James Mangold’s long developing Swamp Thing movie is still alive at DC Studios, with studio co chairman Peter Safran confirming that work on the project is actively moving forward.
Speaking at the premiere of Clayface, Safran addressed the status of the film after years of limited updates and growing speculation that it may have quietly fallen off DC Studios’ slate.
“We’re working on it, absolutely.”
Safran said. “The script is being written as we speak.”
Safran added that DC Studios remains excited about the project, while acknowledging that getting the film into production will also depend on Mangold’s availability.
Swamp Thing was originally announced in 2023 as part of the first chapter of James Gunn and Safran’s new DC Universe. The film is expected to explore the dark origins of the character while leaning heavily into horror rather than functioning as a traditional superhero movie.
Swamp Thing
Mangold previously described his approach as a simple Gothic horror story centered around a man and a monster, comparing the concept to the type of classic tragedy found in Frankenstein.
That direction would make Swamp Thing one of the darker and more distinct projects currently being developed for the DC Universe.
The character, most commonly associated with scientist Alec Holland, has long occupied the horror side of DC Comics. After Holland is killed in an explosion, Swamp Thing emerges as a powerful plant based creature connected to a supernatural force known as the Green.
The character most recently received a live action television adaptation in 2019, although the series was canceled after a single season.
Mangold remains attached to direct the new film, though DC Studios has not announced a production start date, cast, or release date.
For now, Safran’s comments offer the clearest indication in some time that Swamp Thing remains part of DC Studios’ plans.
