James Mangold is known for his versatility, having directed films across various genres, from biopics like Ford v Ferrari and A Different Man to action hits such as Logan and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. Recently, DC Studios selected Mangold to direct a new Swamp Thing film, marking the character’s return to the big screen since the 1982 movie. This project is set to fit into the latter part of James Gunn’s Gods and Monsters slate within the DC Universe (DCU).
The Impact of Mangold’s Deal with Paramount on Swamp Thing
Despite initial excitement, the future of the Swamp Thing film appears uncertain following Mangold’s recent overall deal with Paramount Pictures to develop, produce, and direct feature films. Though he remains attached to his DC projects, the Paramount agreement suggests other ventures might take precedence. When asked by Rolling Stone if Mangold’s Paramount partnership means the Swamp Thing movie is canceled, Gunn responded with cautious optimism.
“Yeah, I mean, yeah, totally. Absolutely. Yeah. We’ve talked to him. He’s still invested. So we’ll see. Some things take a long time. We’ll see what happens.”
James Gunn, DC Studios co-CEO
While the film is not officially dead, its production seems unlikely in the near future.
Mangold’s Vision for Swamp Thing
In January, Mangold shared his creative approach to the character and story. He compared the interpretation of different intellectual properties, noting the unique challenges Swamp Thing presents at DC.
“With Bob [Dylan] you have known quantities, yes, but there are ways to interpret them,”
Mangold explained.
“With other kinds of IP, it gets to a religious level. Swamp Thing at DC, it’s just a matter of – do we find a way on the page to say something original?”
He emphasized his intention to craft a standalone film centered on the character’s Gothic horror roots rather than building a franchise:
“While I’m sure DC views Swamp Thing as a franchise, I would be viewing it as a very simple, clean, Gothic horror movie about this man/monster,”
he said.
“Just doing my own thing with this, just a standalone.”
Genre Experimentation and Artistic Growth
Mangold has enjoyed exploring different film styles and acknowledged the artistic opportunities that come from shifting genres. He explained how working in varied genres helps him grow and cross-pollinate ideas across different types of films, from action to westerns to superhero movies.
“I’ve been afforded the chance [to work] in different genres, because people will finance it. If I was just a horror director and people only wanted to pay for my horror movies, that would be a different problem,”
he stated.
“But part of the joy is that you learn a lot when you are changing genres or the vernacular in some of the way you communicate in your art.”
“I’ve learned a lot, whether it’s making an action film, or whether it’s making a Western and bringing those energies to a kind of superhero film or Marvel film. You not only learn things making one genre, but then you learn how to carry over lessons from that genre into another one that you might not expect.”
James Gunn’s Plans for the DC Universe and Swamp Thing’s Role
James Gunn has a clear vision for the overall DC Universe, focusing mainly on projects where he is deeply involved, such as the upcoming Man of Tomorrow. However, independent stories like Swamp Thing and Clayface are likely to expand the DC world in diverse ways by telling unique standalone tales.
The Swamp Thing film will explore the title character’s haunting origin and atmospheric gothic themes. Currently, DC Studios has not announced a release date, and it remains unclear whether Mangold will embark on this project before completing other works such as Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi.
The Road Ahead for Swamp Thing and the DCU
The fate of Swamp Thing remains in a state of flux due to Mangold’s Paramount deal, but the project has not been abandoned. James Gunn’s hopeful remarks highlight that while the film may take time, the character’s story still holds a place within DC’s broader cinematic plans. Fans should expect further developments as Mangold balances his commitments and DC Studios continues to expand its universe with both interconnected and standalone films.
