Manganiello says his agent tried to work out a deal, but to no avail.
With any luck, Reeves will find a way to include Manganiello in the film somehow, since the actor has already been in training for the role.
Manganiello, who is voicing a role in this week’s animated release Smurfs: The Lost Village, has since joined the DCEU as the villainous Deathstroke, although it’s unclear when he may appear.
It was originally thought he would join The Batman opposite Ben Affleck, but cast doubt on the role last month after it was revealed Matt Reeves, who took over directing from Affleck, was making some changes.