The DC Universe is currently facing a very interesting problem. Despite the fact that the franchise is still very much in its early days, we have seen half of its initial lineup... sort of. Back in January 2023, DC Studios co-CEO and co-chairman James Gunn unveiled a wave of projects set to be part of the saga's first chapter, titled Gods and Monsters. Unfortunately, things didn't quite go according to plan, since TV shows like Waller and the Wonder Woman spin-off Paradise Lost were axed. Films haven't had much luck either, as The Authority was canceled and Swamp Thing hasn't received any updates in quite a long time.
In the meantime, Creature Commandos, Superman, Supergirl, and Lanterns have already hit the screen. That means only five other projects remain on the horizon: Clayface, Man of Tomorrow, The Brave and the Bold, Booster Gold, and The People v. Gorilla Grodd. To make matters a little more complicated, three of them don't even have a release date set yet. As such, the DC Universe is likely to announce new shows and movies soon to fill the void left by some of its cancellations. On the bright side, we know what one of these upcoming stories could be.
The Deathstroke and Bane movie is reportedly close to being greenlit
Reports of a Deathstroke and Bane theatrical film have been circulating online as far back as 2024, when Deadline broke the news that the iconic Batman villains would share the spotlight on the big screen. Since then, the project has loomed in the background as years have passed, although no one from DC has officially confirmed its existence. However, this could finally change very soon.
According to industry insider ViewerAnon, Deathstroke and Bane is the closest film to being greenlit next at DC Studios. Furthermore, Fortress of DC revealed that Alan Ritchson and Josh Brolin are both being considered to play Deathstroke. This would all but confirm that Joe Manganiello won't return to the role after portraying Slade Wilson in the post-credits scene of 2017's Justice League.
Batman has perhaps the most iconic rogues' gallery of any superhero ever created, which is why DC has always given these characters their own standalone adventures. The first Joker film was released to critical and commercial success, while The Penguin won nine Emmys after taking the world by storm. Furthermore, the next DC Universe on the horizon is Clayface, a body-horror film starring Batman villain Matt Hagen. As such, it wouldn't be surprising to learn that the Bane and Deathstroke film is indeed a reality.
Bane is one of the Caped Crusader's most popular villains, often acting as an antihero rather than a straight-up bad guy. Furthermore, Deathstroke could be a visually striking villain, especially if his combat skills are portrayed correctly. The only question remaining is, who would they go up against in their team-up adventure?
Another intriguing aspect of the DC Universe is how many Batman-related characters are being introduced, despite the fact that the World's Greatest Detective hasn't made his proper debut yet. Lanterns features the appearance of Sheriff Kerry Kane, who was born in Gotham City and could be related to Batwoman herself, Kate Kane. Now there's a world where Clayface, Bane, and Deathstroke all jump into action on the big screen before Bruce Wayne.
With a bit of luck, it won't be long before we get an update on The Brave and the Bold, which is supposed to mark Batman's debut in the DCU. However, he's also more than welcome to appear in the solo film of one of his villains (because it never hurts to dream). After all, who wouldn't want to see the iconic hero fight Bane and Deathstroke at the same time?
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