With the DC Universe adding more characters to its big-screen roster, we are starting to see double. Currently, we have two actors playing The Flash, two actors playing Batman (sort of), and now two actors playing Slade Wilson/ Deathstroke. It’s safe to say that Warner Bros. has made it pretty clear that the DCEU and its various TV shows are separate entities.
Now, the cinematic Deathstroke got his first official reveal at the end of Justice League, and actor Joe Manganiello looks pretty terrific in the part. However, let’s not forget that Deathstroke has been on television for several years. While the general public is currently learning all about Slade Wilson, fans have enjoyed Manu Bennett in the role on the CW’s Arrow. So, how did Manu Bennett take the news of Deathstroke’s inclusion into the DC Extended Universe? More importantly, how did he take the fact that it wasn’t him? During last weekend’s Heroes & Villains Fan Fest, the actor answered that very question:
“To be honest, when he was announced to do this role, I was very very happy for him. Of course, I was a little bit disappointed that I wouldn’t get to do such a wonderful opportunity of getting onto that big screen with Deathstroke. But listen, I have had the wonderful opportunity to be a TV actor, and to spend the time it takes to cook a character. And sometimes, I don’t think you get that chance when you’re on the big screen. But as for Joe’s ability to get up there and do this character, I’m behind him, I hope, as much as everybody else is behind him.”
It’s good to hear that Bennett took this in stride. With the DC Extended Universe ever-expanding, this certainly won’t be the last time we will hear about double-casting. You can check out Joe Manganiello’s Deathstroke right now in Justice League.
Fueled by his restored faith in humanity and inspired by Superman’s selfless act, Bruce Wayne enlists the help of his newfound ally, Diana Prince, to face an even greater enemy. Together, Batman and Wonder Woman work quickly to find and recruit a team of metahumans to stand against this newly awakened threat. But despite the formation of this unprecedented league of heroes—Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg and The Flash—it may already be too late to save the planet from an assault of catastrophic proportions.
Justice League reunites Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice stars Henry Cavill as Superman, Ben Affleck as Batman, Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman, Ray Fisher as Cyborg, Jason Momoa as Aquaman, Ezra Miller as The Flash, Amy Adams as Lois Lane, Jeremy Irons as Alfred Pennyworth, Diane Lane as Martha Kent, Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor, Connie Nielsen as Queen Hippolyta and Robin Wright as General Antiope alongside J.K. Simmons (Whiplash) as Commissioner Gordon, Amber Heard (The Danish Girl) as Mera and Ciaran Hinds (Game of Thrones) as Steppenwolf.
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Originally published December 4, 2017. Updated December 19, 2019.
