Suicide Squad's Deathstroke Rumors Pick Up Steam

New online rumors are suggesting that DC Comics Deathstroke will be taking a serious shot at David Ayer’s Suicide Squad.

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Following this week’s earlier news that the Squad would lock horns with a shadow organization called Onslaught, follow-up reports are suggesting that Deathstroke will be the villainous group’s gun-for-hire. The report describes Squad’s Deathstroke as a highly trained assassin with no physical or mental enhancements. But that doesn’t mean this Slade Wilson will be any less deadly. Indeed, the report describes Deathstroke’s introduction into the film as a major one, where he’ll wipe out Amanda Waller’s Squad without breaking a sweat.

For Deathstroke’s look, Latino Review suggests that Deathstroke will sport a tactical US military outfit, but will keep his iconic black and orange mask. His famous sword will also remain very much in play, along with his armament of other killing goodies.

Finally, those Joe Manganiello rumors seem to be picking up steam. Comicbook.com reported that the True Blood star was reportedly up for the role, but his involvement seems even more likely now that he’s dropped out of Scream Queens, a role that would have prevented him from joining Ayer’s cast.

The only other actor to portray Deathstroke on-screen is Arrow’s Manu Bennett. Manganiello’s only other comic book work is Flash Thompson from Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man, though he was once considered for the roles of Superman and Batman.

#DEATHSTROKE IN #SUICIDESQUAD! Deathstroke works with/for #ONSLAUGHT & does their dirty work. He’s a hired assassin and he doesn’t have any powers like in the comic book. They’re going for a pre-super villain Deathstroke. He’s a huge part of both of the major set pieces of the film. His introduction is INSANE! He’s badass & almost takes the team down on one mission single handed. Deathstroke has THE breakout & choicest role in the film. The running gun battle that sources are describing is something else. His suit is very stealth oriented. They used an actual US military tactical outfit for the basis. He’s armed to the teeth, uses a sword and automatics. In concept artwork he has two eyes. The mask is there and it’s the iconic one. Rumor about Jason Clarke still in play is not true because he originally got offered Deathstroke months ago but has a scheduling conflict with Marc Foster’s’ ‘All I See Is You.’ Joel Kinnaman originally tested for the role as well but got Rick Flagg instead. Joe Manganiello has a scheduling conflict with Ryan Murphy’s ‘Scream Queens’ BUT HE JUST DROPPED OUT! What does that mean? Deathstroke is ‘probably’ his.