The road to Justice League has never been an easy one. After years of standalone films and various projects getting stuck in production hell, the DCEU is finally alive and thriving. While some viewers and most critic don't agree, the box office returns and a vocal part of the fan base are more than pleased with the progress of the shared universe so far. Soon, Wonder Woman and Aquaman will join Man of SteelBatman v Superman, and Suicide Squad, bookending the team-up movie that fans have been waiting years to see.

In the meantime, DC continues to announce a new project every few months, while still having trouble locking in their current slate. The most recent example of DC's shakiness behind the scenes comes in the form of Ben Affleck's The Batman. When the film was announced, fans were eager to see one of the best parts of BvS given more screen time. Even better, Affleck would be directing the movie and co-writing the script with DC head honcho Geoff Johns. Then, there was the inclusion of classic villain Deathstroke, as played by Joe Manganiello. Within the last few months, however, things have started falling apart. First, Affleck left the director's chair, then rumors began that he was leaving the role altogether. Those ultimately proved to be false, but it's left the future of the film unclear.

While speaking with RI Magazine, Manganiello was asked about the status of the movie, and whether he think's it's still on track.

"Last year, I said May and that was my understanding. It depends. They have big plans for this movie. Whether or not we start exactly on that date or in June, whatever it is, it doesn’t matter. Here’s the thing: The creative process needs to be respected and no one involved in this film wants to make anything less than an unbelievable film, a legendary film. The movie will start shooting whenever those pieces are in place and we know this is gonna be something that we’re proud of. What we’re not gonna do is be backed into a start date, scrambling to get something off the ground just to get it off the ground. Everyone involved wants to make this the best film possible, so that’s really what it’s about. It’s funny how the media likes to run with, 'Oh there’s trouble!' 'Oh, the script needs to be revised!' They’re drama queens. There’s a creative process, and everyone on the cast and crew wants to make this the best movie possible. So that’s what we’re gonna do. When we start shooting it, we’ll start shooting it. It will be soon, I can say that. Here’s the thing: No one wants to create that superhero movie that’s polarizing to fans and critics. Rest assured, we’re gonna do this thing right."

Deathstroke Rebirth Cover Art

Fans will likely be glad to hear that things are not only still moving along, but that Manganiello still seems pleased with the state of the film. He previously revealed he's turned down a number of superhero roles in the past (one likely being Superman), so there's likely something about the movie's version of Deathstroke to which he's attracted. The Batman also seems to have righted itself now that War of the Planet of the Apes director Matt Reeves is taking over behind the camera. With what we've seen of his work so far, he seems like the perfect choice to direct the film.

Hopefully, we'll get some word on The Batman in the coming months, but don't expect it to debut anytime soon. Elsewhere, DC has announced plans for a new film that will focus on Nightwing and be helmed by LEGO Batman Movie director Chris McKay. Of course, seeing as Robin hasn't even been introduced in the DCEU, we're unlikely to get that movie anytime soon either. For now, all eyes are on DC's two movies premiering this year, as they'll likely decide whether the DCEU can survive much longer.

The Batman has no release date yet.

Source: RI Magazine

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