DC Studios is Bringing Two Iconic Batman Villains to the Big Screen

James Gunn’s upcoming DC Universe is set to officially launch this December with Creature Commandos, paving the way for its cinematic expansion with the highly anticipated debut of Superman in 2025. Interestingly, even before these projects hit theaters, an exciting new film has already been added to the roster, further expanding the prospects of this ambitious franchise.

Many of DC Comics’ most iconic characters originate from Batman’s rogues’ gallery, with villains like the Joker, Harley Quinn, and the Penguin transcending their roles as mere antagonists into stars. These characters have enjoyed their own dedicated movies and shows, gaining cinematic prominence and further solidifying their popularity. Recent reports indicate that this trend is set to continue, with DC Studios developing a new DCU film featuring two more prominent Batman villains. This exciting project promises to expand the legacy of these infamous characters and explore their dynamic in a fresh narrative, further solidifying the villains’ status as stars in their own right.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, DC Studios is developing another Batman villain-focused film. Co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran are pushing forward with a script written by Matthew Orton, one of the writers behind Marvel’s upcoming Captain America: Brave New World. Although the project has yet to secure a director, the untitled movie will feature two iconic A-list DC villains: Bane, the menacing brute notorious for breaking Batman’s back, and Deathstroke, a fan-favorite adversary known for his superhuman combat skills and tactical genius.

This untitled Bane & Deathstroke project continues DC’s trend of spotlighting top-tier villains. Bane, created by Chuck Dixon and Graham Nolan, debuted in Batman: Vengeance of Bane #1 in 1993. With a brutal yet layered origin, Bane was raised in a South American prison, where he volunteered for chemical experiments, leading to his dependence on the super-steroid Venom. He became infamous during the “Knightfall” storyline, where he systematically weakened Batman before famously breaking his back. Bane’s last cinematic appearance was in Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises, with Tom Hardy’s portrayal cementing the character’s reputation. He is expected to be recast for Robert Pattinson’s Batman, but Hardy’s version gave Bane iconic traits—his towering physique, signature mask, and unforgettable voice—that need no further introduction.

Slade Wilson, better known as Deathstroke, debuted in The New Teen Titans #2 (1980), created by Marv Wolfman and George Pérez. This iconic villain, known for his signature sword and dual-colored orange-black mask, is a Vietnam War vet turned mercenary after gaining enhanced strength from a botched super-soldier experiment. Originally a foe of the Teen Titans, especially Dick Grayson/Nightwing (the original Robin), Deathstroke has since been pitted against Batman, a strategic move likely driven by DC’s push to pair top villains with their biggest hero. Joe Manganiello briefly portrayed Deathstroke in Zack Snyder’s Justice League post-credits scene, with plans for him to star as the main villain in Ben Affleck’s The Batman, though that never materialized. Like Bane, Deathstroke is a chemically enhanced mastermind, making them a formidable duo—if they don’t destroy each other first.

Though details about the newly announced Bane and Deathstroke team-up are scarce, including its title, the idea isn’t as unexpected as it seems. One possible inspiration could be Gail Simone’s Secret Six series, which featured a villainous lineup of Bane, Deadshot, Catman, and others. Known for its mix of heartfelt moments and edgy humor, Simone’s style aligns with James Gunn’s sensibilities. If the film draws from Secret Six, Deathstroke could easily take Deadshot’s place, given the latter’s strong connection to the Suicide Squad.

The Bane and Deathstroke movie doesn’t have an official release date yet.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter