It seems that every time we turn around, a new DCTV gets an announcement out of nowhere. While there had certainly been rumblings for a bit surrounding a Swamp Thing tv series, today kicked things up a notch. Not only is a show fully in the works, but it has a director. That’s the not so great news. None other than Len Wiseman will direct the pilot episode and serve as executive producer on the series. Also not great, it’s exclusive on the upcoming DC Universe streaming service. You know, home of the swearing Robin.
Now Wiseman is an interesting choice. On one hand, all of the shows he’s had a hand in directing (Lucifer, Sleepy Hollow, APB, Hawaii Five-O) went to series. A few got canceled and the others I’ve heard mixed things about. On the other hand, he’s the guy responsible for the Underworld series and that blander than tofu remake of Total Recall. Were those crimes not enough he’s also directed Live Free Or Die Hard and the somehow still happening Die Hard origin film. Yes, he’s just directing the pilot and plenty of times those aren’t indicative of where a show will go. Many articles have been written about changes from a pilot to episode 2, on just about every program ever made.
What does help instill confidence is that the script is being written by It co-writer Gary Dauberman and Smallville writer Mark Verheiden. Another plus is that James Wan’s Atomic Monster production company is involved in this too. So, the scales may balance out after all. Outside of the trepidation surrounding Titans, I think most will give DCTV the benefit of the doubt. At least for now.
Of course this won’t be Swamp Thing‘s first foray into the realm of adaptation. He previous had a tv show that ran for three years, as well as two feature films. The first of which was even directed by Wes Craven. In comic form Swamp Thing, created by Len Wein and Bernie Wrightson, has had a litany of brilliant writers taking a crack at the character. The most celebrated run though, may belong to Alan Moore. Which makes it perfect that his “The Anatomy Lesson” arch will serve as the basis for season 1. Well, perfect from anyone but Moore, who notoriously hates any adaptation of his work.
There’s sure to be more about the series that comes to light with DC TV making their presence known at the New York Comic Con. We’ll be sure to keep you up to date on that news when it breaks. Until then, what do you make of a Swamp Thing show? Are you ok with Wiseman helming the pilot? Are you slightly annoyed that the show will only be on DC Universe? Let us know below and in enjoy this nifty logo!
