Joe Manganiello Opens Up About Rejecting A Role In Thor: ‘Taika Waititi Wanted Me’

Joe Manganiello was recently in the limelight for personal challenges, but now the Hollywood star is reclaiming stability with a lineup of upcoming projects, including a Dungeons & Dragons documentary. Recognized for his short and memorable act as Deathstroke in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), Manganiello also has a Marvel connection as he appeared as Flash Thompson in Tobey Maguire’s Spider-Man. In a recent conversation with Comic Book, the actor hinted at a missed opportunity as he was approached to play an important part in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

When questioned about the possibility of Flash transforming into Agent Venom, Manganiello rejected the speculation. However, the actor shared that Taika Waititi once expressed his interest in casting him for an undisclosed role in one of the Thor movies.

He said, “Years ago, Taika Waititi wanted me for one of the Thor movies and I couldn’t do it. It was impossible for me scheduling wise to do it, at the end of the day. But that would have been my reappearance back into the Marvel Universe. But I couldn’t do it. Would I love to be a part of it? I mean, sure. Of course it’d be fun in the right project.”

Joe Manganiello further expressed curiosity about Sam Raimi’s involvement in Secret Wars. However, the interviewer was uncertain about the details, but he asked the actor about the possibility of Agent Venom resurfacing in the MCU, Manganiello admitted, “I don’t know, man. I don’t know much about that storyline. I haven’t read any of it. I would imagine that would be over at Sony. It would be very funny to come back that way.”

Although Joe Manganiello played the character of Flash Thompson in his younger days, the character has since been taken over by actor Tony Revolori in the Tom Holland and Zendaya-led Spider-Man films in MCU. On the DCEU side, Manganiello appeared as the Deathstroke in the post-credits scene of Batman vs. Superman, but his role didn’t progress further and DCEU concluded with Jason Momoa’s Aquaman 2, being the final film.

Meanwhile, Joe Manganiello will be hosting the upcoming season of Deal or No Deal Island, which is set to premiere on February 26th. In the game show, the actor will play a pivotal role in orchestrating the game, giving tempting offers from the banker and helping contestants go through the most challenging decisions they face on their journey.