Joe Manganiello reveals plot details of Ben Affleck’s canceled Batman film

In his new memoir, “Bloodlines,” actor Joe Manganiello has revealed detailed plot points for the unmade Ben Affleck Batman film. The project, which would have seen Affleck serve as writer, director, producer, and star, was ultimately canceled due to personal struggles and production issues surrounding “Justice League.”

Manganiello, who was set to reprise his role as the villain Deathstroke, described the film as a psychological thriller inspired by David Fincher’s “The Game.” The narrative centered on Deathstroke seeking revenge against Batman after being led to believe the Caped Crusader had killed his son.

Key plot elements included Deathstroke infiltrating the Batcave, taking Alfred Pennyworth hostage, and murdering Commissioner Jim Gordon. The story would have also featured Batgirl, potentially as a result of Gordon’s death, and included a mid-movie confrontation where Deathstroke nearly kills both Batman and Batgirl before they escape via an aboveground train. The film was intended to culminate in a brutal one-on-one showdown in the streets of Gotham, with action sequences inspired by the “Batman: Arkham Asylum” video game.