Actor Joe Manganiello has disclosed details about Ben Affleck’s abandoned Batman film project in his newly published memoir “Bloodlines.” According to Manganiello, Affleck, who was attached to write, direct, produce, and star in the film, envisioned the project as a darker take on psychological thrillers, drawing inspiration from David Fincher’s “The Game.” Manganiello was set to reprise his role as Deathstroke, a DC supervillain he briefly portrayed in 2017’s “Justice League.”
In the planned narrative, Deathstroke would have undertaken a comprehensive campaign to destroy Batman’s existence after being led to believe the vigilante killed his son. This revenge scheme would have encompassed multiple significant plot points, including the assassination of Commissioner Gordon, the kidnapping of Alfred Pennyworth, and an infiltration of the Batcave. Manganiello described an action sequence in which Deathstroke would have nearly defeated both Batman and Batgirl in combat, forcing the heroes to escape aboard an elevated train system.
The film would have concluded with a climactic confrontation between the two primary characters throughout Gotham’s streets. Manganiello recounted his positive reaction to Affleck’s vision, noting he complimented the director’s previous work, particularly “The Town,” and expressed enthusiasm for seeing Affleck’s interpretation of a Batman story. When Manganiello expressed concern about Affleck’s multiple responsibilities on the production, the director reassured him of his competence.
The Batman project ultimately never reached production. In a recent podcast appearance, Affleck attributed the failure partly to difficulties surrounding the “Justice League” reshoots, which he characterized as the most challenging period of his career. He cited both personal circumstances and the collaborative difficulties between studio leadership and filmmakers as contributing factors to that negative experience.
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