‘Batman’ Solo Film Cast, Updates: Ben Affleck’s Dark Knight Battles Joe Manganiello’s Villainous Deathstroke

‘Batman’ solo film will feature Ben Affleck’s Dark Knight as he goes into battle with the supervillain Deathstroke. It was confirmed that Joe Manganiello of ‘True Blood’ and ‘Magic Mike’ fame is set to play the Deathstroke as the film’s main antagonist.

According to IGN, Manganiello has officially boarded Warner Bros.’ yet untitled solo ‘Batman’ film as the villainous Deathstroke. DC Entertainment chief creative officer Geoff Johns confirmed Manganiello’s casting for Affleck’s first ever standalone film in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) in a recent interview.

Johns declined to confirm Manganiello’s involvement in Zack Snyder’s upcoming ‘Justice League’ film, which is currently in production in London. Johns and Affleck are writing the script, which will be directed by Affleck. According to the Wall Street Journal, no official release date has been stated as of the present but it is speculated that the new standalone film will hit theaters as early as 2018.

Manganiello is the latest actor to join the cast that includes Affleck as Bruce Wayne a.k.a. Batman. J.K. Simmons is rumored to be involved as Commissioner Gordon but this is yet to be made official.

The 39-year old American actor and filmmaker gained popularity for his role as the werewolf Alcide Herveaux on the popular HBO television series ‘True Blood’, where he won a Saturn Award for Best Guest Starring Role in Television as well as a Scream Award for Breakout Performance – Male. He also appeared on films such as the ‘Magic Mike’ series, 2012’s ‘What to Expect When You’re Expecting’, and 2014’s ‘Sabotage’.

Manganiello was immediately rumored to play Deathstroke after first footage released by Affleck featured the fictional supervillain. He was also seen around the filming set in London.

Slade Wilson a.k.a. Deathstroke first appeared in the DC comic book ‘The New Teen Titans (vol. 1) #2’ published in 1980. He was introduced as a mercenary and assassin who drew parallels with Batman and held a grudge against the Green Arrow.

He has unique physiology after being on the receiving end of a military enhancement procedure, which gave him superhuman capabilities such as enhanced senses, intellect, reflexes, strength, endurance, speed, and stamina. He also has a regenerative healing factor that allows him to perfectly heal after being seriously injured.

In addition to Deathstroke’s superhuman capabilities, he is also a master strategist and is highly skilled in hand-to-hand combat, marksmanship, and swordsmanship.

‘Batman’ solo film is an upcoming action-adventure and fantasy film based on the DC comic book character of the same name. It is intended as part of the DCEU and will star Ben Affleck in the title role as Bruce Wayne a.k.a. Batman. It is directed by Affleck and written by Affleck together with Geoff Johns.