The new DC Universe isn’t afraid to go full horror, apparently. That is, assuming James Mangold’s Swamp Thing movie goes according to plan. The Logan and Ford v Ferrari actor recently provided a little update on the status of the project, which was first announced in early 2023. While it’s unclear when it could begin filming, Mangold has made it clear what he wants it to look like.
In a recent interview with MovieWeb, Mangold touched on Swamp Thing while promoting his Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown. “Swamp Thing at DC, it’s just a matter of — do we find a way on the page to say something original?” Mangold said. So, for now, it sounds very much like the film is in the scripting stages. Speaking further, the director offered a window into how he views the undertaking.
“While I’m sure DC views Swamp Thing as a franchise, I would be viewing it as a very simple, clean, Gothic horror movie about this man/monster… Just doing my own thing with this, just a standalone.”
Indeed, Warner Bros. and DC Studios, which is headed up by James Gunn and Peter Safran, are trying to build out a franchise. Gunn’s Superman hits theaters next summer, which really kicks things off. It’s also important to note that WB has been looking to make a new Swamp Thing movie for a long time. They were entertaining the idea long before the recent DCU reboot. It probably won’t be a one-and-done, if it goes well. But Mangold, to his credit, isn’t getting ahead of himself.
“One of the things that’s very important for me in all of these movies and TV series is that the director’s vision, and the vision of the writers, and all of the creators, is unique and special,” Gunn said when the initial DC Universe slate was announced. “Storytelling is always king now. That’s all that matters to us. I want to be true to those stories, I want to be true to you guys, and really give you something different than you’ve ever seen before.”
Warner Bros. and DC produced a widely acclaimed Swamp Thing TV show in 2019. It aired for just one season. Created by Len Wein and Bernie Wrightson in 1971, he has become one of DC’s most beloved characters. It’s also a character that lends itself to horror. So Mangold seems to have the right idea. For now, Mangold also has his forthcoming Star Wars movie on deck. It’s unclear which one will move forward first. We’ll have to wait and see.
Swamp Thing does not currently have a release date.
What do you think? Are you excited about the Swamp Thing movie? Do you think it’s going to happen? Join in on the conversation over on Facebook or Twitter!
