Deathstroke Likely To Be Recast, Standalone Film Not Happening

The build up and subsequent decline of Joe Manganiello’s solo Deathstroke movie has rivaled that of a Shakespearen tragedy.

Long before Justice League hit theaters nearly two years ago, the True Blood actor found himself attached to play the DC villain – whose real name is Slade Wilson – in a standalone Batman flick, which at the time was set to be directed by and star Ben Affleck. Fan reaction to the casting was through the roof, and it wasn’t long before Godzilla director Gareth Edwards was brought on to flesh out a Deathstroke standalone film.

Then Justice League happened. While Manganiello’s take on the character officially debuted in its post-credits scene, the movie was nothing short of disastrous. WB reconsidered its entire approach to the DC Extended Universe, leading Ben Affleck to step away from directing The Batman before eventually hanging up the cowl on the character for good. Meanwhile, Edwards dropped out of the solo Deathstroke movie, leaving Manganiello’s future as the antihero up in the air.

Now, here at We Got This Covered we’ve heard word that WB is looking to start fresh with Slade Wilson and are hoping to recast the role for good sometime in the near future. Apparently, there’s still a chance Idris Elba could be playing Deathstroke in James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad. Originally, it was said that the Hobbs & Shaw actor would replace Will Smith as Deadshot, but later the role was entirely rewritten so Elba could put his own spin on a different character.

If that doesn’t happen though, Deathstroke could also pop up in the upcoming live action Teen Titans movie portrayed by a completely new actor, which seems just as likely. The masked assailant has long been connected to the group of young heroes, evening appearing in the animated Teen Titans Go! To the Movies, where he was voiced by LEGO Batman actor Will Arnett of all people.

For the time being, it looks Warner Bros. has more than enough options for introducing a new take on Deathstroke to the big screen. While it’s a truly a shame we’ll never get to see what Manganiello could do with the villain, maybe a fresh start is for the best?