As James Gunn takes the DC Universe in a fearless new direction, each casting choice is enormous. One of the characters fans can’t help but theorize about is Deathstroke, the tragic supervillain and master assassin. Slade Wilson is not merely another sword-wielding murderer—he’s a tactician, a father figure, and one of the most complex characters in the DC canon. So the question is: who has the presence, the talent, and the edge to bring him to life on screen? Here are ten stars that might kill it as Deathstroke in the DCU.
10. Joe Manganiello: A Second Chance
Joe Manganiello already dressed up as Deathstroke in Zack Snyder’s Justice League, but he never actually got to really flesh out the character. With his hulking physique and action-packed CV, Manganiello seems made to order for Slade Wilson. Bringing him back would be a pleasing full-circle experience—and an opportunity for him to finally play Deathstroke as the fans have always dreamed.
9. Josh Duhamel: From Two-Face to Deathstroke
Josh Duhamel may not be the first name on everyone’s list, but he’s familiar in Gotham. He’s already done Harvey Dent/Two-Face in Batman: The Long Halloween, and aside from that, his Transformers and Jupiter’s Legacy work shows that he can do large-scale action movies. With a good guide, he would be able to turn both gravity and sympathy into Slade.
8. Scott Adkins: The Martial Arts Powerhouse
If the DCU is looking to make Deathstroke the ultimate hand-to-hand combatant, Scott Adkins should get the call. Having performed jaw-dropping fight choreography in movies such as Undisputed II and John Wick: Chapter 4, Adkins would provide the most physically real Deathstroke to date, making each fight a highlight reel moment.
7. John Cho: The Curveball Choice
John Cho is not the first actor on mind for fans, but he possesses the acting chops to catch everyone off guard. From the emotional terrain of Searching to the action of Star Trek, Cho might bring Slade’s troubled conscience as well as his lethal precision to life. A softer, fatherly Deathstroke would make him stand out from the rest.
6. Nikolaj Coster-Waldau: From Jaime Lannister to Slade Wilson
As Jaime Lannister on Game of Thrones, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau had already shown he can bring a morally ambiguous character to life. With his charm, sword-fighting abilities, and weight, he’d be a natural fit as an older, battle-hardened Deathstroke who’s seen his fair share of wars—and isn’t finished yet.
5. Anson Mount: Is Due for a Superhero Reboot
Following the dud that was Inhumans, Anson Mount is owed a proper attempt at comic book stardom. His authoritative voice and presence in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds demonstrate that he has both the ability to inspire and intimidate. As Deathstroke, he might have the ideal combination of menace and gravitas.
4. Manu Bennett: The Fan-Favorite Return
Arrowverse viewers are already familiar with what Manu Bennett has to offer in the part. His Deathstroke was complex, emotional, and dangerously deep. Picking him up and bringing him into the DCU would be fan service and a wise decision, as viewers would get a Slade they already know can deliver.
3. Timothy Olyphant: Smooth, Deadly, and Charismatic
Few actors combine charm and menace as well as Timothy Olyphant. From Justified to Hitman, he’s had a career playing quick-witted antiheroes and villains. As Slade Wilson, he might be able to bring a version of Deathstroke who is just as charismatic in dialogue as he is frightening on the battlefield.
2. Djimon Hounsou: Commanding Presence
Djimon Hounsou has consistently had supporting roles in superhero movies, but he would be worth letting take center stage. His deep voice and expressive range would be a forceful, older Deathstroke—a man who’s heard it all but is still the most lethal mercenary on the planet.
1. Jensen Ackles: The Bold Choice
Jensen Ackles has already demonstrated that he can play violent, imperfect, but charismatic characters with his role as Soldier Boy in The Boys. He has the physicality, charm, and intensity to make Deathstroke a fan-favorite anti-hero. And to boot, his pre-existing fanbase would certainly come out in support of him if he were offered the role.
No matter who James Gunn and team decide, Deathstroke’s debut in the DCU is sure to be a turning point. The only question is: which actor will don the eyepatch and take up the mantle of DC’s deadliest assassin?