Deathstroke actor Joe Manganiello has claimed in the past that several Suicide Squad script drafts (for David Ayer's 2016 movie, presumably) featured Slade Wilson, and we now seemingly have confirmation that this idea carried over until well into the pre-production phase on James Gunn's R-rated reboot/sequel.
We're not certain where these shots originated from, but what appear to be some behind-the-scenes photos from a The Suicide Squad production meeting have been shared online, and the concept art visible on the wall to the right of Gunn clearly shows Deathstroke leading "Team 2" into action.
It looks like he's flanked by Peacemaker, King Shark, Polka-Dot Man and Ratcatcher 2, so we assume the original plan was to have the ruthless mercenary take command of Task Force X before Idris Elba's Bloodsport took over.
Manganiello's take on Deathstroke was introduced in the post-credits scene of the theatrical cut of Justice League, and he'd go on to film new scenes for the "Snyder Cut." Did Warner Bros. feel that bringing this character into Gunn's film created too many ties to the SnyderVerse, perhaps?
Gunn is usually pretty open about this kind of thing on social media, so we may find out what went down soon enough.
The Suicide Squad is now playing in theaters and on HBO Max. You can check out our 5-star review below.