It’s been an interesting time for Swamp Thing over the last couple weeks. His new TV series premiered on DC Universe at the end of May and has received a lot of positive reception, but a week after that first episode dropped, the show was cancelled. However, word’s come in that now Warner Bros is considering making a Swamp Thing movie due to how well the character’s been received on screen of late.
While the Swamp Thing TV series will be a one-and-done affair, Bloody Disgusting has confirmed the rumor that Warner Bros and DC are thinking about bringing Swamp Thing to the big screen. Like the TV series, the movie would rest comfortably in the horror genre, but instead of following up on what happened on the show, it would be an unconnected, standalone story.
As a result, this Swamp Thing movie would feature an entirely new cast, though apparently James Wan, who produced the Swamp Thing TV series, would be involved. Keep in mind that unlike upcoming DC movies like The Batman and The Suicide Squad, a new Swamp Thing movie isn’t something that’s officially on the production slate right now. There’s just “internal chatter” about making it happen.
Of course, assuming such a project moves forward, it wouldn’t be the first time Swamp Thing has led his own movie. The vegetative protagonist made his theatrical debut in 1982, and returned seven years later for The Return of Swamp Thing. Dick Durock, who played Swamp Thing in the movies, reprised the role for the Swamp Thing TV series that aired on the USA Network from 1990 to 1993.
While he’s not one of the most well-known characters in the DC Comics mythos, Swamp Thing has certainly collected a sizable fanbase since being introduced in the early 1970s, whether he was being published by DC proper or under the Vertigo imprint. Within the last decade, he led his own series during the New 52, and Len Wein, who co-created Swamp Thing with artist Bernie Wrightson, wrote a six-issue miniseries centered on the character a year before his passing.
Outside of the comics, along with his DC Universe series, Swamp Thing’s other recent media appearances include the animated movies Justice League Dark and Batman and Harley Quinn, and the animated series Justice League Action.
There were also plans to feature Swamp Thing in the live action Justice League Dark movie that once had directors like Guillermo del Toro and Doug Liman attached. That project definitely seems lower down on the DC movies to-do list, but if this new Swamp Thing movie were to get the green light, perhaps that could have the way for Swamp Thing teaming up with Constantine, Zatanna and others in the DCEU.
Having James Wan involved would also be a good call. Besides his connection to the Swamp Thing TV series, he has a lot of experience working in the horror realm and already has a foothold in the DCEU by directing Aquaman. While it’d be interesting to see him helm Swamp Thing too, just having him offer his two cents on the story as a producer would be incredibly valuable.
Keep checking back with CinemaBlend for more news on if/when a Swamp Thing movie will happen. In the meantime, Swamp Thing Season 1 will still air in its entirety, with the finale coming out on August 2. If you’re interested in learning what other DC movies are in development, look through our handy guide.
