Joe Manganiello Is Deathstroke In Ben Affleck’s ‘Batman’ Solo Film [UPDATED]
Two weeks agoBen Affleckshared a brief video revealing Deathstroke as the villain for the star/producer/director’sBatmansolo film. Later that day, fans picked up on some clues that led them to believe that Magic Mike actorJoe Manganiellomight be the person under that Deathstroke mask. And now we have a confirmation that Joe Manganiello is Deathstroke.
Our August 29th 2016 story follows with updates:08
— Ben Affleck (@BenAffleck)July 18, 2025
As you’re able to see, Affleck did not offer any additional commentary to go with his cryptic tease. It was later confirmed viaTheWrapthat Deathstroke will be the main villain in Affleck’s upcoming Batman solo movie.
As soon as Affleck served up that Deathstroke tease, fans began speculating about who could be playing the character, withOmegaUndergroundcasting their sights onJoe Manganielloo. The actor, who waspreviously rumoredto be playing Deathstroke inSuicide Squad, is currentlyin Londonand recentlyfollowed Zack Snyderon Twitter. It’s not exactly airtight evidence — there are surely hundreds if not thousands of people who are in London and also follow Zack Snyder on Twitter, and most of them are not playing Deathstroke. But make of it what you will.
Joe Manganiello is Deathstroke
Update:DC executiveGeoff Johnsconfirmed toWSJthat Joe Manganiello has been cast as Deathstroke for Affleck’s Batman movie. Johns declined to comment on whether Deathstroke has a cameo inJustice League,which is currently shooting in London. So we still don’t know if the footage Affleck released online was a screen test or part of shooting for Zack Snyder’s superhero team-up film.
Created in 1980 by Marv Wolfman and George Pérez, Deathstroke is the alter ego of Slade Wilson, a mercenary and assassin who’s done battle with DC heroes like Batman and Green Arrow. He’s trained in martial arts and combat, and thanks to an experimental serum he has enhanced speed, stamina, endurance, and reflexes. In addition, he has a brilliant tactical mind and an accelerated healing factor.
The character has been portrayed in live-action on a few different shows. He was played by Antonio Sabato Jr. inLois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, Michael Hogan inSmallville, and Manu Bennett inArrow. However,Justice Leaguewill be the first time Deathstroke has appeared in a live-action movie. Here’s what the character looks like in the comics:
Justice Leagueisn’t out tilNovember 17, 2017so expect many more little tidbits of information to trickle out between now and then.Zack Snyderis directing and Affleck stars withGal Gadot,Ezra Miller,Jason Momoa, andRay Fisher.
