8 Actors Who Could Play Deathstroke The Terminator In Ben Affleck's THE BATMAN
Following that big Deathstroke reveal yesterday, we take a look at eight actors who would be suitable to take on the role of Slade Wilson in Geoff Johns and Ben Affleck's upcoming Batman movie...
Yesterday, Ben Affleck shocked the internet when he shared a behind the scenes video (seemingly from the set of Justice League) featuring an unknown actor fully suited up as Deathstroke. While we initially assumed that the villain would be making a cameo appearance in the highly anticipated team-up movie, it was later reported that Slade Wilson will be the bad guy in The Batman solo movie.
That's an unexpected, but exciting, move on the part of Geoff Johns and Affleck. Why the latter was seemingly doing a screen test at such an early stage in production is hard to say, but chances are that whoever has been cast in the role may be in that costume. When we'll get casting news obviously remains to be seen, but what you'll find here is a look at eight actors who would be perfect for the role.
Be warned though, as there may be some choices here you won't have been expecting to see...
8. Brad Pitt
Brad Pitt has reached a stage in his career where he can do whatever he pleases, hence why he's not forced to star in the odd blockbuster to pay the bills. However, it's about damn time that the actor joins the cast of a superhero movie, and it's easy to imagine him saying yes to a director like Ben Affleck. The two are said to be real life friends and pitting them against each other in a release like this would be a huge win for Warner Bros.
Pitt meanwhile is now the perfect age to play a battle hardened character like Slade Wilson, and it's fair to say that he looks close enough to the character that you could believe he's been torn straight out of the pages of the comic books. Affleck's Batman taking on Pitt's Deathstrok would be epic, and while it may seem like wishful thinking, if Marvel can get Sylvester Stallone, Warner Bros. can get Pitt.
7. Liev Schreiber
The Ray Donovan star is no stranger to the world of comic books after stealing the show in X-Men Origins: Wolverine as Sabretooth, but with it looking unlikely that he'll get the chance to reprise that role, Deathstroke could be a good fit for the Emmy nominated actor. If you've seen the show mentioned above, you'll be well aware that Schreiber has no problem playing a cool, tough as nails badass, and there's a lot he could bring to a role like this.
Slade Wilson is a character with a lot of swagger and confidence, and that's something Schreiber has no problem portraying. In fact, it's surprisingly easy to imagine him heading into battle against the Dark Knight with a smirk on his face, and while Schreiber isn't the biggest star in the world, what he could bring here in terms of performance means that ultimately wouldn't matter.
6. Matt Damon
Ben Affleck and Matt Damon's bromance is legendary, and movie fans have been waiting years to see them reteam on the big screen. Jokes about The Martian star playing Robin aside, why not have him suit up as Deathstroke? These two being together again would generate a lot of publicity for Warner Bros., but Damon is a great enough actor that it would never be a distraction when we see them together on screen.
Damon has proven again and again that he can kick ass (just look at Jason Bourne), so him playing this assassin would definitely work, and he without a doubt looks the part. It would also be a nice change of place to see him star as a villain. Of course, some would no doubt roll their eyes at a match up which would essentially be Batman vs. Bourne, but if the prospect of Damon putting that suit on doesn't excite you, then you may just be dead inside.
5. Joe Manganiello
Joe Manganiello wouldn't be my first choice to play Deathstroke, but there's enough evidence that he might for him to warrant a place here. For starters, the buff True Blood alum is currently in London, something which has led many fans to assume that he's the one in the suit we see in that apparent test footage. Whether or not there's any weight to that remains to be seen, but Manganiello is a pretty charismatic guy, and it's a wonder that he hasn't already landed a big comic book movie role after that bit part in the Spider-Man franchise.
He'd obviously be a slightly more youthful Slade Wilson, but does he have what it makes to hold his own in a two hour movie against Ben Affleck? That I'm not so sure about, but as of right now, he's someone we should definitely keep an eye on as he may very well have already been cast in the role!
4. Sean Bean
Sean Bean may have a habit of dying in the movies and TV shows he stars in (and given this Batman's killer instinct, that's a very real possibility for him here too), but don't forget what a talented actor he is. For an older version of this assassin, Bean definitely fits the bill, and he carries enough weight as an actor to make for an intimidating force against Affleck's Caped Crusader.
The only downside to him being cast in this movie is that he's said yes to a lot of bad projects in recent years, and that could very well have a negative impact on how excited him going head to head with Affleck would make moviegoers. That aside though, and it's fair to say that Bean would bring a lot of good things to this role too, and him suiting up as The Terminator in the DC Films Universe has the potential to be something special and a long overdue debut for him in this genre.
3. Tom Hardy
Tom Hardy came close to joining the DC Films Universe when he was courted for the role of Rick Flag in Suicide Squad. He obviously passed on that due to scheduling conflicts with The Revenantt, though given the critical reaction to the movie, that's probably not a decision he regrets! Regardless, you have to believe that Ben Affleck could talk him into joining this world, but would it be a little too similar to when he played Bane in The Dark Knight Rises?
Well, while the British actor would once again be squaring off with the Caped Crusader on the big screen, Bane and Deathstroke share nothing in common, and it will have been a good six years between the two movies by the time The Batman is released. Regardless, for a younger Deathstroke who you could believe as a legitimate tough guy and threat to the Dark Knight, Hardy fits the bill.
2. Jason Statham
Ok, so right about now, many of you are lighting your torches and sharpening your pitchforks, but hear me out. Jason Statham has seemingly turned his nose up at the prospect of playing a comic book character in the past, but after having fun in Spy and playing an over the top villain in the Fast and Furious movies, there's a chance his stance on that may have changed.
Plus, regardless of his thoughts on the genre, what sort of actor would say no to playing a badass killer like Slade Wilson for a director like Ben Affleck? While many fans would now doubt riot over the prospect of Statham taking on the role of this fan-favourite villain, I honestly think he has the potential to deliver a show stealing performance here. There is a risk though that he just ends up being the typical Jason Statham, albeit in a fancier costume than normal. It's hard to say, but I'd give him a chance!
1. Idris Elba
Idris Elba has not been treated well in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and while it's thought that Heimdall will have a larger role in Thor: Ragnarok, it may be too little too late for the British actor who hasn't seemed all that happy with the way the character has been treated in the past. Elba may of course soon have a brand new franchise to rally around in the form of The Dark Tower, but it's still too soon to say whether or not the Stephen King adaptation will take off.
Joining the DC Films Universe could be a smart move on the actor's part, and seeing him take on a role like Slade Wilson would be awesome. Yes, the character is white in the source material, but that really shouldn't matter, especially when it would be unbelievably awesome seeing Affleck and Elba going to war with each other in this movie.
Which of these actors would you most like to see take on the role of Deathstroke in The Batman? Have we missed any other suitable candidates? As always, weigh in with your thoughts below.
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