Yesterday (29th August), Ben Affleck uploaded a cryptic video on his social media accounts showing the legendary DC Comics assassin, Deathstroke, while filming “Justice League”.
Earlier this year, when “Arrow” creator Marc Guggenheim was asked whether Deathstroke would make a return to the TV show, he replied that DC villain was “tied up in another DC project”. Now we know why – that’s caused he will be the main baddie in Affleck’s upcoming “Batman” solo movie!
Fans were quick to speculate that the Deathstroke video clip is actually a test footage based on the movie Affleck is currently developing with DC Entertainment. Word on the street also has it that Deathstroke will be making his big screen debut appearance in “Justice League” before serving as the main antagonist in the Batman solo film.
Created by Marv Wolfman and George Perez in 1980, Slade Wilson, aka Deathstroke, first appeared in DC Comics’ “The New Teen Titans #2”. According to Brian Gallagher, he even received his own standalone comic book series (a total of 65 issues), thanks to his rising popularity.
Although Deathstroke was initially created as a villain opposing the Teen Titans, the comic series also saw him clashing with the Dark Knight on several occasions. The duo’s first encounter was 1991 standalone arc “City of Assassins” where Batman was brutally beaten up by Deathstroke.
We have no doubt that the dangerous and hard-edged mercenary will make a nice match for Affleck’s older iteration of the Caped Crusader in his solo adventure. To echo the sentiments of many DC fans, Deathstroke is long overdue for a starring role in a movie, especially one with him starring as the primary villain.
Watch the first footage of Deathstroke below:
So now we’re left with this question – who’s playing this villainous character? Joe Manganiello is heavily rumoured to be in talks for the role of Deathstroke. For the record, the actor is currently in UK right now; that’s where “Justice League” is also being filmed.
UPDATE (9th September, 10:55am):
It’s official guys. DC Entertainment president and chief creative officer Geoff Johns confirmed the news yesterday (8th September) that Joe Manganiello is set to play Deathstroke. However, he wouldn’t spill the beans on whether or not fans can expect to see the supervillain in “Justice League” first.
What do y’all think of Manganiello’s potential casting? Think he’ll be perfect for Deathstroke?
To check out the full list of DC future films’ release dates, head on over here.
Sources: Movie Web, Screen Rant, Forbes, Wall Street Journal.
