The DC Universe is an interesting place. While it has iconography and plenty of fantastic comic book characters, creating a shared universe hasn't been the easiest task. Patty Jenkins' Wonder Woman has been DC's only critical success, and the overall release schedule is largely a mystery. One of the biggest questions surrounding DC's big screen ventures is Joe Manganiello's Deathstroke. After making his debut in Justice League's post-credits scene, it's been unclear when Deathstroke might pop back up, be it in a solo movie, Suicide Squad 2, or a role in Matt Reeves' Batman movie. Manganiello was recently asked just that, and he (vaguely) updated fans on the state of Deathstroke's proper debut.
I just say 'it's in the works' because it is. and I --- really there's nothing further [...] All i can say is, for the hardcore fans, it's--it's in the works. They want it they want the character to happen, it's just 'when' he happens. Everyone's committed to that.
While giving no concrete schedule or estimation for Deathstroke's future in the DCEU, Joe Manganiello and the folks over at DC seem committed to making the character a major role in the shared universe. Now we just have to wait and see when.
Joe Manganiello's comments to MTV are sure to be a bit disappointing for the hardcore DC fans out there. The True Blood and Magic Mike alum got the role with the help of fan excitement, so there are plenty of folks invested in seeing Slade Wilson on the big screen. And while his small role in Justice League helped to amp up excitement, it's only made the waiting game even more painful.
Although DC seems committed to servicing the character of Deathstroke, it's probably not going to happen anytime soon. Joe Manganiello doesn't seem to have any shooting schedule to speak of, with DC currently hard at work with Aquaman and Shazam! And while the Joker origin movie and Suicide Squad 2 seem to be moving forward in their development, the plans for Manganiello's character are unclear.
For those unfamiliar with the comics, Deathstroke is a villain most closely associated with Batman and the Teen Titans. An Army Vet turned assassin, he was given special abilities through shady tests during his time in the Armed Forces. This results in Slade Wilson being an absolutely deadly hand to hand combatant, expert marksman, with reflexes, durability, and genius level intellect. He's one awesome character, and one that fans have been hoping to see in live-action for a long time.
While it's still unclear when Joe Manganiello's Deathstroke will return to the DC Universe, the character itself has another movie coming out: Teen Titans Go! To The Movies. Voiced by Will Arnett, Slade will be a bit more silly than what comic fans are used to. Who knows how Joe Manganiello feels about another Deathstroke hitting theaters before he can.
Teen Titans Go! To The Movies will hit theaters on July 27, 2018, and the next installment in the DCEU is Aquaman on December 21st. In the meantime, check out our 2018 release list to plan your next trip to the movies.
