DC Studios is currently developing a potential new movie that will spotlight two iconic Batman supervillains, Bane and Deathstroke (aka Slade Wilson).
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the project is still in its formative stages, with Captain America: Brave New World scribe Matthew Orton assigned to pen the script. Orton, who has previously contributed to Disney+ and Marvel’s Moon Knight and the Hilton Pelser-led Devil’s Peak, brings a rich background in dramatic comic book-centric storytelling to the DC universe.
While specific details about the plot remain under wraps, the film is described as a team-up between the two villains, both of whom have a storied history within the DC live-action universe. Bane made his cinematic debut in 1997’s Batman & Robin and gained significant notoriety as the main antagonist in Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Night Rises, played by Tom Hardy. Deathstroke has been featured in various DC adaptations, including the 2018 Titans show and a cameo in 2017’s Justice League, portrayed by Joe Manganiello.
The potential inclusion of this Bane and Deathstroke narrative within the restructured DC Universe, spearheaded by co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran, raises questions about its connection to the ongoing DC continuity. Given the duo’s involvement, it’s possible this film could integrate into the broader DC storyline, or perhaps mark another exploration under the Elseworlds banner, which allows for standalone stories outside the main DC timeline.
The introduction of this villain-centric film aligns with DC’s historical focus on complex antagonists and follows in the footsteps of Colin Farrell’s The Penguin series on HBO, the critically acclaimed Joker, and its upcoming sequel, Joker: Folie à Deux. Additionally, it could serve as a sort of conceptual successor to the scrapped Arkham Asylum TV series, providing a new avenue to delve into Batman’s rich rogue gallery within Gunn’s vision for the DC Universe.
While DC Studios has yet to confirm details, the development signals a robust investment in villain-led narratives, promising a deeper exploration of characters like Bane and Deathstroke. This move could compensate for the previously stalled Deathstroke project and offer a more faithful representation of Bane’s comic book origins.
Amidst a bustling schedule of upcoming releases like Superman, Green Lantern, Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, The Batman Part 2, and Batman: The Brave and the Bold, DC fans have much to anticipate. As we await further announcements, the excitement for what these new interpretations will bring to the DC Universe continues to build.
Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, games, and comics — you name it. When she’s not reading or geeking out about the latest shows on Netflix, she’s probably playing gacha and tabletop games, or daydreaming of meeting her idols.
Edwin Teo
