LOS ANGELES, Nov. 8 (UPI) -- Joe Manganiello has opened up about Ben Affleck's upcoming solo Batman film, stating that the actor and filmmaker will be bringing new ideas to the Caped Crusader.
"When I met Ben we sat down and we talked about, you know, the role. We talked about the movie. His take is a fresh take but I think the audience is going to be surprised," Manganiello explained Monday on Mark Madden's podcast about starring in the film as DC comics villain Deathstroke.
"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," he continued.
"It's going to be gritty and action packed and cerebral and all of those elements that people love about Batman."
Manganiello then praised Affleck for his directing and how also having him behind the camera elevates the film.
"Ben's a great director, man. I mean the last movie that man directed won best picture. He's got an Oscar for writing. Like, this is all the components to go down as a... everything is lined up for a really really really great movie. Not only a superhero movie but just a great great movie," Manganiello said.
Warner Bros. and DC have yet to announce an official release date for Affleck's Batman project, rumored to be titled The Batman.
Affleck first teased Manganiello's involvement in the film in August when he released a video featuring Deathstroke staring menacingly at the camera as he sported his signature blue and orange armor.
Deathstroke, aka Slade Wilson -- also nicknamed The Terminator -- was also created by artist George Perez. Known for taking on the Teen Titans and hunting down heroes for the right price, Deathstroke possesses incredible strength, reflexes, a brilliant tactical mind and the ability to regenerate.
