James Mangold is quickly becoming one of the busiest filmmakers in Hollywood. With Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny whipping into theaters on June 30, 2023, and a film in the newly-announced Star Wars trilogy on his plate, it’s shocking to learn he’ll be tackling another project for DC. James Gunn confirmed Mangold would direct the studio’s Swamp Thing movie in February. Additionally, Mangold will also write the script.
Mangold confirmed he’ll write Swamp Thing earlier today at Star Wars Celebration 2023. Collider‘s Steve Weintraub spoke with Mangold, who confirmed he would pick up his pen for the Guardian of the Green.
“The truth is, I’m writing both right now,” Mangold said about pulling double-duty on Star Wars and Swamp Thing. “And who knows what’s going to happen and what’s gonna blossom first or second? So there’s your thing, I’m doing Swamp Thing, there’s your scoop. It’s not a rumour, it’s happening. I put it online.”
Swamp Thing is part of James Gunn and Peter Safran’s plans to reboot the DCU into an interconnected universe of films, television series, video games, and more. In 2019, DC launched a Swamp Thing television series, only to find it canceled five days after the first episode debuted. According to an anonymous source, Swamp Thing’s cancelation was a surprise. Rumors about financial troubles circulated as a reason for the show’s cancelation, though others say the demolishing of the DC Universe streaming service is to blame. Sadly, fans say Swamp Thing was good, and the show returned to the muck from whence it came far too soon.
James Mangold’s Swamp Thing will depict “the dark origins” of the monstrous character with supernatural horror elements. While several people have become the Swamp Thing, the most famous iteration of the character is Alec Holland, a scientist whose body is drenched in a bio-restorative formula, transforming him into a creature connected to a vast network called the Green. Swamp Thing fights for the good of the Green but also aids superheroes in more significant battles when his realm is under attack.
Are you excited about James Mangold writing and directing Swamp Thing for DC Films? Which project will come first? Swamp Thing or Mangold’s Star Wars movie about the New Republic? Feel free to let us know in the comments below.