“I couldn’t be attached”: Joe Manganiello’s Passion Wasn’t Enough to Convince James Gunn to Give Him a Second Chance at Playing Deathstroke
After the end of Zack Snyder’s stint in structuring the DC universe, James Gunn was brought on to give a new look and feel to the next chapter. With Superman: Legacy already in the works, Gunn has gotten to work as he envisions a rebooted DCU with younger characters and fresher storylines. He recently cast Milly Alcock as Supergirl, and fans cannot wait to see who takes on the remaining iconic roles of other villains and superheroes.
Joe Manganiello Wants to be Deathstroke Again
Magic Mike actor Joe Manganiello has expressed his desire to play Deathstroke in the DC world of movies in various instances in the past. He was first seen in the post-credit scene of Justice League that was released in the theatres. Moreover, a short-lived appearance was also present in Zack Snyder’s Justice League iteration. To play a villain as varied and complex as Slade Wilson aka Deathstroke, it takes more than a few mere moments to embrace the intricacies of the character.
Also Read: DCU CEO James Gunn Can Legally No Longer Work for Marvel
Ever since James Gunn entered the scene, Manganiello has spoken about his role and his enthusiasm for being a part of the superhero franchise. However, he recently revealed that he was advised to let go of the dream of playing Deathstroke in Gunn’s rebooted DC. In an interview with ComicBook, he said,
“James (Gunn) is my buddy, and James and I had a conversation about it because Jim Lee over at DC Comics wanted me to create a graphic novel series based on the screenplay that I wrote for the Deathstroke origin film that, when they were dismantling the DCEU, that went to the wayside as well. Jim read it, and wanted it to be a graphic novel series, but no one could assure me that, if it garnered the attention of directors and producers, that I couldn’t be attached. So I had to let it go. James Gunn was just like, ‘Let it go’.”
No amount of influence or close friendship has helped Manganiello bag the role again, leaving him utterly disappointed. The actor was previously set to appear as the central villain in Ben Affleck’s Batman movie, but even those plans fell through. Given how excited Manganiello has been about his role as Deathstroke, fans are sad to know he will not be seen as the villainous terminator again.
James Gunn’s Plans for Rebooted DC
After the DCEU ended with Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, James Gunn started planning how to enliven the DC movies and TV series. The animated series Creature Commandos will be the first project to showcase Gunn’s renewed vision for the franchise. Next year, David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan will debut in the DCU with Superman: Legacy. Milly Alcock’s Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow will be the project to follow.
The only cast members reprising their roles from the previous DCU are the actors of Peacemaker and Xolo Maridueña’s Jaime Reyes/Blue Beetle. The second season of Peacemaker is in the works and will be released sometime soon. Gunn recently shared an image on Instagram to commemorate the table read for Superman: Legacy, giving fans a behind-the-scenes glimpse.
