Deathstroke Movie in the Works with 'The Raid's' Gareth Evans Directing

It looks like Joe Manganiello’s “Deathstroke” will still see the light of day (or cameras, at least). All hope of seeing the character on the big screen was crushed when Ben Affleck stepped down from the director’s chair for “The Batman” and was replaced by Matt Reeves. The director then went on to work on the film’s story from scratch, ultimately writing off Deathstroke’s involvement as the main villain of the film. However, it looks like fans of “The Raid” are in for a huge treat as the movie’s director, Gareth Evans, is in active talks to write and direct a standalone Deathstroke movie. Yep, that wasn’t an error. Not fake news either.

Deathstroke’s upcoming cinematic debut

The Wrap reports that Evans is in “early discussions” for the film with Manganiello still attached to star in the titular role. Last year, Affleck posted a teaser of could have been a test shot for Manganiello as Deathstroke. This left fans in a frenzy and were all excited for what’s to come.

https://t.co/0NsNzCtGip

— Ben Affleck (@BenAffleck) August 29, 2016

But the excitement was shortlived following Affleck’s exit from the director’s chair and transferring the reins to Reeves. Since then, Manganiello’s future as the character was left unknown. Evans, on the other hand, was initially approached by Warner Bros. to direct “Justice League Dark,” but passed it on for another pitch that he gave the executives. Evans did a pitch for a Deathstroke movie, and the studio liked so much that they ordered it to be developed right away.

Created by Marv Wolfman and George Perez, Deathstroke is an effective mercenary and talented assassin who first made his debut in “The New Teen Titans” #2. Also known as Slade Wilson, Deathstroke has been a common foe for many heroes in the DC Comics universe—commonly Batman’s recurring villain. He appeared in the “Teen Titans” animated series and went on the make his first live-action TV debut in The CW’s “Arrow,” played by Manu Bennett.
With only a matter of weeks or even days before we finally get an official word from the studio, the Deathstroke spin-off movie joins the growing roster of DC Extended Universe spin-off films being planned for release in the coming years. Back in August, it was reported that The Joker will also have a standalone movie, with Martin Scorsese attached to produce.