There’s a new Deathstroke in town. DC Universe has tapped NYPD Blue veteran Esai Morales to play Dick Grayson’s arch-nemesis in the second season of Titans.
Deathstroke has wreaked considerable havoc in the DC Comics Universe since his debut in The New Teen Titans #2 in December 1980. Titans’ producers describe Deathstroke as:
“Slade Wilson is known for being DC’s deadliest assassination. While serving his country, Slade became an elite soldier before government testing enhanced his physiology to near superhuman levels, putting him on a path of darkness and revenge. To his family, Slade is a father and husband, but to the rest of the world, he is feared by many as the infamous Deathstroke; selling his services to the highest bidder as the ruthless assassin that never gives up and never misses.”
Several actors have played Deathstroke in recent years. Manu Bennett played the super villain in the sixth season of the CW series Arrow, while Joe Manganiello appeared as the character in the post credits for Justice League. Will Arnett voiced the character in last summer’s Teen Titans Go! To the Movies.
Morales is best known for his role as Ritchie Valens’ half-brother Roberto in La Bamba. His most recent films include Sony’s Superfly, the indie film The Wall of Mexico, and the Sundance 2011 Grand Jury nominee Gun Hill Road.
Titans launched in September 2018 and stars Brenton Thwaites as Dick Grayson/Robin, Anna Diop as the alien Starfire, Teagan Croft as Raven, and Ryan Potter as the green-skinned Beast Boy.
No release date has been announced for Season 2, but the entire first season is available to stream on DC Universe.
