UPDATE (10: 01 a.m.): It turns out the image isn't a photo but a fan-created digital painting.


Joe Manganiello, who will face off against Ben Affleck in "The Batman," has unveiled a new image of Deathstroke.

The slightly blurry image of the DC Comics mercenary's armor was tweeted last night in celebration of the birthday of Geoff Johns, DC Entertainment president and chief creative officer, who's co-writing "The Batman" with Affleck.

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY @geoffjohns

-D pic.twitter.com/F0JUnBWpWt

— Joe Manganiello (@JoeManganiello) January 26, 2017

It's difficult to say whether this image is from filming of "Justice League" or pre-production of "The Batman," but it's possible it was captured at the same time as the video released by Affleck in late August.

Best known for his roles in "True Blood" and "Magic Mike," Manganiello has praised Affleck's take on Deathstroke, saying, "I think the audience is going to be surprised, because it’s a road that no one’s really gone down that’s completely integral to, you know, who Batman is. And I think it’s gonna be refreshing but at the same time completely familiar. But it’s going to take this franchise in a direction that I think A lot of people are going to be really happy about. It’s going to be gritty and action packed and cerebral and all of those elements that people love about Batman.”

"The Batman," which may not be its final title, is expected to begin production in spring for an announced 2018 release. Affleck and Manganiello will be joined by Jeremy Irons as Alfred Pennyworth and J.K. Simmons as Commissioner Gordon.