Deathstroke Co-Creator Excited By Joe Manganiello’s Casting

DC Comic’s Deathstroke has become quite the pop-culture fixation in the last few years, thanks to some great use of the character on the TV screen (Arrow) and in video games (Batman: Arkham Origins) and even a rebooted comic book series (Deathstroke: Rebirth). Naturally Deathstroke has only the movie screen left to conquer, and he’s about to do just that, as True Blood and Magic Mike star Joe Manganiello brings the character to life in the DC Extended Universe.

The Internet was on fire in late summer with news of Manganiello’s casting as Deathstroke; the fanbase largely approves (a rarity for the DCEU) and we’ve already given our own list of reasons why he’s a great choice. Now we can add an important name to the list of Manganiello’s Deathstroke admirers: Marv Wolfman.

For those unfamiliar, Wolfman is one of the co-creators of Deathstroke; he helped introduce the character in the ’80s Teen Titans book, along with help from DC Comics icon, George Pérez. Check out the kind words Wolfman had for Manganiello.

It’s never crucial to have those involved with the comic book versions of these characters endorsing the movie versions (ex: Alan Moore’s criticisms didn’t largely affect whether or not fans liked Zack Snyder’s Watchmen movie), but having that support is good for both the filmmakers and the fans. The latter group (especially comic book purists) still hold these iconic creators from the page in high regard – especially someone like Pérez.

It’s also nice to hear the comic book icon be so open to idea of Manganiello putting his own stamp on the character. We just got done arguing why comic book movies should be able to change what was depicted on the page, and Pérez kind of echoes that idea (interpretation over imitation). In any case, Deathstroke is a character that feels secure in the hands of an actor like Manganiello, so we can all share in Pérez’s excitement.

The DCEU continues with Wonder Woman 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. The Batman solo movie, Dark Universe and Man of Steel 2 are also in development.