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Summary
James Gunn has tease the inclusion ofDeathstroke , an iconic DC Comics scoundrel , in the upcomingDC Universereboot , and many brilliant doer would be perfect for the function . DC Studios conscientious objector - CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran reveal their plans to reboot the DC Extended Universe into the new DCU back in January 2023 , and the new enfranchisement is put to recoil off with 2024 ’s animatedCreature Commandosseries and2025 ’s live - actionSupermanreboot . While several exciting fighter have been confirm to seem in the new DC Universe , James Gunn has also teased a turn of powerful supervillains .
One of these redoubtable villains is Slade Wilson ’s Deathstroke . James GunnteasedDeathstroke ’s debut in the DC Universeduring an exchange on social media in May 2024 , spur speculation touch on when the iconic DC Comics scoundrel could make his first appearing . Deathstroke was introduced to DC Comics during 1980’sThe New Teen Titans # 2 , debuting as an antagonist to theTeen Titans team , though he plump on to oppose the likes of Batman , the Green Arrow , and the Justice League . While Deathstroke ’s casting has n’t yet been uncover , many brilliant doer would be perfect for the action mechanism - heavy part in the DCU .
The DCU ’s newly announced team - up movie could give an overlook DC supervillain a 2d probability class after his DCEU pic was canceled .
10Joe Manganiello Deserves Another Shot At Deathstroke
Spider-Man (2002), True Blood (2010), Justice League (2017)
Joe Manganiello previously portrayedSlade Wilson ’s Deathstroke in the DCEU , first appearing in 2017’sJustice League , and return forZack Snyder ’s Justice Leaguein 2021 . Manganiello ’s Deathstroke was severely underdeveloped , having been teased for a bountiful role in the franchise , which never came to fruition after Zack Snyder ’s departure . Manganiello has the perfect look for Slade Wilson , so it was a ignominy his character was n’t acquire further , but the DCU could rectify this .
As well as portraying Deathstroke in the DCEU , Joe Manganiello has appeared in superhero projects before . He began his professional playing career playingFlash Thompson in Sam Raimi’sSpider - Mantrilogy , and went on to star in action - packed drama , thrillers , and comedies , make him a perfect fit for the new DC Universe . This is especially true if James Gunn gives the new dealership a more lighthearted pure tone , as Joe Manganiello has proven he can cover all these home .
Joe Manganiello ’s Superhero Projects
Role
yr
Spider - Man
Flash Thompson
2002
Spider - Man 3
Custom Image by Kai Young
2007
Justice League
Slade Wilson ’s Deathstroke
2017
Zack Snyder ’s Justice League
2021
9Josh Duhamel Voiced Another Iconic Batman Villain
Transformers (2007), Batman: The Long Halloween (2021), Jupiter’s Legacy (2021)
After embarking on a modeling vocation , Josh Duhamel made his acting debut in the daytime soap operaAll My Children , but has since proceed on to bigger function in projects including theTransformersfranchise , You’re Not You,11.22.63,andJupiter ’s Legacy . Duhamel also vocalise another iconic Batman villain , Harvey Dent ’s Two - Face , in the direct - to - videoBatman : The Long Halloweenanimated duology . This could have set him up perfectly to take on the role of Deathstroke in the DCU .
In DC Comics , Slade Wilson ’s son , Grant , was enhanced by the HIVE and sent to vote out the Teen Titans , but his enhancement proved fatal , entrust Slade to take over his son ’s contract . At his core , Deathstroke is a father seeking revenge for the destruction of his Logos , and Josh Duhamel has the perfect stern yet comforting appearance for this role . This could subsequently see Duhamel oppose theDCU ’s Batman , delivering another powerful foe .
Jupiter ’s Legacy star Josh Duhamel explain what makes the upcoming Netflix serial publication put up out compared to Marvel , DC , and other superhero appearance .
8Scott Adkins Would Be Perfect For Deathstroke’s Action-Heavy Scenes
The Legend Of Hercules (2014), Triple Threat (2019), John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023)
British histrion Scott Adkins rose to protuberance as Russian prison fighter Yuri Boyka in 2006’sUndisputed II : Last Man Standing , a persona which he reprize in the movie ’s sequels . Since Adkins has been practice martial artwork since the historic period of 13 , he is prime for action - leaden and athletic role , meaning he could deliver the most full - on version of Deathstroke that has ever been draw in live - action . Deathstroke is considered the greatest assassin in DC Comics , so Adkins ' previous action roles would fit the character perfectly .
