Breaking: Superbad Director Greg Mottola in Talks to Direct DC’s Deathstroke and Bane Film

Update: According to a new industry report, Greg Mottola—best known for directing comedies like Superbad and Adventureland—is in early negotiations to direct an upcoming Deathstroke and Bane movie for James Gunn's DC Studios.

The news comes as a surprise to many, given Mottola's previous focus on coming-of-age and comedy projects rather than superhero blockbusters.

“This is a bold move by Gunn,” said a source close to the development. “Mottola has a sharp eye for character and dialogue, which could bring a fresh tone to these darker DC villains.”

Background

James Gunn and Peter Safran, co-heads of DC Studios, have been mapping out a new DC Universe (DCU) that includes multiple films and series. Deathstroke and Bane are two of Batman's most formidable foes, with Deathstroke (Slade Wilson) being a master assassin and Bane known for breaking the Bat.

Mottola's career has mostly been in comedy, but he has also directed episodes of Succession and The Newsroom, showing range in drama and tension. The reported project would be his first major superhero film.

What This Means

If confirmed, this hire signals that DC Studios is willing to think outside the traditional superhero director box. It could result in a character-driven action film with more humor and humanity than typical grimdark takes on these villains.

Fans should not expect a direct adaptation of any particular comic story; sources indicate the film will be an original tale set within the new DCU continuity.

This story is developing. Representatives for DC Studios and Greg Mottola have not yet commented.

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Breaking: Superbad Director Greg Mottola in Talks to Direct DC’s Deathstroke and Bane Film