Joe Manganiello was set up to be an important part of Zack Snyder’s DCEU as Deathstroke. He first appeared in the post-credit scene of the theatrical version of Justice League and audiences saw more of the character in Snyder’s version of the film. The plan was to make him the primary antagonist of Ben Affleck’s canceled solo Batman film.
The character was also supposed to lead his own solo film back in 2017 but it all got scrapped. Recently Manganiello was seen spending time with popular comic writer Jim Lee. This has led to rumors circulating online that there might be something in the works between the two.
Joe Manganiello’s Recent Photo Fuels Rumors of a Deathstroke Project
Fans were ecstatic when they saw Joe Manganiello as Deathstroke at the end of both versions of Justice League. His performance and look were loved by the audience and were looking forward to seeing more of the character in future DC films. However, all plans were scrapped and Manganiello’s future as Deathstroke was abruptly cut off.
Manganiello was recently seen enjoying a meal with popular comics writer Jim Lee (via X) who is currently the President, Publisher, and Chief Creative Officer of DC Comics. This started speculations among fans that the two might be working on something for DC. For now, there is no official word on Manganiello’s involvement with any upcoming DC projects.
The actor might be friends with Lee and just spending some quality time together. However, DC fans are expecting a collaboration between the two related to the IP be it animation or live action. It remains to be seen whether anything comes out of this intriguing meet.
Joe Manganiello is Still Interested In a Potential Deathstroke Project
DC Fans are still disappointed for many missed opportunities in the DCEU during the Zack-Snyder era. From the unrealized potential of Henry Cavill’s Superman and a canceled solo Batfleck film, Joe Manganiello’s Deathstroke was teased as a major component of the future of the DCU but was ultimately scrapped.
However, Manganiello is still interested in a Deathstroke project and he revealed to Comicbook.com that a Deathstroke series on Max would be a great project to work on. He also claimed that it could exist as its own thing outside of other DC projects and would be a totally different project than most DC offerings. He said,
“Deathstroke Origin as a series on HBO Max. Absolutely. I think it’d be such a fun series and people would absolutely love it and there’s not a lot like it out there right now. It would have its own tone and its own place within the universe. I think it would be very fun and tonally very unique.”
James Gunn has not announced anything related to Deathstroke or the involvement of Manganiello in any of his upcoming DCU projects. Fans can only hope that the actor gets a call from Gunn and be a part of his new universe as Deathstroke or a brand new character.
