"It Gets To A Religious Level": James Mangold Addresses Directing The DC Universe's Swamp Thing Movie And The Difficulties Of Fitting Within A Franchise
James Mangold has his mind set on what to do with DC's Swamp Thing. The director spearheaded one of the best comic book movies of all time. Fans and critics alike loved Logan, which was supposed to be Hugh Jackman's last time as Wolverine before he decided to return for Deadpool & Wolverine. After his Fox/Marvel film, Mangold will now helm Swamp Thing, one of the projects announced for the DCU's Chapter One. The director has now teased details from the DC Universe's surprising movie.
Speaking with MovieWeb, James Mangold revealed whether Swamp Thing is focused on setting up a franchise. Mangold noted that DC likely has plans for the film as the start of a franchise that could spin off into future DCU movies. However, the director is not focused on that. According to him, DC's Swamp Thing movie is a "Gothic horror" envisioned as a standalone. Whether Mangold has thoughts on sequels or where the character could go next, it seems like all of that is not important for him right now. Check out the full quote below:
"With other kinds of IP, it gets to a religious level. 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... Just doing my own thing with this, just a standalone."
What James Mangold’s Swamp Thing Comments Mean
The Director Has A Clear Vision
James Mangold's Swamp Thing comments are very interesting. While James Gunn has said that every DCU project has to stand on its own two feet, most of the movies and series announced so far include multiple characters. Even Gunn's Superman, which revolves around David Corenswet's Clark Kent, will feature multiple DCU heroes. Mangold's comments state firmly that he views Swamp Thing as a standalone. Due to that, fans wanting to see the setup for a Justice League Dark movie, with John Constantine appearing, for example, are unlikely to get what they want.
The DCU seems to be building a different kind of movie in comparison to something like Superman and Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. Described as a standalone Gothic horror movie, James Mangold's Swamp Thing sounds to be cut from the same cloth as Mike Flanagan's Clayface film. DC can do well with some variety in the DCU, and by having a dedicated flow of horror films, the studio would be able to tap into characters more suited for a mature tone and standalone stories. Mangold is focused on making a good movie, and Swamp Thing's DCU future lies in Gunn's hands.
Our Take On James Mangold’s Swamp Thing Comments
The DC Character Is In Good Hands
I think Mangold's comments show he is the perfect choice to direct Swamp Thing. The DC character does not need to be linked to the wider DCU in his solo movie. In fact, I believe that since Swamp Thing is not that well known, establishing his backstory and the character's powers in a film before having him cross over with other DC characters is the best course of action. By making it a standalone horror movie, Swamp Thing could even draw a larger audience, taking in fans of the genre who are not necessarily interested in the DCU.
Swamp Thing
- Release Date
- 2019 - 2019-00-00
- Network
- DC Universe
- Directors
- Deran Sarafian, Len Wiseman, Carol Banker, Greg Beeman, Michael Goi, E.L. Katz, Toa Fraser
- Writers
- Doris Egan, Rob Fresco, Erin Maher, Kay Reindl, Andrew Preston, Tania Lotia
Cast
Adrienne BarbeauDr. Palomar
Gregory Alan WilliamsMayor Riley
Swamp Thing follows CDC researcher Abby Arcane as she delves into a mysterious swamp-born virus in a small Louisiana town. Her investigation reveals the swamp's mystical secrets, and as horrors emerge, the town's safety is jeopardized. Released in 2019, the film blends elements of science fiction and horror.
- Seasons
- 1
Upcoming DC Movie Releases
Source: MovieWeb
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