Joe Manganiello addresses Deathstroke uncertainty in The Batman

DC fans have been plagued with uncertainty when it comes to The Batman, given the director swap and those earlier rumors about Ben Affleck’s departure from the Dark Knight role. So, what does this mean, if anything, for Joe Manganiello’s Deathstroke?

The Hollywood Reporter asked the Magic Mike actor recently about the character’s future. “I don’t [have any information],” he said. “Well, I do but nothing that I can share. I know everything but I can’t say any of it.”

When asked about when all this secret intel might come to light, he said, “It’s not up to me. That’s a good question for Warner Bros. and DC.”

Manganiello was announced as Deathstroke, the super assassin and mercenary also known as Slade Wilson, for The Batman back in September. The character was also reported for a possible appearance in Justice League, but that was before director Zack Snyder left his post for personal reasons and Joss Whedon stepped in for reshoots. Since then, Affleck was replaced as helmer on The Batman by Matt Reeves (War for the Planet of the Apes).

Reeves said he’s using “a new story” for the standalone superhero film and not the script Affleck wrote. “It’s just starting again. I’m excited about it. I think it’s going to be really cool,” he remarked.

In an attempt to quell rumors about his end as the Caped Crusader, Affleck took the stage during the Warner Bros. panel at San Diego Comic-Con this month. “Let me be very clear. I am the luckiest guy in the world. Batman is the coolest f—ing part in any universe. DC. Marvel. I’m so thrilled to do it,” he told the Hall H audience at the convention center.

The actor also told EW, “My status remains what it always is. I’ve done the two movies. I’ve always intended on doing a third if Warners wants to make it. Certainly, if the Batphone rings, I will answer.”

He further explained, “It’s such a big job, in terms of the stunts and the suit and the action and the character. Trying to do that, and direct, would probably be too much. Something would be compromised. I think it came off, optically, to the broader world, like lack of interest or enthusiasm. When in fact I love this character.”