Deathstroke Star Joe Manganiello Speaks Out About Ben Affleck’s Canceled Batman Movie
Actor Joe Manganiello has opened up about the emotional impact of Ben Affleck’s planned standalone Batman film being cancelled, a project in which he was cast to play the villain Deathstroke. Manganiello’s only appearance in the DC Extended Universe came in a post-credits scene in 2017’s Justice League, which briefly previewed the character.
The cancellation proved particularly significant for Manganiello, as he was simultaneously battling a serious autoimmune disease during production planning. His weight had dropped dramatically from 235 pounds to 176 pounds during his health crisis. He has revealed that being cast as Deathstroke motivated him to push forward with his recovery, providing a concrete professional goal to work toward as he fought to regain his health and rebuild his strength.
When discussing the eventual cancellation with Entertainment Tonight, Manganiello expressed the significant emotional toll, stating he “lost his mind” when the news broke. Beyond losing what would have been a career-defining opportunity, the cancellation compounded the challenges he was already facing with his ongoing health battle. Fans have long lamented missing out on what many view as ideal casting—the near-universal praise for his brief Deathstroke appearance suggesting the character’s standalone film could have been a substantial addition to the DCEU.