Actor Joe Manganiello recently revealed that he pitched Warner Bros. and Paramount Pictures an R-rated Deathstroke solo film back in 2016, but was ultimately rejected. This news comes as the DC Extended Universe continues to evolve following Zack Snyder’s darker vision for the franchise.
Manganiello first appeared as Slade Wilson, aka Deathstroke, in a post-credits scene in 2017’s Justice League. His intimidating presence teased greater things to come for the master assassin and enemy of the Teen Titans. However, the studio has yet to greenlight a standalone Deathstroke film.
The Lack of R-Rated DC Films
Despite the massive success of films like Deadpool and Logan, Warner Bros. has resisted releasing an R-rated comic book adaptation. Suicide Squad was originally shot as an R-rated film before being edited down to a PG-13. Many fans have hoped for a grittier, unflinching take on Deathstroke. But the studio has favored a more family-friendly approach to capitalize on merchandising.
Fans feel Deathstroke deserves the film treatment given to Deadpool and other antiheroes. But Warner Bros. is wary of excluding younger audiences and hurting merchandising potential. The studio seems unwilling to take risks on DC’s darker characters.
Joe Manganiello’s Passion for the Role
Manganiello has made it clear he’s deeply passionate about playing Deathstroke. He underwent rigorous physical training and read plenty of comics to understand Slade Wilson’s dark mindset. The actor likely hoped a Deathstroke film could replicate Deadpool’s success. But Paramount felt the character was too obscure for general audiences.
According to Manganiello, he intensely prepared for the role through martial arts training and deep comics research. But the studios felt it was safer to keep DC films family-friendly.
The DCEU’s Uncertain Direction
Without Ben Affleck returning as Batman, Joe Manganiello lost a crucial co-star and combatant for his proposed film. The DCEU is still recovering after Justice League was underwhelmed at the box office. Going forward, the studio seems focused on solo outings like Aquaman 2 and Shazam! Fury of the Gods. A Deathstroke film no longer fits their agenda.
After Affleck exited, Manganiello lost a key ally and sparring partner that would elevate a Deathstroke film. With the DCEU on shaky ground post-Justice League, Warner Bros. retreated to safer PG-13 films leaving no room for edgy risks.
The DC/Marvel Rivalry
Marvel’s family-friendly MCU continues to dominate the box office and pop culture. DC has struggled to match that success. Parents want to feel safe bringing kids to these movies. Paramount decided playing it safe was smarter than giving Deathstroke his edgy platform.
With Marvel setting the standard for kid-friendly superhero films, Warner Bros. fears an R-rated DC film could damage their brand. They believe parents wouldn’t take children to a violent Deathstroke movie, so PG-13 helps attract the widest audience.
For now, Joe Manganiello’s dream of a Deathstroke solo film seems dead. But fans shouldn’t give up hope yet. If the DCEU can find its footing again, Manganiello could get another chance to spearhead a spin-off. Until then, Deathstroke will likely be relegated to supporting status or possibly a cameo in Matt Reeves’ The Batman films. But Manganiello’s passion for the character is clear. Only time will tell if Deathstroke ever gets his violent vehicle to headline.
Source: The Digital fix
