When it was announced that DC Comics mercenary Deathstroke would star in his own film, it wasn't explicitly stated that actor Joe Manganiello would be involved. Now, however, a new photo tweeted by Manganiello more or less confirms that he'll starring in the film. And, judging by the amount of damage the mask has incurred, it's probably a safe bet that he won't be a newcomer to throwing down with the DCEU's defenders.RELATED: Deathstroke Film in Development At Warner Bros.

Manganiello was original announced to portray the iconic DC Comics mercenary in Ben Affleck's Batman movie, but the behind-the-scenes changes to the next Bat-film put his involvement in jeopardy. Asked in July about whether he had any information about Deathstroke’s status, Manganiello replied, “I don’t. Well, I do but nothing that I can share. I know everything but I can’t say any of it. That’s a good question for Warner Bros. and DC.” The news of a Deathstroke film certainly casts those comments in a different light.

RELATED: Batman: Joe Manganiello ‘Can’t Say’ Whether Deathstroke Will Appear

Introduced in 1980 by Marvel Wolfman and George Perez in DC Comics’ New Teen Titans #2, Deathstroke is Slade Wilson, a mercenary and assassin with enhanced strength, reflexes, agility and healing who purports to use 90 percent of his brain at one time, making him a tactical genius. Originally the archenemy of the Teen Titans, who helped to bring down the team in the seminal “Judas Contract” storyline, Deathstroke has in recent decades become a major player in the DC Universe, where he currently headlines his own title.

Deathstroke has also found widespread popularity beyond comics, with roles on the animated Teen Titans, Young Justice: Invasion and Beware The Batman. He’s also been featured prominently on The CW’s Arrow, where he’s played by Manu Bennett.