Magic Mike actor Joe Manganiello will play Deathstroke in Ben Affleck’s upcoming solo Batman film. The news was confirmed when Affleck shared a video online of Manganiello in his Deathstroke get-up, but didn’t reveal the actor underneath the mask or what role the character would play in the upcoming film.
According to a Wall Street Journal blog, DC Entertainment president and chief creative officer Geoff Johns confirmed the news saying that he would be discussing his new role overseeing Warner Bros.’ movies based on DC Comics’ characters. Manganiello, too, confirmed the news by tweeting the article:
It's on…https://t.co/tB0gjRf6pc
— Joe Manganiello (@JoeManganiello) September 8, 2016
Rumours had been rife among comic book and film enthusiasts for a while, speculating Manganiello’s casting way before it was announced. However, the speculations were more towards Manganiello featuring in the upcoming Justice League film. Fans first caught on to the idea when Manganiello was spotted in London in the same location that Justice League was shooting in. According to the ComicBook, the actor soon started following Zack Snyder on Twitter, the director of Justice League. However, it isn’t confirmed whether Manganiello would also make an appearance in the Justice League film starring Ben Affleck as Batman, Henry Cavill as Superman, Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman, Ezra Miller as Flash, and Jason Momoa as Aquaman.
Fans have thus far appreciated the casting choice for the character:
Joe Manganiello as Deathstroke had got to be one of the most beautiful casting calls I've seen in the DC universe.
— Aashish Mehrotra (@AgniBankai) September 9, 2016
This is like the best pick. Gratz. https://t.co/Jn3dOn0Jpv
— Chase.117 (@Reaper189) September 9, 2016
@JoeManganiello Joe is really exciting, you were meant to be Deathstroke, I have really wanted to see you as a villain!,congrats!
— Sandra Arroyo (@MSplendor) September 8, 2016
@JoeManganiello @ReevzFX best choice IMO to play such an amazing character #Deathstroke #SladeWilson #HelloRobin
— @Thebatsytwins (@Thebatsytwins) September 8, 2016
Deathstroke, whose real name is Slade Wilson, is a fictional supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. He is a mercenary and assassin who first appeared in The New Teen Titans (vol. 1) #2 (1980). The character has been adapted from the comics into multiple forms of media, including several Batman related projects and the Teen Titans animated series. Slade Wilson/Deathstroke later appeared on The CW’s live action TV series Arrow, where he is portrayed by Manu Bennett.
The Batman solo feature isn’t expected before 2018. As for Justice League, it hits theaters on November 16th, 2017.
Feature Image Courtesy: People.com
