Well, this sounds like an absolutely inspired piece of casting. Yes, it appears that Derek Mears is getting set to tackle the titular role in DC Universe’s upcoming live-action Swamp Thing series.

This news has been reported by Bloody-Disgusting, although DC Universe – the hotly anticipated on-demand streaming service – has yet to officially confirm any of this. Given how we now know that Swamp Thing himself will be made up of practical SFX and prosthetic work, Mears seems like the absolute perfect fit for the role.

While the ever-charming Mears – himself a huge fanboy of all things horror and genre – landed on the radar of many as Jason Voorhees in 2009’s Friday the 13th remake, he’s also impressed in the likes of The Hills Have Eyes IIMen in Black IIPredators, Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters, Dead Snow 2, Sleepy Hollow, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., The Flash, and will soon be soon in Robert Rodriguez’s Alita: Battle Angel.

It’s believed that Mears won’t be playing Alec Holland – the human form of Swamp Thing – but instead will be driving the series forward as its titular being.

The early word on Swamp Thing reads:

The drama follows what happens when CDC researcher Abby Arcane returns to her childhood home of Houma, Louisiana in order to investigate a deadly swamp-borne virus. There, she develops a surprising bond with scientist Alec Holland – only to have him tragically taken from her. But as powerful forces descend on Houma, intent on exploiting the swamp’s mysterious properties for their own purposes, Abby will discover that the swamp holds mystical secrets, both horrifying and wondrous – and the potential love of her life may not be dead after all.

As a character, Swamp Thing began life back in 1971 and has appeared in a whole host of different mediums over the decades. Wes Craven would helm 1982’s Swamp Thing movie, with a sequel following in 1989. On the small screen, a three-season USA Network show ran during the early ‘90s, and there was similarly a far-too-short-lived animated series during those years.

At this stage, Swamp Thing is set for a to-be-confirmed 2019 premiere, with Mark Veriheiden and Gary Dauberman on showrunner duties.

Recommended Posts