How Batman Star Ben Affleck Leaked That Deathstroke Test Footage

Despite the positive reception for Zack Snyder's Justice League on HBO Max, it appears that the Snyderverse has finally reached its conclusion. Warner Bros. seems to be committed to a new direction for the DCEU, while the Snyder Cut director is busy launching promotion for his new undead movie. 

But in the wake of the Snyderverse's final chapter, the what-could've-been's continue to capture fan attention.

And those involved with Snyder's original plans are sharing their experiences, including actor Joe Manganiello. The Snyder Cut star's Deathstroke test footage for Ben Affleck's solo Batman film set the internet ablaze years prior and the actor has now revealed how the footage made its way to the public. 

 

AFFLECK LEAKED THE DEATHSTROKE FOOTAGE & SHUT OFF HIS PHONE

Before Ben Affleck relinquished his Batman film to Matt Reeves and Robert Pattinson, the actor/director's Caped Crusader film would have introduced Manganiello as Deathstroke in the main antagonist role.

And even though Affleck's film was never realized, his method for how he introduced Manganiello's version of the villain to the DC fan base is a story all on its own. 

In a Justice Con interview with Joe Manganiello, via Reddit user u/ProfessionalNobody0, the actor claims Affleck "tweeted that out...then shut his phone off and went on a transatlantic flight."

"...I guess Ben pulled out his cellphone and filmed it off the monitors during my test. He was about to get on a plane, or he was on a plane, and he tweeted that out. He then shut his phone off and went on a transatlantic flight. No one could yell at him. No one could reach him. No one could stop him. He just leaked it out there."

DEATHSTROKE LIVES TO CONTINUE THE SNYDERVERSE?

Manganiello's role as Deathstroke in Zack Snyder's Justice League was small and clearly not what Snyder nor Affleck envisioned following the bold release of the Slade Wilson's test footage years prior. 

It's now known that Ben Affleck's Batman film would've been a psychological thriller, with Manganiello's Deathstroke being an equal match for the Caped Crusader. 

Despite plans for the original idea falling through, this villainous character may be one of the few remnants of the Snyderverse to continue on after both Affleck and Snyder's departures.

DC's future plans are still in a state of flux, but it's possible Slade Wilson's Deathstroke could still receive a solo film along with a role in a part two to Justice League if Warner Bros. succumbs to fan demand.

Manganiello's full interview at Justice Con can be watched below: