‘True Blood’ Star Joe Manganiello Is Deathstroke In Ben Affleck’s Batman Movie
True Blood‘s hunk Joe Manganiello will play Deathstroke in Ben Affleck’s next solo Batman movie. DC Entertainment CEO and President Geoff Johns has confirmed to the Wall Street Journal the casting of Joe Manganiello as Deathstroke in the upcoming live-action Batman film, which is estimated to release in 2018.
Last week, Ben Affleck shared a teaser video showing a possible Deathstroke screen test for his Batman movie. In the video, the villain walks towards the camera. Now, it is safe to say that was Joe Manganiello wearing the armored Deathstroke suit in the video.
Marv Wolfman and George Perez created Deathstroke for DC Comics. Deathstroke’s real name is Slade Wilson, a mercenary turned expert assassin with enhanced senses, strength, agility, and regenerative healing powers. If you want to know more about Deathstroke, head over to Screen Rant to catch up on the villain’s history, origin, connection with other characters, and more.
In the DC Comics universe, Slade Wilson makes a debut as Deathstroke the Terminator and is hired to wipe out the Teen Titans. Following that, Deathstroke crosses the path of Batman several times. Apart from DCEU animated movies, Deathstroke has appeared in live-action shows such as General Slade Wilson, portrayed by Michael Hogan, in Smallville.
In recent years, the Arrow TV show has elaborated his history with Oliver Queen who later becomes the Green Arrow, played by Stephen Amell. Manu Bennett (The Lord of the Rings) plays Deathstroke in Arrow.
Marc Guggenheim, one of the writers for the Arrow show, was asked about Deathstroke’s return in Season 4. He said on his Tumblr page, “The character of Slade Wilson is currently tied up in another DC project. Walter is more likely.”
While we thought Manu Bennett was going to star in a movie as Deathstroke, turns out that wasn’t the case. Apparently, he too wasn’t happy about getting phased out in Season 3 of Arrow, according to Cinema Blend.
It’s on…https://t.co/tB0gjRf6pc
— Joe Manganiello (@JoeManganiello) September 8, 2016
Two weeks ago, the Inquisitr reported about a Reddit leak sharing the DC Extended Universe plans of the upcoming comic book-based live-action movies. According to that leak, a Batman movie starring Ben Affleck is in the pipeline and is expected to release on October 5, 2018. Black Mask plays the main villain who helps Deathstroke and Deadshot escape from Arkham Asylum to kill the Batman.
That contradicts The Wrap‘s report about Deathstroke playing the main villain in the Batman movie.
— Ben Affleck (@BenAffleck) August 29, 2016
Geoff Johns did not confirm the release date of the new Batman movie. He is working with Ben Affleck on the script. They are yet to cast Black Mask and Deadshot, if both characters will be part of the film at all.
On the day Ben Affleck teased the Deathstroke footage, Zack Snyder was shooting Justice League in London, reported Slashfilm. Coincidentally, Joe Manganiello was also present in London with his wife Sofia Vergara and True Blood co-star Stephen Moyer. Though there is no substantial evidence, Deathstroke appearing briefly in the Justice League movie would certainly lay the foundation for his larger role in the next solo Batman project, especially since Deathstroke is one of the iconic villains who gives a tough fight and has quite a history with Batman, Nightwing, and Robin. Geoff Johns declined to confirm if Deathstroke will appear in the Justice League film.
Actor Joe Manganiello confirmed as #Deathstroke in @DCComics‘ next #Batman film: https://t.co/wWAbQmBf4f pic.twitter.com/4UkhGCcssh
— Nerdist (@nerdist) September 8, 2016
In April, the Magic Mike XXL star’s health issues made him opt out from a charity appearance with his wife, according to ET. While hunky Joe Manganiello seems fit to play Deathstroke, his experience as an athlete will certainly help him stay lean and mean.
Joe Manganiello as Deathstroke will face Ben Affleck as Batman in the untitled Batman movie reportedly due in 2018. Before that, he might play a cameo in the Justice League film that hits theaters on November 10, 2017.
[Photo by Mike Windle/Getty Images]
