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Before The Batman became Matt Reeves’ origin story project for DC’s cape crusader, the film, titled the same, was going to be a continuation to Justice League (2017) within the DC Extended Universe. The film would have featured Ben Affleck reprising his role in the film, while also being attached to it as the director. And Slade Wilson/Deathstroke would have featured as his nemesis. Snyder brought in Joe Manganiello to portray the character and Affleck, who was attached to The Batman as the director, had shot test footage with the actor, donning his iconic costume with the signature mask.
Though that test footage or Manganiello’s Deathstroke never made it to the big screen in the then-planned Batfleck movie, storyboard artist Jay Oliva has shared concept art for the character. The image features Deathstroke wielding his sword in action, with Batman’s image reflecting on the shining blade. The art could have turned into an action sequence if the movie had ever been made, but Deathstroke and Batman’s arch rivalry is now embedded into these concept arts.
This was when Zack Snyder was attached to the project and was instated as the visionary for the franchise. The plans were revealed early in 2016, but the film wouldn’t have been released until 2018-2019, giving time for Rick Famuyiwa’s The Flash and James Wan’s Aquaman. But Affleck became weary of the project, especially after Snyder departed from the franchise and DC Films and Warner Bros.’ constant changes to the series. He first left the film as a director and eventually made way for Matt Reeves’ own iteration of the character, with the movie set outside the DCEU.
Fans Haven’t Given Up on Deathstroke
In 2021, Zack Snyder’s Justice League featured Joe Manganiello’s Deathstroke in two pivotal scenes. Firstly, he meets Lex just like in the original film, but despite offering him a place in his league, Lex tells him Batman’s secret identity instead. This would have been more relatable to the then-planned The Batman with Ben Affleck. In the film, Deathstroke would have sought vengeance against Bruce, holding him responsible for his family’s death. He was also featured as part of Batman’s Knightmare squad, wherein Wilson joined Batman in his efforts to undo Darkseid’s invasion.
Ever since the film’s successful debut on HBO Max, fans have called out Warner Bros. to produce the Batfleck movie or even a spin-off Deathstroke series, set within the DCEU. However, Joe Manganiello himself has come to accept that he may never don the suit again, especially since Zack Snyder has left Warner Bros. for good.
Deathstroke had an important part to play in both The Batman and the overall franchise, which is now dubbed by fans as Snyderverse. The character holds high significance in Bruce Wayne’s lore in the comics, with their friendship and enmity going back to their days in the League of Assassins in some issues. But with the current slate of DC Extended Universe, there doesn’t seem to be any scope for Manganiello to make an appearance in the near future of the franchise.
DCEU is headed in an unknown direction and probably nothing will become clear until The Flash and its take on the multiverse. After the merger between Discovery and Warner Bros., there are fan calls and petitions once again making their way on social media for making The Batman with Ben Affleck and Joe Manganiello, but it’s unlikely that the studio is interested in that continuation.
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