Manganiello Details Canceled Deathstroke Plans, Including Gareth Evans Film
The actor says Warner Bros. at one point considered a standalone Deathstroke movie from The Raid director Gareth Evans.
Joe Manganiello has described the Deathstroke projects that never materialized during his years in the DC Extended Universe, including a standalone film that Warner Bros. at one point considered with The Raid director Gareth Evans. Manganiello discussed the unrealized plans in an interview with Rich Roll promoting his memoir Bloodlines, as reported by slashfilm.com.
Manganiello said that over six years he was told his character, Slade Wilson, would appear as a villain in Aquaman 2, in Suicide Squad 2, and in a Deadshot versus Deathstroke project. He said the Suicide Squad sequel idea fell apart after Will Smith, who played Deadshot, left due to scheduling conflicts.
The actor also said Deathstroke was not included in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.
Years of unfulfilled plans
Manganiello's history with the role stretches back years. In November 2017, the first official look at him as Deathstroke was released, and Ben Affleck's Batman film, which was to feature the character, was later canceled. His only screen appearance as Deathstroke was in credits scenes attached to Justice League.
James Gunn and Peter Safran took over as heads of DC Studios after the DCEU. DC Studios is currently developing a Batman villain team-up movie featuring Bane and Deathstroke, with Manganiello not expected to be involved.
Quick answers
What Deathstroke projects did Joe Manganiello say were planned?
He said Warner Bros. at one point considered a standalone Deathstroke film from Gareth Evans, and that he was told the character would appear in Aquaman 2, Suicide Squad 2 and a Deadshot versus Deathstroke project.
Why did the Deadshot versus Deathstroke project fall apart?
Manganiello said the Suicide Squad sequel idea ended after Will Smith left due to scheduling conflicts.
Was Deathstroke in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom?
No. Manganiello said Deathstroke was not included in the film.