The internet exploded last week when Ben Affleck tweeted out test footage of DC Universe’s Deathstroke. Now, Entertainment Weekly has confirmed that Joe Manganiello (Pee-wee’s Big Holiday) will suit up as the villain in Affleck’s solo Batman film. It is still too early to tell if Deathstroke will be the film’s only villain, rumors of an appearance from Jared Leto’s Joker are still floating around.
Slade Wilson a.k.a. Deathstroke is a highly skilled master assassin. Operating as a soldier of fortune, this master of strategy may lack super powers, but makes a formidable foe for Batman. His battlefield tactics and agility surpass many of the other villains in the DC Universe.
Hints of Deathstroke’s appearance in the DCEU came after his character’s removal from the DC Television Universe where he was portrayed by Manu Bennett on CW’s Arrow.
The Affleck Batman film does not have an official release date but is to be expected to land in theaters somewhere in between 2018 and 2020. Affleck will direct and co-write the script with Geoff Johns.
Manganiello is known for his roles on HBO’s True Blood and in the Magic Mike franchise. He will next be seen in the comedy Drunk Parents alongside Alec Baldwin and Salma Hayek.