Joe Manganiello has shared a harrowing account of how being cast as the villain Deathstroke in Ben Affleck's planned Batman film served as a powerful motivator during a life-threatening health battle. In an excerpt from his upcoming memoir, "Bloodlines," Manganiello details the near-fatal autoimmune disease that attacked his body around the time of his casting.
In 2016, Manganiello collapsed on the set of a series, leading to a hospitalization where doctors worked to diagnose a condition that was severely impacting his thyroid and intestines. He described experiencing rectal bleeding and learning that a significant portion of his large intestine was on the verge of rupture, a potentially fatal development. Medical intervention involved the removal of much of his intestine and the temporary use of an ostomy bag.
During his recovery, Manganiello experienced dramatic weight loss and struggled with the practical and emotional toll of the ostomy bag, which he said would leak. These challenges contributed to mental breakdowns. It was during this period that he received the offer to play Deathstroke in Affleck's standalone Batman movie, the largest role he had been offered to date.
Despite his fragile health and the concerns of his then-wife, Sofia Vergara, Manganiello felt compelled to accept the role. He viewed it as a crucial element in his journey back to health, stating that the part offered a "shred of hope" for regaining some semblance of his life. To prepare for suit fittings and avoid complications with his ostomy bag, Manganiello abstained from eating for 18 hours to ensure the bag was empty, fearing that the tight costume might otherwise cause it to rupture.
Ben Affleck's Batman film was ultimately canceled, eventually leading to a reboot of the character with Robert Pattinson. Affleck has since spoken about stepping away from the project due to his own struggles with alcoholism and depression. Footage of Manganiello in the Deathstroke costume was released by Affleck during the pre-production phase.
Previously, Manganiello described the planned film's take on Deathstroke as a dark, vengeful character akin to a horror villain who systematically dismantled Bruce Wayne's life. Manganiello briefly portrayed Deathstroke in cameos in the theatrical and director's cut of Justice League and has expressed interest in reprising the role, though no further appearances are currently planned within DC's rebooted cinematic universe.