Batman villain Deathstroke to receive stand-alone movie

Deathstroke, the gnarly DC Comics assassin who possesses super strength and incredible stamina, is set to receive his own movie, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The character is slated to make his cinematic debut in Ben Affleck’s stand-alone Batman movie, which probably won’t be released until 2019. Joe Manganiello was supposed to play the character, but it’s unclear if he’s still involved with the project at this point. Affleck was slated to both direct and star in The Batman, but stepped back from directorial duties earlier this year. If Manganiello does agree to play the character, the stand-alone film would be one of the actor’s first roles as a leading character in a blockbuster film.

Gareth Evans, best known for his work as director on The Raid: Redemption and The Raid 2, is in early talks with Warner Bros., to shoot the project.

Deathstroke was first introduced to the DC Comics universe in New Teen Titans #2 back in 1980. Deathstroke was imagined as the arch nemesis of the Teen Titans but, following his popularity, was incorporated into other comic books, including multiple Batman projects.

DC and Warner Bros.’ next live-action movie, Justice League, will be released on Nov. 17.