Joe Manganiello Shares Dark Details of Ben Affleck’s Unmade ‘Batman’ Movie

Few unmade superhero films linger in the minds of fans like Ben Affleck’s scrapped ‘Batman‘ project. Affleck was poised to write, direct, and star in a standalone Dark Knight film, co-written with Geoff Johns, promising a unique take on the iconic character. After years of speculation and vague responses, the actor who was set to portray the villain is finally revealing more about the story.

Joe Manganiello, who portrayed Slade Wilson, also known as Deathstroke, in ‘Justice League’, has been in the spotlight this month due to his new memoir, ‘Bloodlines’, released on October 13. His promotional tour has reignited discussions about the abandoned Batman project.

Manganiello describes the film as a dark narrative, likening Deathstroke to a shark or a horror movie villain who methodically dismantles Bruce Wayne’s life from within. The character would have targeted everyone close to Bruce, aiming to ruin his life piece by piece, driven by a belief that Bruce was responsible for his own suffering.

This description first emerged during a 2020 interview and has gained renewed attention as the memoir has surfaced. He noted that the film had a vibe reminiscent of a David Fincher movie, drawing parallels to ‘The Game’, emphasizing its dark and intense nature. Affleck’s collaboration with Fincher on ‘Gone Girl’ makes this comparison particularly fitting.

The project was initially set up following ‘Justice League’. The original post-credits scene was intended to set the stage for the Batman film, featuring Deathstroke and Lex Luthor, played by Jesse Eisenberg, discussing their plans for the Dark Knight. However, the theatrical version was altered to introduce the villains as the Injustice League, and Manganiello returned to film new scenes for Zack Snyder’s director’s cut.

Geoff Johns confirmed Manganiello’s casting in 2016, and Affleck teased test footage of the character around the same period. Fans anticipated a confrontation that ultimately never materialized, as the project fell apart and Matt Reeves went on to create ‘The Batman’ with Robert Pattinson in 2022, presenting a completely different narrative.

The memoir adds a personal dimension to the tale. Manganiello recounts collapsing on the set of ‘Six’ in North Carolina in 2016 and battling a mysterious illness that led to the removal of his large intestine. While he was still recuperating, he received the call from Affleck expressing interest in casting him as Slade Wilson.

He describes the role as a beacon of hope during his recovery, despite his wife at the time, Sofia Vergara, advising against it. He viewed the part as a chance to reclaim his life. He has shared this experience on ‘CBS Mornings’ and other platforms during his promotional tour.

After the Batman film fell through, Manganiello spent nearly six years hearing about new plans that never materialized. Deathstroke was considered for ‘Aquaman 2’ and ‘Suicide Squad 2’, where he would have faced Will Smith’s Deadshot, and a standalone origin film was in the works with Gareth Evans attached. Manganiello even penned his own screenplay.

Eventually, he distanced himself from the idea when it became clear that DC would retain the rights and wouldn’t require his involvement. James Gunn reportedly advised him to let it go, effectively closing the chapter on the DCEU version of the character.

Deathstroke is still set to appear in the DC Universe, with a new film featuring the character against Bane in development. Greg Mottola was reportedly considered to direct, and Alan Ritchson was rumored for the role, although these details remain unconfirmed. Manganiello has expressed his willingness to return if asked, referring to the helmet he keeps in his office as the greatest achievement of his life.

Affleck has also addressed the collapse of his Batman film, admitting he struggled to finalize the script. It’s a rare occasion where both men publicly discuss the same lost project.

The allure of this unmade film lies in its stark contrast to the Batman stories audiences have experienced. A villain targeting Bruce Wayne’s identity, relationships, and secrets suggests a psychological thriller rather than a conventional comic book battle. The ambitious scale, aiming to weave together decades of Batman mythology, enhances the ‘what if’ intrigue.

It also highlights how much depended on timing and creative direction. Studios shifted strategies, directors changed, and the DCEU eventually transitioned to the Gunn and Safran era, leaving this version of the Dark Knight as a legend.

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