'Batman' solo movie release date and updates: Joe Manganiello begins researching on Deathstroke for Ben Affleck's movie

It is official — "Magic Mike's" Joe Manganiello is playing Slade Wilson aka Deathstroke in Ben Affleck's "Batman" solo movie. The movie may not be coming for a while, but Manganiello has already started his research.

In a Twitter post by Manganiello, he posted some pictures showing a load of comics involving Deathstroke and some merchandise related to the character. Along with the Funko POP figures of a masked and unmasked Slade Wilson, there's also a Deathstroke mask sitting on top of a pile of comics.

Some fans have pointed out that Manganiello's loot also includes Geoff Johns' "Batman: Earth One." The comic is said to re-imagine the origin of Batman and his rouges gallery, but Deathstroke is actually absent from that comics.

This led some to speculate that the comic may have something to do with Ben Affleck's "Batman" movie and the plot may be based on it. Some, of course, have dismissed that it could have something to do with the movie, but it is still an interesting choice for Manganiello to pick. Perhaps, other than Deathstroke, he also wants to study more about Batman himself?

Slade Wilson won't be Manganiello's first foray into comic book movies. Back in 2002, Manganiello played Peter Parker's (Tobey Maguire) high school bully Flash Thompson. He has gone a long way from bullying Spider-Man and now he's up to challenge the Dark Knight as one of the most skilled mercenaries in the world.

Deathstroke's character has been getting a lot of attention lately. Stephen Amell just teased the return of Deathstroke in the 100th episode of "Arrow" which is coming by the end of the year. It is high time that one of Batman's most skillful enemies makes it to the big screen.

Ben Affleck's solo "Batman" movie has no official release date yet, but it is said to come out a year-and-a-half from now.