AceShowbiz - In January 2023, the new DC Universe (DCU) under the leadership of Peter Safran and James Gunn was officially unveiled, revealing a slate of projects that would comprise "Chapter One" of this ambitious franchise reboot. Since then, several anticipated titles have already premiered, including last year’s blockbuster Superman film, the animated series Creature Commandos, and the second season of Peacemaker. Fans can expect even more projects from this initial lineup to arrive this year, such as Lanterns and Supergirl, with Supergirl scheduled for release later this summer. Although some announced projects like The Authority appear to have been delayed, the DCU continues to build momentum.

One notable characteristic of the DCU under the guidance of Gunn and Safran is their flexibility to pivot creatively, even when it involves projects not originally planned. For example, the upcoming Clayface movie was never part of the initial slate but gained traction due to Mike Flanagan’s unique pitch. Another project quietly developing behind the scenes is a film rumored to focus on the characters Deathstroke and Bane—two of Batman’s most infamous adversaries. Recent reports suggest this film is gaining traction, with director Greg Mottola emerging as a leading candidate to helm the project.

According to Deadline, Greg Mottola, known for his work on films like Adventureland and Superbad, is currently the frontrunner to direct the rumored Deathstroke & Bane movie. However, the situation remains fluid. Mottola is one among several directors being considered, and the project is still in its early development stage, with a script yet to be finalized. Matthew Orton, known for his work on Moon Knight and Cleaner, has been tapped to write the screenplay. While Mottola’s background in comedy may seem unexpected, he is already familiar with the DCU, having directed episodes of Peacemaker.

Although the project has been labeled the "Deathstroke & Bane" movie by the press, DC Studios has not officially confirmed the title or even the exact focus of the film. In previous interviews, Gunn has acknowledged that Orton is crafting a script that is "something kind of like" a Deathstroke/Bane story, but he emphasizes that no project will be greenlit without a strong script in place. This means the film is far from guaranteed and could still undergo significant changes or be shelved entirely.

The narrative direction of this potential movie remains a mystery. In the comic book canon, Deathstroke and Bane rarely collaborate, and both characters have distinct rivalries with Batman, which complicates their joint storytelling. A movie featuring these two villains without Batman’s direct involvement would be unusual, especially since Batman’s role in the DCU is currently complicated. While Batman has appeared in the animated series Creature Commandos, his first major live-action film debut in the DCU is slated for the upcoming The Brave and the Bold. If the Deathstroke and Bane film releases before The Brave and the Bold, it could frustrate fans eager to see Batman or alternatively build anticipation for his official arrival on the big screen.

Both Bane and Deathstroke have appeared in previous live-action films, though with varying degrees of faithfulness to their comic origins. Bane was featured in Batman & Robin, a version notably a terrible adaptation. However, Tom Hardy’s portrayal of Bane in The Dark Knight Rises pushed it closer to the right direction, famously depicting the iconic "breaking Batman’s back" moment. Deathstroke’s cinematic presence has been more limited, appearing only briefly in a post-credit scene in the theatrical cut of Justice League, played by Joe Manganiello. His role was slightly expanded in Zack Snyder’s director’s cut of the same film.

With the DCU’s ongoing expansion, the idea of a film centered on two notorious villains like Deathstroke and Bane is intriguing. It reflects the franchise’s willingness to explore darker, more complex characters beyond the core heroes. The choice of Greg Mottola as a potential director signals an interesting tonal direction, given his comedy background combined with his established connection to the DC Universe through Peacemaker.

As with all upcoming DCU projects, the success of a Deathstroke and Bane film hinges on a compelling script and creative vision that fits within the broader universe Safran and Gunn are building. Whether this movie becomes a pivotal chapter in the DCU or remains an experimental side story is yet to be seen, but early signs suggest it could be a unique addition to the franchise’s evolving landscape.

For now, the film remains in development, with no official release date announced. The DCU’s trajectory continues to unfold throughout this year.