Let the negotiations and rumours begin! After only confirming the first ten projects in their upcoming slate, news has already begun rolling on about negotiations at DC Studios. It seems that as the dust settles on James Gunn and Peter Safran’s announcements, Swamp Thing is the latest hot ticket in Hollywood.
First, rumours began circulating that the legendary Guillermo del Toro was eyeing the project. Recent photos caught the Hellboy director picking up a bunch of Swamp Thing comics. We also know he’s had interest in utilising DC’s Justice League Dark in the past.
Then it was the turn of Logan and Indiana Jones 5 director James Mangold to throw his hat in the ring with a cryptic tweet. Now, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed that Mangold is indeed in talks with Gunn and Safran to helm the project.
According to the trade Mangold is in early talks with the studio with a view to directing and potentially writing Swamp Thing. It is reported that Mangold is a massive fan of the character and stories. According to sources, he approached Gunn and Safran with his ideas. Swamp Thing would be a few years away, however, and Mangold’s next project after Dial of Destiny will be a Bob Dylan biopic for Paramount.
Swamp Thing was created by writer Len Wein and horror artist Wrightson, first appearing in a standalone story in 1971’s House of Secret No. 92. The character proved popular enough that he got his own book soon after although it was short-lived. He also headlined a short-lived but incredibly well received series on the DC Universe streaming service.
More on this story as it develops…