Joe Manganiello reveals scrapped DCEU plans for Deathstroke

Actor Joe Manganiello has revealed several scrapped plans for his character, Deathstroke, within the now-defunct DC Extended Universe (DCEU). While promoting his new memoir, ‘Bloodlines’, Manganiello detailed how numerous projects involving the character were proposed over a six-year period but ultimately failed to materialize.

Proposed storylines included Deathstroke serving as the antagonist in an ‘Aquaman’ sequel, appearing in various iterations of a ‘Suicide Squad’ follow-up, and a potential showdown against Will Smith’s character, Deadshot. Manganiello also noted that discussions for a standalone Deathstroke film had taken place.

The actor reflected on the frustration of these recurring cancellations, particularly following the cancellation of Ben Affleck’s ‘Batman’ project, which limited his portrayal of the character to a brief appearance during reshoots. Despite the professional disappointment, Manganiello expressed gratitude for being cast in the role, noting that the opportunity provided personal motivation during a period when he was recovering from a near-fatal illness.