC Comics president/CCO and DC Extended Universe overlordGeoff Johns,Joe Manganiellowill indeed be playing the mercenary/assassin Deathstroke in Warner Bros.' upcoming film slate. It’s looking like Manganiello will be antagonizingBen Affleck’s Batman in the writer/director/star’s solo adventure that’s looking to hit screens as early as 2018. And while fans might get a glimpse of Deathstroke, a.k.a. Slade Wilson, inZack Snyder’s upcomingJustice Leaguefilm (perhaps in a stinger scene), we’ve actually already seen the man in action thanks to a teaser released by Affleck over social media.
Though quotes are scant at the moment, the news comes fromThe Wall Street Journalwhich reports that Johns himself confirmed the casting. Johns stopped short of confirming whether or not Manganiello had a cameo inJustice League, but since the production is still underway in London, there’s every chance that he’ll make an appearance. Whether that was always the plan or whether that opportunity will come up in the eventual reshoots remains to be seen.
In case you missed it, here’sAffleck’s reveal of the live-action version of Deathstroke, now known to be Manganiello:
Manganiello himself recently followed the news up with a sort of confirmation of his own:
Perhaps best known for his role of the werewolf Alcide on HBO’sTrue Blood, Manganiello has landed high-profile gigs in recent years, including the two movies in theMagic Mikefranchise andSuicide SquaddirectorDavid Ayer’s law enforcement action filmSabotage, oppositeArnold Schwarzenegger. Coming in at 6'5" and bringing a wealth of stunt and action experience to the role, Manganiello’s Deathstroke will certainly be an imposing obstacle for the Batman. Created in 1980 byMarv WolfmanandGeorge Pérez,a history of his villainous deeds can be found right here.
Personally, I love the selection of Deathstroke as an antagonist (and Manganiello’s casting as well) in Warner Bros.' upcoming film(s) because he’s not your average villain, but rather a mercenary for hire. Will he be tasked with taking down the Batman in a more up-close-and-personal manner than the convoluted plan that Lex Luthor devised inBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justice? Money’s all the motivation a hired gun like Deathstroke would require, and all the exposition I’d need to see these two go toe-to-toe in a big-screen movie.
Do you think Manganiello is right for Deathstroke? Do you think Deathstroke is right for the DCEU? Let us know in the comments below!