Scott Adkins has already look in several superhero projects over the long time , taking part in some intense combat sequences . This also made him perfect for a role in 2023’sJohn Wick : Chapter 4opposite Keanu Reeves , and piss a permanent theatrical role in the Modern DCU a ordered next step . Adkins ' Deathstroke would be a redoubtable peer for theTeen Titans and Batman in the DCU .
Scott Adkins ' Superhero Projects
X - Men Origins : Wolverine
Weapon XI ( with Ryan Reynolds )
2009
Doctor Strange
Lucian , a.k.a . Strong Zealot
2016
Deadpool 2
2018
7John Cho Has Proven His Acting Chops
Star Trek (2009), Searching (2018), Cowboy Bebop (2021)
John Cho may be an unlawful alternative to bringSlade Wilson ’s Deathstroke into the DCU , as he may lack the character ’s surd edges . However , Cho would be great at delivering a version of Deathstroke leaning more heavily on the lineament ’s father role , especially since he has already depicted a desperate father in 2018’sSearching . Cho welcome international prominence in 2009’sStar Trekreboot as Hikaru Sulu , and is also screw for his office inBetter Luck Tomorrow , Columbus , andFlashForward .
John Cho ’s experience in the action - packedStar Trekfranchise mean he has proven he ’d be with child at deliver the fight sequences necessary for Deathstroke in the DCU . He would also bring a level of exposure to the role of Slade Wilson that other player may struggle to render . Additionally , John Cho ’s previous acting office in horror films , comedies , and adventure write up would translate incredibly into the newfangled lighthearted DC Universe .
Thanks to Blue Beetle , the DCU has introduced its own edition of Marvel ’s adamantium , a rare metal tease both a major DC hero and a big villain .
6Nikolaj Coster-Waldau Needs A Bigger Role In DC’s New Franchise
Game Of Thrones (2011), Oblivion (2013), The Flash (2023)
Danish actor Nikolaj Coster - Waldau is best make out for portraying Jaime Lannister inHBO’sGame of Thrones , a varied role that took him from straight-out villain to steadfast hero . This fantasy - ground role prove thatCoster - Waldau sure as shooting has the chop to take on a potent part in a superhero dealership , and with the actor ’s age and fatherly appearance , Slade Wilson ’s Deathstroke may be a utter match . This would be a keen room for Coster - Waldau to come back to DC after his previous meaningless cameo .
Nikolaj Coster - Waldau made a very briefcameo appearance in 2023’sThe Flash , act a world eating pizza pie in Barry Allen ’s substitute timeline . The Flashis one of the big box office bombs of all sentence , and completely waste Coster - Waldau ’s talent , so he deserves a actual role in the raw DCU . After appearances inBlack Hawk Down , Mama , Oblivion , andGods of Egypt , Coster - Waldau has more than proven his salt .
Nikolaj Coster - Waldau antecedently worked withThe Flashdirector Andy Muschietti on the 2013 revulsion motion picture , Mama .
5Anson Mount Could Get Superhero Franchise Redemption As Deathstroke
Hell On Wheels (2011), Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (2022), Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness (2022)
Anson Mount may have the unadulterated physical appearance to portray Slade Wilson ’s Deathstroke in the DC Universe , but , more than that , he deserve superhero salvation after his previous major part . As well as appearing as Paul Hayden inSmallville , Anson Mount later on asterisk as Blackagar Boltagon , a.k.a . Black Bolt , the Inhuman King , inMarvel Television’sInhumans . This series was a monumental failure for Marvel , perhaps souring Mount ’s superhero career , but the DCU can gloss over this massive mistake .
Anson Mount reprised the role ofBlack Bolt in 2022’sDoctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness , which was much better pick up thanInhumans . However , since this was only a abbreviated cameo , a more substantive use , such as Deathstroke , would benefit the role player . After portraying Captain Chris Pike in recentStar Trekprojects , give up the father - like figure of the USS Enterprise , Anson Mount is set up perfectly for a more heavy - duty use .
Anson Mount exclusively reveals the one Marvel hero he would wish to play more than Black Bolt in the Marvel Cinematic Universe serial Inhumans .
4Manu Bennett’s Deathstroke In Arrow Was Well-Received
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012), Arrow (2013), The Gone (2023)
Similarly to Joe Manganiello , Manu Bennett has also previously portrayed Slade Wilson ’s Deathstroke , though Bennett ’s version of the villain in The CW’sArrowwas a very dissimilar embodiment . Bennett ’s Slade Wilson was previously a wise man toOliver Queen ’s Green Arrow , but became his archenemy over the course of the series . While it ’s been four years since Bennett depict Deathstroke in live - action , his variation of the baddie was well - received , so it would be nifty to see him reprise the role .
