An Arrow – Deathstroke spin-off series has been discussed, Manu Bennett confirms
CarterMatt has mentioned many times on the site that we’d love to see an Arrow – Deathstroke spin-off featuring Manu Bennett. We’ve even written full articles about it, and it’s easy to see why it would be in demand. Slade Wilson is a fantastic character — he’s complex, troubled, and capable of unleashing unspeakable carnage. The idea of having a true antihero at the center of a series within the Greg Berlanti universe is exciting. Meanwhile, it’s pretty clear that Bennett would love to do it. Ever since he returned to the show (following a hiatus) last year he has helped to keep this dream alive.
Now, he is also making it clear that he and Arrow executive producer Marc Guggenheim have discussed the idea of a Deathstroke series in the past. While at MCM Comic-Con in London this weekend Manu made revealed (via SpoilerTV) the full extent of those conversations, and the factors that are holding them back including Warner Bros. and DC Comics holding out more to use Deathstroke in the film universe:
“Marc Guggenheim and I talked about a Deathstroke TV series and it would be awesome … If we could make it R-rated, if we could maybe leap onto another network platform that we could be at that level, make it Logan-esque and all that sort of stuff, Marc and I could write that series … But it’s not our property to say. I know the fanbase out there would be keen for it.”
“Marc Guggenheim has been fairly honest with me in the way that he’s been constrained, you might say, in terms of how to include Deathstroke in the Arrow series. Warner Brothers’ adult company, the film branch, have made it not possible to use certain characters on the TV show.
“[It’s] kind of a shame but who am I to say? At the end of the day, that’s their property and they’ve got to treat it in the way that they think is best in order to make the impact.”
Even if there is no Deathstroke spin-off (sad as that is to write), we know that there are still a myriad of ways that the character could be used on the flagship show. We’ll be seeing some of that later this season starting with “Deathstroke Returns,” a two-part episode in which Oliver and Slade work together in order to locate his son, a mission that is carrying over from when Slade turned up in the season premiere.
For now, we’ll continue to hold out hope — we do still think that it’s okay to have both a movie and TV Deathstroke and use them both properly. It doesn’t seem to be hurting anyone with The Flash.
Do you want to see an Arrow – Deathstroke spin-off featuring Manu Bennett? Be sure to share in the comments section below!
Also, take a look over here for some additional news regarding Arrow and what could be coming on Thursday’s new episode! (Here’s a hint: It involves Katie Cassidy.)
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