Is this another scoop, and possibly large spoiler, for The Dark Knight originating from New York’s Toy Fair? It’s hard to say. A figurine for Deathstroke, a villainous mercenary, member of the Teen Titans (alongside Batgirl) and fan favorite, was recently spotted in a Mattel toy showcase for the Batman Begins sequel. Deathstroke’s figure wasn’t accidentally placed there, that’s for sure, and over at SHH, they’re told the character won’t appear in the film…but that the figurine still received “Christopher Nolan’s approval.” Hmm.
As IESB notes, a Robin figurine was included way back when with the Batman Returns line and sparked similar controversy about a cinematic appearance. Of course, in that instance, the character did not appear. But would sources in the know ‘fess up at this time if Deathstroke was in the film? A cameo would not be unlikely, as the character has given Batman some formidable trouble in the comics, due to his ability to heal abnormally fast and his fighting skill-set, and is cited on Wiki as Bruce Wayne’s equal of sorts. Moreover, it’d be a great way to get fans even more abuzz, similar to newly announced cameos by Gambit and Deadpool in Marvel’s X-Men Origins: Wolverine.
Update: Slashfilm reader ‘Matt’ emailed us to say, “Great site you have; I read it almost daily. Mattel probably made one because he’s going to be a character in the animated tie-in DVD, Gotham Knight.“Excellent Point.
Update 2: Actually, the character,Deadshot, appears in Gotham Knight, not Deathstroke, so once again, the rumor is fair game.
Discuss: Would you like to see Deathstroke appear in The Dark Knight, or do you think The Joker and Two Face are enough for ol’ Batsy this go ’round? And whose name overcompensates more, Deadpool’s or Deathstroke’s? It takes a certain chutzpah to give yourself a name usually reserved for groups of guys that play moronic hard rock. I say: Deathstroke wins, as he also goes by Deathstroke the Terminator, which is insanely verbose.
February 21st, 2008 at 7:39 pm
I thought it was confirmed that they were putting our figures of other Bat villains in the line of the movie figures much like they do with Spider-Man 3.
February 21st, 2008 at 8:06 pm
You forgot to mention that FIREFLY is also in that toy line-up, and that Michael Anthony Hall’s character has yet to be revealed. Could be either of them, ya think?
February 21st, 2008 at 8:07 pm
I think it’d be neat if he were featured in the beginning of the film as a villain that Batman fights, just to sort of set up and show that he has been fighting crime between the movies and not just sitting on his bat-bum.
February 21st, 2008 at 8:27 pm
I don’t think we will see Deathstroke in Dark Knight but I think the Nolan’s are looking at the big picture and keeping Gotham real and I can see him being alluded to in the Dark Knight so that when the 3rd Batman film there is some back story and giving some fluidity to the next movie so it doesn’t just come off as another movie but more of Batman taking care of problem that slowed his progress dealing with Two-Face and the Joker.
February 21st, 2008 at 8:33 pm
Also, I just noticed the question about which name overcompensates more. I’d have to go with Deathstroke, simply because if you know Deadpool’s backstory, his name actually carries quite a nifty meaning.
February 21st, 2008 at 8:46 pm
I cant imagine we’ll see deathstroke in this movie.
I dont even think hes a Batman villain, sure they’ve fought but hes not exactly in the rogues gallery
February 21st, 2008 at 8:52 pm
I don’t think we’ll see Deathstroke, however what’s this about Two Face in TDK? I thought we’d see Harvey Dent and maybe the accident, but that’s about it. They actually going to include Two Face in TDK?
February 21st, 2008 at 9:37 pm
Remember folks Deathstroke is going to be in the Batman anime.
February 21st, 2008 at 10:02 pm
Deadshot is in the Batman anime, not Deathstroke.
Its interesting to say the least. Toys never make it a sure thing that it will be in the movie as others mentioned but it could still be possible.
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:02 am
Couple things.
First, Hunter, if you’re going to be writing about clues at toyfair leading to a possible cameo in an upcoming superhero movie, I’m not going to hesitate to split hairs in your use of the word “figurine.” A figurine is like a small statue, whereas an action figure is articulated and probably shoots missiles. Get it right, get it tight. You got nerds reading.
Second, I think it’s bizarre that nobody’s mentioned the connection between Deathstroke and Deadpool. Deadpool was made in something of an homage to Deathstroke, from what I gather.
Both of the characters are mercenaries with enhanced healing abilities, known to wield swords and drape themselves in ammo belts and bandoleers. Just looking at the characters, you can see a similiarity… But hey, that could be coincidence, right?
Yeah, except Deadpool and Deathstroke’s real names are Wade Wilson and Slade Wilson, respectively. Deadpool’s been my favorite superhero since 3rd grade, but even I’ve gotta shake my head at the lack of originality.
Just thought I’d throw that out there for the folks who’ve got better things to do than read comics all day.
(And I wonder why I haven’t gotten laid in a while…)
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:29 am
Max–
It’s interesting, I consider myself quite the comics nerd but I never knew the connections between Deadpool and Deathstrike. However, I also don’t follow DC very closely, so that’s probably why.
Also, though, this wouldn’t be the first instance of Marvel “borrowing” from DC, or vice versa. The two have a very strange history.
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:32 am
Three’s a crowd.
February 22nd, 2008 at 6:21 am
There are also pictures of a half-dozen goofy looking “alternate outfit” Batman figures, but I doubt we’ll see them in the movie either. They’re just bulking up the figure line to coincide with the release of the movie, it likely means nothing more than that.
February 22nd, 2008 at 11:31 am
@ Max
Fine. I am hyper-allergic to the word “toy,” so I use “figurine” loosely. I guess “action figure” is okay middle ground, I guess. Thanks for the slightly therapeutic comment.
February 22nd, 2008 at 11:41 am
Maybe other villains just appear in random TV news reports as background material?
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:37 pm
If he is in it I HOPE it’s only something subtle ala Victor Zsaz in Batman Begins… I’m afraid if he’s a sizable player it’ll be overcrowded like Spiderman 3…
February 23rd, 2008 at 3:41 pm
The TOY FAIR has released a ton of new Batman Toys & not all of them are Dark Knight related. There’s been a huge drought of Bat-merchandise lately so it’s gonna be crazy in a few months, that’s awesome!
BATMAN FAN? Visit The Bat-Blog!
http://www.bat-blog.com
Thanks, Tommy
February 23rd, 2008 at 5:42 pm
There’s been a drought of bat-merchandise?
Wow.
Just… Wow.
February 24th, 2008 at 3:20 am
I hope he doesn’t appear, The Joker and Two Face are enough! We don’t want to step into Spidey 3 teretory!