One glance into the We Got This Covered archives will show you that there’s currently a very long list of DC-related projects in the works over at Warner Bros., regardless of whether they wind up enshrined in the DCEU or not.
From The Batman to Birds of Prey, Nightwing to Gotham City Sirens, the list is endless, really, and if there’s one feature that garnered a ton of buzz soon after its tentative announcement, it’s Deathstroke.
Just before Justice League hit theaters back in November, we learned of the studio’s plans for a spinoff revolving around Slade Wilson, which currently has Gareth Evans and Joe Manganiello attached to direct and star, respectively. There’s still no sign of any tangible movement on the project (that we know of, mind you), but while speaking with MTV at San Diego Comic-Con this past weekend, the actor told the outlet that it’s still happening, it’s just a matter of when.
“I just say ‘it’s in the works’ because it is. and I — really there’s nothing further. … All I can say is, for the hardcore fans, it’s–it’s in the works. They want it they want the character to happen, it’s just “when” he happens. They [want to do it the right way]. Everyone’s committed to that.”
Though not the most concrete update, this is still reassuring for fans of DC’s assassin. Manganiello was initially cast for a major role in Ben Affleck’s The Batman, presumably acting as the main villain. But ever since Big Ben stepped down as director and Matt Reeves was brought on board, Deathstroke’s part in the proceedings has been left unclear. Especially considering Reeves has restarted the project from scratch. So, it’s good to know he’ll still get the spotlight elsewhere in the DCEU.
And even if his own solo vehicle is a ways off, Manganiello could well show up now and again in other DC projects. Justice League saw Wilson sign up for Lex Luthor’s Injustice League, and it seems that this will become the new overarching shape of the franchise, as Luthor collects more bad guys for his gang.
With that in mind, maybe Deathstroke will be the one to recruit Black Manta in this December’s Aquaman? Time will tell, but we certainly hope we get the chance to see Slade again sooner rather than later.
