James Gunn, co-head of DC Studios, has affirmed that the Swamp Thing movie remains under development despite prolonged silence and director James Mangold’s new commitments. This confirmation comes several years after the film was announced as part of DC’s first phase, Gods and Monsters, early in 2023. The project, intended as a Gothic horror film inspired by classics like Frankenstein and to be directed by Mangold, had raised concerns over its future amid Mangold’s recent deal with Paramount.
Director James Mangold Remains Involved Despite Other Commitments
In an interview with Rolling Stone, James Gunn clarified that James Mangold continues to be invested in the Swamp Thing project.
“We’ve talked to him. He’s still invested,”
Gunn stated. He added,
“So we’ll see. Some things take a long time. We’ll see what happens.”
This statement highlights that while there have been delays, the film is not abandoned but remains a work in progress within DC Studios’ evolving slate.
Other Projects on Mangold’s Plate May Delay Swamp Thing’s Release
Although Swamp Thing is still in development, Mangold’s attention has shifted to his upcoming crime drama High Side, starring Timothée Chalamet. Paramount secured High Side through a bidding war before formalizing Mangold’s deal, which increases the studio’s interest in prioritizing that film’s production. Mangold has mentioned that Paramount supports his ideas for future projects, suggesting that these could influence the scheduling and focus of Swamp Thing’s development timeline.
DC Studios itself is aiming to release only one or two theatrical films annually, emphasizing quality over quantity. Over the next two years, four DC Studios movies are slated for release: Supergirl and Clayface in 2026, followed by Man of Tomorrow and The Batman Part II in 2027. The latter remains a DC Studios production despite not being part of the official DC Universe (DCU) storyline. Given this timeline, the earliest possible debut for Swamp Thing is likely 2028, though even this depends on the completion and approval of the script.
Script Completion Is Crucial to Swamp Thing’s Advancement
James Gunn has consistently emphasized that production on any DC film or series will not commence without a finished and satisfactory script. This approach is intended to maintain high creative standards and avoid rushing the project to meet arbitrary deadlines. With Swamp Thing, the priority remains on ensuring that all elements are properly prepared before moving forward. Gunn’s openness to adjusting the DCU plan reflects an awareness of the complexities inherent in film development.
Mangold’s Other Projects Could Influence Swamp Thing’s Timeline
Besides Swamp Thing, James Mangold is attached to a Star Wars film titled Dawn of the Jedi, which was announced in 2023 but has not shown significant progress. The director’s busy schedule means that either of these major projects could face delays. Industry observers speculate that audiences might wait until the later part of this decade or even into the 2030s before seeing Mangold’s vision of Swamp Thing realized, especially if Dawn of the Jedi moves ahead more swiftly.
The Broader Impact on the DC Universe and Fan Expectations
Swamp Thing represents a distinct tone within the DC Universe, offering a Gothic horror entry that stands apart from typical superhero fare. Its careful development and eventual release will reflect DC Studios’ ongoing strategy of balancing innovation with brand coherence. Fans have expressed both anticipation and concern given the relative scarcity of updates, but Gunn’s remarks should provide some reassurance.
Moving forward, the pace of Swamp Thing’s production will testify to DC Studios’ commitment to quality storytelling in the emerging phase of the franchise. With other heavy-hitters like the Wonder Woman sequel and Batman-related titles also in the pipeline, Swamp Thing’s fate will be shaped by the evolving priorities of the studio and creative leadership.
