Joe Manganiello Says He Turned Down Other Superhero Roles Before Deathstroke

01/24/2017 12:24 am EST

When it comes to superhero movies, some of Hollywood's most elite actors have been trying their best to get cast into a project. From Marvel to DC, there are dozens of comic book adaptations in the works around the world, and fans were relieved when Joe Manganiello got his moment to shine with Batman. Last year, it was confirmed that the star was cast as Deathstroke for Ben Affleck's Batman film, but the film was not the first superhero role offered to him.

UP NEXT: Justice League: Zack Snyder Teases Big Superman Role

And, no, we're not talking about Spider-Man or Spider-Man 3. Sorry, Flash Thompson.

Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, Manganiello talked Smurfs and Super Bowl bets before being asked about Deathstroke. The actor was questioned about how he's embracing the role, and this is what Manganiello had to say:

"Well, growing up an avid comic book fans and then - you know, there were a lot of superhero roles and supervillain roles that came my way that I said no to or wasn't allowed to do because of other commitments. It's just really exciting to think that this is the one," he admitted.

And, when asked about the positive fan reactions to his casting, Manganiello seemed more than relieved.

"Yeah, I'm glad everybody's happy. I'm just going to put my head down and show up as prepared as any supervillain ever has."

Right now, Affleck's Batman is still in development as its script continues to be worked on. However, Manganiello has told fans that the standalone will be a very different kind of Batman movie. During a recent podcast interview, the actor talked about Affleck's vision and praised it wholeheartedly.

"His take is a fresh take but I think the audience is going to be surprised. Because it's a road that no one's really gone down that's completely integral to, you know, who Batman is," Manganiello said. "And I think it's gonna be refreshing but at the same time completely familiar. But it's going to take this franchise in a direction that I think A LOT of people are going to be really happy about."

"It's going to be gritty and action packed and cerebral and all of those elements that people love about Batman...everything is lined up for a really really really great movie. Not only a superhero movie but just a great great movie."

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Wonder Woman opens in theaters on June 2, 2017, followed by Justice League on November 17, 2017; Aquaman on July 27, 2018; Shazam on April 5, 2019; Justice League 2 on June 14, 2019; Cyborg on April 3, 2020; and Green Lantern Corps on July 24, 2020. The Flash, The Batman, Dark Universe and Man of Steel 2 are currently without release dates.