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Swamp Thing release date speculation, cast, plot, and more news

James Gunn and Peter Safran are getting ready for DC's new horror movie, so here is everything we know about the Swamp Thing release date, cast, and plot.

Swamp Thing release date: a close-up on Swamp Thing from the 2019 TV series

When is the Swamp Thing release date? Significant changes are expected over at Warner Bros and DC Studios following the announcement of the new studio co-heads, James Gunn and Peter Safran. The DCEU is officially on its way out (sorry, Zack Snyder fans), and instead, the future is bright with a slate of new films ready to usher in a fresh approach to the franchise.

As part of Gunn and Safran’s new DCU plans, several new movies are in the works (Editor: And we have to rewrite out DC movies in order article) as part of a slate of films that are being called Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters. One of the more surprising entries on the list was Swamp Thing, which will supposedly be a horror movie.

Swampy’s got a dedicated comic book following, and he’s led his own TV series before, but he’d hardly a household name, so it was a real shock to see him introduced to the new DCU so early. So what do Gunn and Safran have planned for the muck-encrusted parody of a man? Well, we’ve dug in the bayou to bring you everything we know about the Swamp Thing release date, cast, ploy, and more.

Swamp Thing release date speculation

Swamp Thing was officially announced on January 31, 2023, but an official release date hasn’t been announced just yet. Still, we think we won’t be seeing Swampy’s lovely green face on the big screen until at least 2025. 

What’s the reason for the delay? Well, the rumored director James Mangold supposedly has his hands full at the moment, working on a  Bob Dylan biopic called A Complete Unknown, which is supposedly coming out before Swamp Thing.

That, combined with the ongoing 2023 Writers Strike and the looming threat of the Screen Actors Guild also going on strike, make it pretty unlikely Swamp Thing will be squelching onto our screens anytime soon.

Swamp Thing release date: a close-up on Swamp Thing from the 2019 TV series

Swamp Thing cast speculation

As Swamp Thing is still in its early stages of development, no Swamp Thing cast list has been confirmed just yet. That said, we know that superhero movie veteran James Mangold, who made Logan, is the frontrunner to direct. 

However, that hasn’t stopped fans from taking a crack and guessing who will be starring in the film. Here are some of their guesses of who might take on the leading role:

  • Joel Edgerton as Swamp Thing (fan cast)
  • Sam Richardson as Swamp Thing (fan cast)
  • Derek Mears as Swamp Thing (fan cast)

We will keep you posted as more casting news heads our way. There have also been some rumors that Bill Skarsgard may be up for the leading role. Stay tuned for updates!

Swamp Thing release date: Swamp Thing holding a human skeleton

What will Swamp Thing be about?

While there is no Swamp Thing plot synopsis just yet, we do know that the upcoming movie will be taking a look at the character’s origins and follow a dark tone.

The film is being marketed as DC’s horror movie of its Chapter 1 release slate – so don’t expect any sunshine or rainbows, friends. For those unfamiliar with DC lore, Swamp Thing (aka one of the best DC characters ever) is a plant-based entity that acquired the memories and personality of Alec Holland after Alec died in a swamp.

Prior to dying, Alec was developing the Bio-Restorative Formula in order to solve world hunger. But before he could share his discovery with the world, thugs stormed and blew up his lab, killing his wife and ending Alec’s human-based life.

As Swamp Thing, Alec destroys those who harm the environment and every bad guy who crosses his path. Since this is an origin story, we expect less of a focus on Swamp Thing’s heroic deeds and more on Alec’s transformation. So, figures crossed for some body horror movie action as Alec morphs into the sentient lump of plant matter.

Along with a (hopefully) gnarly monster creation scene, we hope to see a good old revenge plotline play out as Alec goes after those who killed him and his family. Fans can also expect Swamp Thing’s plot to tie into the larger DC Universe. As part of Chapter One, we know that Swamp Thing will play a part in providing the building blocks to Gunn’s interconnected superhero franchise, which will likely try to model itself similarly to the MCU.

Swamp Thing release date: Swamp Thing sitting with a girl in the woods

Is there a Swamp Thing trailer?

There isn’t a Swamp Thing movie trailer just yet. And there won’t be for awhile.

But we do have some kind of idea of what the new movie will look like, thanks to past adaptations. The latest live-action adaptation of Swamp Thing is the CW’s 2019 trailer, so take a look at that below while you wait.

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Where will I be able to watch Swamp Thing?

Swamp Thing will have a theatrical release before heading over to the Warner Bros streaming service Max.

James Gunn’s finally giving Swampy his due and putting the muck-encrusted mockery of a man in cinemas. That means if you want to watch Swamp Thing, you’ll have to jump on your pontoon and sail on over to your local cinema. A few months after its cinema release, we imagine Swamp Thing will stomp on over to Max.

If you live outside the US, and Max isn’t available in your country, you should be able to buy or rent a digital copy of the Swamp Thing movie when it comes out via streamers like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV Plus.

Keep your eye on this guide as more updates head our way. While we wait on more Swamp Thing news, you can now look over our guides, breaking down everything you need to know about the Superman: Legacy release date and The Brave and The Bold release date.

Or, for more top picks, here is our list of the best movies of all time, the best DC villains, and how to watch all the DC movies in order.