Widening the gap between DC Comics' television and film properties, Ben Affleck teased that Deathstroke will be the main villain in his upcoming "Batman" solo film. However, Manu Bennet ("30 Days of Night", "Spartacus") originally brought the unstoppable mercenary to live-action in the first two seasons of Arrow.While a different version of Deathstroke will exist in the films, Amell says a small screen version of Deathstroke on "Arrow" can still exist -- even though the character, along with Amanda Waller, was sidelined before "Suicide Squad" hit theaters.RELATED: Amell Says ‘No Plans For Green Arrow’ In DC Films UniverseAs reported by ComicBookMovie, Amell appeared at Salt Lake Comic-Con and addressed a possible return of the fan-favorite mercenary on "Arrow," speaking candidly about the relationship between the DC Comics-based feature films and tv shows.
"That's actually something that people bring up on a regular basis…that DC has told us you can’t have or you must get rid of [this character]. That’s not how that works. Diane Nelson and Geoff Johns – the people at Warner Bros. on the feature side, the people at Warner Bros. on the television side – are all in the business of making the best products for fans. Just because there may or may not be a Deathstroke in the DC Extended Universe doesn’t mean Manu Bennett can’t exist on our show."
Created during Marv Wolfman and George Perez's landmark run on "The New Teen Titans," Deathstroke is a mercenary, assassin, and tactician able to utilize 90% of his brain while also possessing near superhuman strength, and incredible combat skills. His enhanced physical attributes in the comics are the result of an experimental serum he received while in the military -- which isn't far off from his origins in Arrow. The origins of his appearance in the Batman solo film have yet to be revealed.
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"Deathstroke: Rebirth" #1 is available digitally and at your local comic book store. "Arrow" returns for its 5th season Wednesday, October 5 at 8pm ET on the CW.