“The Raid 2: Berandal” Theatrical Poster
We usually don’t report on comic book movies (there’s better websites for ’em), but here’s a story we couldn’t resist: Gareth Evans (Merantau), the mastermind behind The Raid franchise, is in-talks to write and direct a live-action adaptation of DC Comics’ Deathstroke, a character created by Marv Wolfman and George Pérez.
According to TW, Deathstroke was ranked as IGN’s 32nd greatest comic book villain of all time. Deathstroke possesses enhanced strength, speed, agility, and durability granted by an experimental serum. These include having the strength of ten men, and possessing heightened speed, stamina, endurance and reflexes (via WP).
Updates: “Nothing really went beyond those conversations [in October 2017]. I haven’t heard anything for a really long time,” Evans noted. “To be honest, every time I see an article written I keep wanting to ask, ‘Okay, what is it you guys know that I don’t know?’ Because I haven’t heard anything for a good while yet. So I don’t know if that will ever come back full circle at some point. But I know I haven’t had any conversation about that project for a long time now” (via CB). For now, Evans is prepping Apostle, which will premiere on Netflix in October!
I wouldn’t be on board with this idea if it wasn’t Evans in charge. I’d rather see Deathstroke as the main villain opposite Batman. (Which the next Batfleck film is supposed to be.)
What’s also fascinating about the character is that he has photographic reflexes and it’s nearly impossible to fight him, since he knows nearly every move his opponent will use before they do it.
This has not been accurately portrayed outside of the books and video games, and I would hope they get an actor who can accurately portray what it’s like to fight someone who thinks ten moves ahead.