Fans of DC movies got a big thrill last week when Ben Affleck used social media to reveal that fan-favorite character Deathstroke is officially part of the DC Extended Universe.
Videos by ComicBook.com
Naturally, after that little tease, fans have been wondering and speculating about when Deathstroke will appear in the DCEU, and what part he will play within it once he does.
Here is how to use Deathstroke right in the DCEU:
The Terminator
Why stray from from the name? Deathstroke (aka Slade Wilson) has earned the nickname “The Terminator” with good reason.
As one of the premier assassins of the DC Comics universe, Deathstroke comes with a built-in reputation for being a fearsome badass. He should function within the DCEU just like an actual Terminator: keeping his targets either on the run or on guard from an unstoppable machine – one that never fails in his objective.
While the DCEU is headed for change — like a lighter tone to its superhero stories — a character like Deathstroke would be just fine retaining a darker edge, appearing on screen to wreak havoc.
Like the Batman versus Deathstroke fight scene above (directed by Deadpool‘s Tim Miller for the Arkham Origins video game), Deathstroke is enough of a threat to give the “Bruiser Batman” pause, and if Affleck’s reveal of the DCEU Deathstroke plays out as the footage suggests, then after one or two well-played sequences fans should have all the fearful respect they’ll need for Deathstroke.
Superhero Assassin
One thing the DCEU needs is combatants and bad guys who can conceivably stand toe-to-toe against the Justice League Superheroes.
It all looks reasonable on the comic book page, but when you see the type of devastation that Henry Cavill’s Superman can cause – or how brutally formidable Ben Affleck’s Batman is – it makes it harder to accept that any villains (or anti-heroes) could stand a chance against them.
Deathstroke is definitely a character that would be a believable adversary for the Justice League — should he indeed pop up in that movie.
It is not just about strength or combat skill: like Batman, Deathstroke is a man who does his research and comes prepared for the job. So Kryptonite weaponry, a high speed motion detector, waterproof napalm, an EMP scrambler, etc. He’s coming prepared with it, and the Justice League members would have a fight on their hands.
That’s the Slade Wilson that fans know and love, and therefore expect to see on-screen.
Rival Assassin
Let’s not forget that the world DCEU contract killers is not unoccupied: Will Smith’s Deadshot has already been out there earning his rep as the world’s greatest marksman, which means he and Deadshot could be not-so friendly rivals. Certain rumors about Ben Affleck’s Batman solo film point to Deadshot making an appearance; with Deathstroke possibly involved as well, we could be seeing an Arkham Origins-style scenario with a lot of hired guns descending on Gotham to take out The Bat. Deathstroke throwing down against the competition to prove who’s the #1 assassin would be pretty entertaining.
Unruly Ally
Counting nothing out: Deathstroke is more “anti-hero” than “villain,” and could therefore be (or become) an ally to the heroes of the DCEU… to a point.
Slade Wilson is a servant of the almighty dollar, and could conceivably be hired by anyone from Bruce Wayne to Amanda Waller for whatever dirty job needs ding in the name of the greater good. Whether it’s killing some very bad people or taking some various dangerous goods out of the hands of the wrong people, Deathstroke can definitely serve as that devil people hate to employ, but do anyway.
With upcoming films like the Batman solo movie or Suicide Squad all providing more room for an expanded take on Slade Wilson, having him positioned as that guy who truly lives in the gray area would be a lot more interesting than having him simply serve as masked muscle who pops up now and again like some DCEU Jason Vorhees.
But what do you think: How do you want to see Deathstroke in the DCEU? As a badass force of nature? Do you want the full Slade Wilson character story? Doyou think he can/should hold his own film franchise? Discuss with us in the comments – or on twitter with me, @ppnkof
NEXT: Is Jared Leto’s Joker Right for the DCEU?
Suicide Squad is now in theaters; Wonder Woman is coming on June 2, 2017; followed by Justice League on November 17, 2017; The Flash on March 16, 2018; 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.
