Zack Snyder is keeping the DCEU nostalgia alive, this time sharing a striking new black-and-white photo of Joe Manganiello as Deathstroke.
Snyder posted the image on Instagram, writing, “I shot this with my Leica monochrome and my modified 50mm dream lens by @zerooptik. Thank you @joemanganiello for being a perfect Deathstroke.”
The post follows Snyder’s recent tribute to Henry Cavill as Superman, adding more fuel to fan speculation about his possible return to the DC Universe.
Deathstroke’s Lost Future In The DCEU
Manganiello was originally set to play Slade Wilson, aka Deathstroke, as the main villain in Ben Affleck’s The Batman, before the film was reworked into Matt Reeves’ standalone version starring Robert Pattinson.
Snyder first introduced the character in the Justice League post-credit scene, teasing an alliance between Deathstroke and Jesse Eisenberg’s Lex Luthor to take down Batman. Plans for Manganiello’s spin-off or sequel appearances were later scrapped as DC’s leadership changed hands.
Snyder’s Pattern Of DC Posts
The Deathstroke post comes just days after Snyder shared a new monochrome photo of Henry Cavill as Superman, reigniting buzz among DC fans frustrated with James Gunn’s DCU direction.
With Gunn reportedly on the way out following the upcoming Warner Bros. Discovery sale, Snyder’s continued use of his Leica Monochrome series feels intentional — a visual statement linking back to his DCEU aesthetic and tone.
We’ve already been told that Gunn will be out as head of DC Studios, and the impact will be felt all the way down to DC Comics.
Snyder’s new photo of Manganiello could be a subtle nod to the projects that were abandoned when the DCEU was rebooted — and perhaps to what could return under new ownership.
Could Snyder Return With Deathstroke?
Snyder has said that if he ever came back to DC, it would be to adapt The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller and Klaus Janson. That story features an older Batman, and fans have speculated it could also provide a new context for Deathstroke to appear again, possibly with Ben Affleck reprising his role.
Snyder’s recent posts may be more than nostalgia. They could be signaling what comes next if Warner Bros. Discovery is sold and DC is rebooted again under David Ellison’s Paramount/Skydance leadership.
