Joe Manganiello Deathstroke Return – Could James Gunn Bring Him Back For A DCEU Project?

One of the most under-utilized but excellent castings in all of comic book moviedom was Pittsburgh native Joe Manganiello’s casting as Slade Wilson in Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice. He only appeared in the movie for a brief moment, though some scenes we’ve seen images of never made it into the Snyder films. However, a new photo on Instagram has fans of the inspiration for Deadpool salivating. Joe Manganiello may return as Deathstroke in the DCEU, and fans believe that James Gunn will be the one to bring him back. The two are friends, especially since Manganiello reintroduced The Suicide Squad director to Dungeons & Dragons. Who knew that simply changing one’s Instagram profile picture could lead to a world of speculation about his possible DC Films return?

Image via Joe Manganiello on Instagram

The image in question is a psychedelic portrait of the actor with his Slade Wilson eyepatch and silver mohawk. After the release of Zack Snyder’s Justice League, which featured Deathstroke as part of Batman’s merry band of adventurers in the Knightmare future, Manganiello said he was done with the character. Yet, if anything, the Spider-Man: No Way Home press push should teach us to never trust what the actors say before something comes out. A lot can change in Hollywood in a few months. Since the success of Peacemaker, it seems that DC Films wants to stay in the James Gunn business.

We don’t know much about his future plans, though. A second season of Peacemaker is coming as well as a potential second spinoff of The Suicide Squad. (My guess – a Polka-Dot Man prequel or project with Ratcatcher 2.) So, it would be easy for James Gunn to bring Deathstroke back to the DCEU, and since they’re friends Joe Manganiello would almost certainly return for it.

What Could Deathstroke Do Back in the DCEU with James Gunn?

Image via Warner Bros.

Since we have no idea what the new spinoff that Gunn is pitching will be, it’s very possible that it could involve Deathstroke. Yet, it’s also possible that James Gunn could bring back the Joe Manganiello Deathstroke in the DCEU for the return of Peacemaker in season 2. For all his faults and idiosyncrasies, John Cena’s Peacemaker is a lethal operator. So, seeing him go up against Slade Wilson would be entertaining, especially since he’ll probably be quickly outclassed. Yet, with a character like Deathstroke, he could pop up anywhere.

In fact, we’ve gotten two other live-action Deathstroke performances in the past decade. Esai Morales suited up as Slade Wilson but was killed off in the Titans season 2 finale. Manu Bennett played Slade Wilson from season 1 of Arrow through season 6. We’ve gotten a lot of small-screen Deathstroke, but the iconic DC Comics villain has not really had a chance to shine on the big screen. Coincidentally, it was believed that when The Batman was film directed by and starring Ben Affleck, Manganiello’s Deathstroke was going to play a role. Of course, that film – which debuts in theaters this week – is now a wholly different endeavor directed by Matt Reeves and starring Robert Pattinson as the world’s greatest detective.

Of course, it’s also possible that Manganiello just likes the photo or is, perhaps, hoping to generate some buzz from the DCEU & Snyderverse fans to get him back in the orange and blue costume.

Joe Manganiello may not return as Deathstroke, but you can see him in the two final DCEU Snyder films on HBO Max.

What do you think? Do you think James Gunn will bring back Deathstroke for a future DCEU project, and would you want Joe Manganiello to return to the role? If so, what do you think the Merc with No Mouth (in His Mask) will do? Share your thoughts, theories, and reactions in the comments below.

Featured image via HBO Max.

Joshua M. Patton is a father, veteran, and writer living in Pittsburgh, PA. The first books he read on his own were comics, and he's loved the medium ever since. He is the greatest star-pilot in the galaxy, a cunning warrior, and a good friend. His book of superhero short stories, Tales of Adventure & Fantasy: Book One is available as an ebook or paperback from Amazon.