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Swamp Thing could have found its badass director in James Mangold. Like other DC characters, Swamp Thing has had some bad luck in recent years regarding his live-action appearances. While the DCEU was trying to figure out a path forward, DC was thriving on TV with several different series such as the Arrowverse.
In addition to the CW’s collection of shows, the now deactivated DC Universe streaming service had its own original series. Starting with the mature live-action adaptation of the Teen Titans which was simply titled Titans.
Hot off the heels from Titans’ first season came their second TV show, Doom Patrol. The team first appeared on the fourth episode of Titans, which hyped up their own spin-off show. Of course, this led many to believe that both shows co-existed in the same continuity. On the contrary, the Crisis on Infinite Earths crossover event would confirm that Titans and Doom Patrol take place in separate universes.
Before DC Universe was shut down, a third original series centered around Swamp Thing was released to universal acclaim. The show followed the origin of botanist Alec Holland and his gruesome transformation into the protector of the green.
Swamp Thing May Have Found Its Badass Director In James Mangold
Image: Warner Bros. Discovery
Moreover, the show also came from the creative mind of horror veteran James Wan. Wan previously directed the smash hit DCEU movie Aquaman and would also return for the upcoming sequel.
Unfortunately, despite the show’s glowing reception it was immediately axed due to reported budgetary concerns. This left Swampy’s live-action future in limbo. The cancellation shocked and upset fans. In terms of tone, this Swamp Thing captured the creepy spirit of the comic book. After British author Alan Moore’s groundbreaking run in the ’80s, followers wouldn’t expect anything less.
Moore weaved tales of supernatural and real-life horrors, of sex and death. He didn’t produce them for the PG crowd. These adult books paved the way for DC’s post-punk Vertigo titles such as Sandman and Hellblazer. Many expected J.J. Abrams’ Justice League Dark project to revive Swamp Thing. Since then, there’s been no news.
Until now.
During the anticipated unveiling of the DCU’s first chapter of projects, DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn announced a Swamp Thing theatrical film. Per The Hollywood Reporter, Mangold is now in talks to direct it. Should Mangold end up with the job, it would be a huge win for DC Studios.
After all, he’s no stranger to directing superhero movies.
Swamp Thing May Have Found Its Badass Director In James Mangold
Image: Warner Bros. Discovery
Mangold directed 2013’s The Wolverine and it’s 2017 sequel Logan.
The latter of which has been hailed as a masterpiece for its dreary feeling and powerful yet emotional story.
All of which are major factors in good ol’ Swampy’s origin.
Swamp Thing made his cinematic in the 1982 movie of the same name. However, director Wes Craven looked more to ’50s monster fare than the original comic book.
In the early ’70s, co-creators Len Wein (writer) and Bernie Wrightson (artist) brought a Gothic, serious sensibility to the character. On the contrary, Craven’s Swamp Thing veered towards the campy. Nevertheless, the film was entertaining for what it was. In fact, many consider it a cult classic.
Mangold should take Swamp Thing in the proper direction. Although Logan wasn’t horror, its grim outlook and edgy violence is what Swamp Thing needs to excel. In addition, a gloomy, terrifying Swamp Thing could erase the fears that Gunn seeks a goofball perspective for the DCU. Indeed, not everything is Peacemaker.