Zack Snyder Teases Deathstroke In ‘Justice League’ Set Photo
A few weeks ago,Ben Affleckposted a brief video revealing that Deathstroke would be making his way to the DC Extended Universe. Shortly afterward,Geoff Johnsconfirmed thatJoe Manganiellohad been cast in the role for Affleck’sBatmansolo movie, which is expected outaround 2018 or 2019. But it looks like we might get to meet the villain a little bit earlier than that.
DirectorZack Snyderhas posted a behind-the-scenes photo from the set of next year’sJustice League, which doesn’t look like much of anything at first glance but upon closer examination seems to suggest Deathstroke will appear in that movie.
Here’s the original photo posted by Snyder:
Why is Snyder wearing a Bat-gauntlet to fiddle around on his tablet? Well, why not? Don’t pretend you wouldn’t do the exact same thing in his situation.
But the photo gets more interesting when you zoom in on what he’s looking at. @TheDCEU used Photoshop magic to get a closer look.
.@ZackSnyderposts new behind-the-scenes pic. And with a li’l bit of photoshop and enhancements, appear to be Deathstroke on the storyboard.pic.twitter.com/XsG1kzYZ6d
— DC Extended Universe (@TheDCEU)June 12, 2025
Yup, it looks like aJustice Leaguestoryboard featuring Deathstroke. In the comics, Deathstroke is the alter ego of mercenary and assassin Slade Wilson. Thanks to an experimental serum, he has enhanced speed, stamina, endurance, and reflexes as well as an accelerated healing factor. On top of all that, he boasts extensive martial arts and combat training and a brilliant tactical mind.Justice Leaguewill be the character’s first time appearing in a live-action movie, though he has previously appeared in shows likeArrowandSmallville.
It’s a little tougher to puzzle out whom Deathstroke is talking to, since the image doesn’t offer a good look at their face. But their apparent baldness could point to Lex Luthor. We already knowJesse Eisenbergisset to returnforJustice League, after all.
Elsewhere on Snyder’s desk, you can also make out an Om symbol anda Charles Bukowski quote. Perhaps that meansJustice Leaguewill see Cyborg take up yoga and Aquaman start a book club; more likely, they’re just bits of decoration or inspiration for Snyder.
Justice Leaguehits theatersNovember 17, 2017. The film starsBen Affleckas Batman,Gal Gadotas Wonder Woman,Henry Cavillas Superman,Jason Momoaas Aquaman,Ezra Milleras the Flash, andRay Fisheras Cyborg, plus Eisenberg,Amy Adamsas Lois Lane,Jeremy Ironsas Alfred Pennyworth,J.K. Simmonsas Commissioner Gordon,Willem Dafoeas Nuidis Vulko,Amber Heardas Mera, and, we now know, Joe Manganiello as Deathstroke.
