You know what I didn’t even know I really wanted until it arrived in my inbox? A Swamp Thing live action TV series that boasts James Wan (The Conjuring, Aquaman… oh, you know who he is) as one of its executive producers. And yes, we’re getting a Swamp Thing TV series on the upcoming DC Universe streaming service that Warner Bros. will launch later this year.
James Wan, Mark Verheiden, Gary Dauberman, and Michael Clear are executive producers, with Rob Hackett (also of Wan’s Atomic Monster) serving as co-producer. Verheiden and Dauberman are writing. Here’s the official synopsis:
“When CDC researcher Abby Arcane returns to her childhood home of Houma, Louisiana, in order to investigate a deadly swamp-borne virus, she develops a surprising bond with scientist Alec Holland — only to have him tragically taken from her. But as powerful forces descend on Houma, intent on exploiting the swamp’s mysterious properties for their own purposes, Abby will discover that the swamp holds mystical secrets, both horrifying and wondrous — and the potential love of her life may not be dead after all.”
So, not only does this sound great, it sounds like the kind of show that could open the door to all manner of other weird and supernatural corners of the DC Universe. Drop me off at the House of Secrets. Let Matt Ryan cameo as John Constantine (hell, Constantine first appeared in a Swamp Thing comic). Introduce Dream and the rest of The Endless. I don’t care. Do it all. I’m here for it.
Swamp Thing joins what is becoming an impressive lineup of original programming on the newly named streaming service, DC Universe. Other shows include Titans, the long awaited Young Justice: Outsiders, Superman prequel Metropolis, and a Harley Quinn animated series.
This is far from Swamp Thing’s first foray into live-action. Wes Craven’s 1982 Swamp Thing movie is a legit cult classic, although its sequel, Return Of The Swamp Thing is less so. There was a syndicated TV series that starred big screen Swampy Dick Durock that ran for three seasons. It’s better than you’ve heard. The short-lived animated series, on the other hand, is not. Something tells me that whatever DC Universe is cooking up will be better… but I really hope they go with the “man in suit” approach.
Swamp Thing will arrive on the DC Universe streaming service in 2019.