Aside from his long - running portrayal ofDeathstroke inArrow , Manu Bennett is get it on for his natural process - heavy office inThe Hobbitfranchise , Spartacus , andBeta Test . His experience in activeness projects makes him a perfect paroxysm for the new DCU , and he has already perfected the mannerisms and personality of Slade Wilson . fetch him back in the DCU would admit Bennett to dally different elements of Deathstroke ’s personality , and face new poor boy .
Here ’s the real story behind the conclusion to enclose Deathstroke ( Manu Bennett ) in Arrow season 1 , as he was n’t part of the original plan .
3Timothy Olyphant Would Make A Dashing Deathstroke
Hitman (2007), Justified (2010), Once Upon A Time In Hollywood (2019)
Since the root of his acting vocation , Timothy Olyphant has become well - known for regularly being cast in villain persona , and he could reduplicate this in the DC Universe if cast as Slade Wilson ’s Deathstroke . Olyphant has portrayed villain inScream 2 , Gone in 60 Seconds , Live detached or Die Hard , andThe Girl Next Door , among others , while he has also show his talents with roles inJustifiedandHitman . Olyphant ’s experience in high - octane task make him a perfect conniption for the DCU .
Timothy Olyphant ’s action experience has been reinforced by his bright take on comedy , as he has made appearance inThe Good Place , Santa Clarita Diet , American Dad ! , Rick and Morty , andCurb Your Enthusiasm . His mastery of clowning , drama , and action makes him a great fit for Slade Wilson , and Olyphant has the perfect visual aspect for Deathstroke to boot , earn him a exonerated candidate for the use .
Timothy Olyphant previously auditioned for the role of Tony Stark ’s Iron Man in the MCU , a persona which he lost to Robert Downey Jr ..
2Djimon Hounsou Is A Superhero Franchise Veteran
Amistad (1997), Guardians Of The Galaxy (2014), Shazam! (2019)
Djimon Hounsou is a superhero enfranchisement veteran , though his office have always been middling little . Hounsou received far-flung recognition for limn Cinqué in Steven Spielberg ’s 1997 diachronic drama , Amistad , and has gone on to have an improbably varied career in legal action , clowning , horror , science fiction , and fantasy undertaking . This immense range shew he ’d be perfect for bear a more substantive and gruelling - duty role in the fresh DCU , after antecedently play the Wizard in theDCEU’sShazam!franchise .
At 60 - yr - sure-enough , Djimon Hounsou would perhaps deliver an former variant of Slade Wilson ’s Deathstroke , but this could put to work dead . The juxtaposition of the adult Deathstroke going up against the youngTeen Titans in DC Comicshas always created an interesting dynamic , and this could be force to the extremum in the DCU.Hounsou is a signally gifted actor who has form with James Gunn before , so he could easily become the DCU ’s Deathstroke .
Djimon Hounsou ’s Superhero Projects
Constantine
Papa Midnite
2005
Guardians of the Galaxy
Korath the Pursuer
2014
Aquaman
King Ricou ( Voice )
Captain Marvel
Korath
2019
Shazam !
The Wizard
What If … ?
Black Adam
2022
Shazam ! Fury of the immortal
2023
1Jensen Ackles Has Proven He Has The Brutality Of Deathstroke
Supernatural (2005), The Boys (2022), Tracker (2024)
Perhaps best know for portraying Dean Winchester inSupernaturalbetween 2005 and 2020 , Jensen Ackles has recently become even more well - known for deliver a brutal public presentation as Soldier Boy in Amazon Prime Video’sThe Boys . His depiction of Soldier Boy has proven just how incredible Ackles could be as Deathstroke in the DC Universe , as Soldier Boy , while get heroic undertones , is morally refutable , Lucy Stone - cold-blooded , and incredibly trigger-happy , which would fit Deathstroke to a tee .
Jensen Ackles has been a very popular devotee - cast for the DCU ’s new Bruce Wayne , a.k.a . Batman , but his former work indicate he may be a better fit for an iconic DC villain such as Deathstroke . Ackles has voicedBatman in several DC animated moving picture , but for his potential live - natural action introduction in the DCU , his rough - around - the - edge but comforting appearance and often aggressive previous use fit the bill ofDeathstrokemuch good than the Caped Crusader himself .
Jensen Ackles is a popular choice among fans to play the DCU ’s version of Batman , and count at his body of work make it easy to see why .
Upcoming DC Movies
Release Date
Joker : Folie à Deux
October 4 , 2024
Superman
July 11 , 2025
Supergirl : Woman of Tomorrow
June 26 , 2026
The Batman Part II
October 2 , 2026
