Director and Batman actor Ben Affleck has dangled the first footage of a new villain in the DC Extended Universe. The short clip features one of the deadliest DC creations to date: Deathstroke.
— Ben Affleck (@BenAffleck) August 29, 2016
Originally appearing in New Teen Titans #2, Deathstroke is an enhanced soldier with superhuman abilities. Alongside a regenerative healing ability that would make Wolverine jealous, Slade is able to use 90% of his brain power. Most people use roughly the equivalent of 10% in comparison.
The vast intellect he can wield allows him to process events much faster than anyone else and plan far ahead. He also has dramatically increased stamina and agility from his healing factor. This makes him almost the perfect foe for Batman’s honed talents and he has already starred against Batman in the video game Batman: Arkham Origins.
A familiar face or a new one behind the mask?
Although traditionally part of the Titans’ Rogue Gallery, Deathstroke has faced off against the Green Arrow and Justice League over the years. Deathstroke once almost managed to fend off the entire Justice League during the Identity Crisis arc but lost as a result of Green Arrow’s arrow to his blind eye.
The villain has gone more mainstream in recent years since appearing in CW’s Arrow. Deathstroke served as the both protagonist and primary antagonist for the second season of the show. CW’s version of the character was played by Manu Bennett.
It has been announced that Deathstroke will be not starring in the upcoming Justice League movie currently filming in London. He will instead become the main villain in the yet untitled Batman solo film directed by Affleck. Rumor has it that he will be played by Magic Mike‘s Joe Manganiello.
Deathstroke and Batman have met several times during their DC runs. During their first encounter in the Deathstroke storyline City of Assassins, Deathstroke became one of the few people to defeat the Dark Knight in a fair fight. Whoever ends up playing the mercenary, they’ll have a lot to live up to.