Just recently, James Gunn and Peter Safran revealed the slate for the first chapter of the DC Universe under their leadership. With projects like Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, Batman: The Brave and the Bold, and Superman: Legacy the slate has fans all excited. The duo also announced Swamp Thing which fits perfectly in the chapter’s title “Gods and Monsters.”
It’s been only a hot minute since the ten movies and TV shows were announced by the co-heads, however, it looks like there is already some buzz going on about Swamp Thing. Apparently, James Gunn and Peter Safran are already in discussions with a potential director to lead the film – James Mangold. While this could be great news for the DCU, fans are a bit disheartened as they were hoping Guillermo del Toro would be sitting in the director’s chair.
Is James Mangold to Direct Swamp Thing?
Logan, The Wolverine, and Ford v Ferrari are just a few names on the list of movies directed by James Mangold. This goes on to say that the director certainly knows what he’s doing and could potentially be a great fit for Swamp Thing. As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, James Gunn and Peter Safran are in discussions with Mangold to join the future project.
Although the director wasn’t mentioned during the reveal of the slate, sources believe that it was because the discussions are still in fairly early stages and nothing can be said for certain as of now. The sources also revealed that it was Mangold who gave Gunn and Safran a visit at the DC Studios and shared his ideas with them. What’s even more interesting is that Mangold even tweeted a photo of Swamp Thing and DC’s very own Gunn retweeted the post.
— Mangold (@mang0ld) February 1, 2023
Since filmmakers often love leaving out a few Easter eggs for fans to figure out by themselves, we wouldn’t completely disregard the exchange. We desperately want to know what’s cooking at the Studios but for now, reports and speculations will have to do!
Guillermo del Toro’s Fans Want Him to Direct Swamp Thing
Swamp Thing is going to be DC trying out its hand in the horror genre and thus, fans were hoping renowned filmmaker Guillermo del Toro would be directing the film.
Del Toro’s work has that eerie hint of darkness that keeps the viewers on the edge of their seats. His movies like Nightmare Alley, Hellboy, and Hellboy II: The Golden Army can vouch for that statement. So when Mangold’s name came to the attention of the fans, there was some debate. Although Gunn and Safran are being fairly praised for this choice (if it becomes a reality), the other side of the spectrum is still campaigning for del Toro to be in charge of the film.
Don't get me wrong, this is exciting news but I feel like del Toro was made to do Swamp Thing
— #1 Over the Hedge stan (@Captain63857795) February 1, 2023
Could we get like a horror director to do this? There are so many who'd be great for this but I don't see Mangold's style lining up with Swamp Thing.
— The Toy Taker (@CorbinKingery) February 1, 2023
They should hire someone that’s good at making scary movie like Guillermo del Toro
— RYAN LEAF #1 STAN ACCOUNT (@rulerofgap) February 1, 2023
What about GDT?? I thought he is still intrested in Swamp Thing and JL Dark?
— Marvel-DC stan (@cinemalova) February 1, 2023
misses opportunity pic.twitter.com/LrCvuiqPzU
— Fercho Osorio (@fercho_oso1) February 1, 2023
While the overall reception of the idea has been quite positive, it looks like there will be a few who might be disappointed with the choice. Since the first project of the new slate, Superman: Legacy, is going to be dropped in the middle of 2025, there is still a lot of time to truly know which direction Swamp Thing is headed in.
For now, Mangold is busy with the release of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny which will hit theatres on June 30, 2023. His next project is a Bob Dylan biopic titled, A Complete Unknown starring Timothée Chalamet. It sure looks like the director has his hands full at the moment and who knows, maybe del Toro will fall into the picture instead.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
