A Deathstroke movie is in the works, led by The Raid director - but what does that mean for The Batman?

Gareth Evans, director of The Raid movies (note: not Gareth Edwards, who directed Godzilla and Star Wars: Rogue One) may soon helm a Deathstroke solo film set in the DCEU (what DC calls its film universe). The Wrap reports that Evans is in talks with Warner Bros. about writing and directing a movie focusing on the popular villain / anti-hero.

"But wait," you say, "Wasn't Deathstroke supposed to be the villain in The Batman, DC's standalone Bat-fleck movie?" After all, when Collider spoke to Affleck about the villain, the star said, "He’s a great villain because... I just had an instinctive feeling that he would match up with [Batman] well. You know, I’m a big admirer of that character as well, especially in the New 52 the way that they did Deathstroke, and I thought that it could work."

And what about that tweet showing Deathstroke walking ominously toward the camera?

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Well, all of that was the case, back when Ben Affleck was sitting in the director's chair. Now he's been replaced by Matt Reeves, who tossed the Deathstroke-centered script, and we really have no idea what the plot of that film will be (if indeed it ever comes to fruition). Deathstroke may show up, but I wouldn't count on it. Regardless of what happens with The Batman though, actor Joe Manganiello will retain the role in Evans' spin-off movie.

Evans, who had previously been courted by WB to direct Justice League Dark and turned that film down, reportedly impressed studio execs with a Deathstroke pitch. He also received high praise for the action scenes in The Raid, which a Deathstroke movie would certainly need a lot of. Put those two things together and voila! - another movie added to the slate. And if you're still not sold on Evans' skill, keep an eye out for his upcoming films, Apostle and Blister.

Sam Prell

Sam is a former News Editor here at GamesRadar. His expert words have appeared on many of the web's well-known gaming sites, including Joystiq, Penny Arcade, Destructoid, and G4 Media, among others. Sam has a serious soft spot for MOBAs, MMOs, and emo music. Forever a farm boy, forever a '90s kid.