DC Studios is taking a crack at horror with the release of Swamp Thing, a movie that’s been shelved so long that fans almost forgot about it. In January of 2023, it was announced as part of the DC Universe’s first chapter, Gods and Monsters. It’s said to be a story that explores the character’s dark origins. Sometime later, James Mangold confirmed that he would write and direct the movie. He described his vision as “a simple gothic horror film about a man and a monster,” comparing it to Frankenstein. He also explained that the movie would stand on its own rather than serve as the beginning of a new franchise.
Now, the first major update in over a year has arrived. While speaking to Deadline at the Clayface premiere, DC Studios co-CEO Peter Safran confirmed that the movie is still in development.
“We’re working on it, absolutely,” he said, explaining that the script is currently being written. He also pointed out that projects take time, especially when a director already has other commitments.
The delay is mainly due to Mangold’s busy schedule. In September 2025, the director signed a major deal with Paramount. His first project under the deal is High Side, a MotoGP movie that will reunite him with Timothée Chalamet. He is also working on a Star Wars project.
This isn’t the first time Mangold’s schedule has delayed Swamp Thing. While he was working on A Complete Unknown, the movie appeared to be on hold. James Gunn explained at the time that he and Mangold only discussed the project occasionally. Gunn later revealed that Mangold had not submitted a script because he was busy filming other projects.
Details about the plot are still under wraps, but the movie’s direction is crystal clear. Gunn has said it will be “the darkest project in the DCU’s first chapter.” However, Swamp Thing could still interact with other superheroes in future movies.
Swamp Thing also has a long history on screen. Wes Craven directed the original 1982 movie starring Dick Durock, followed by the 1989 sequel, The Return of Swamp Thing. More recently, Derek Mears played the character in a 2019 series for the DC Universe streaming service. Although the series didn’t air long, it received positive reviews.
The movie is also part of a changing lineup at Warner Bros. According to Deadline, Swamp Thing remains in early development alongside several other DC projects, including a movie featuring Bane and Deathstroke, The Brave and the Bold, a live-action Teen Titans movie, and a Wonder Woman reboot.
