My most anticipated DC Universe movie centered around Swamp Thing has likely been delayed, marking a sad but logical beginning for the franchise. James Gunn first confirmed the DCU’s new Swamp Thing movie in January 2023, which was said to be in development by filmmaker James Mangold. Given how much I love Logan, as well as Mangold’s non-superhero work, the project instantly became one of my most anticipated of the various movies in the DCU’s Chapter One, тιтled Gods and Monsters.

Since this initial announcement, however, little information has been provided about Swamp Thing. Upcoming DC movies like Superman and Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow have entered production, while Swamp Thing seems to be in some kind of limbo. In February 2025, James Gunn and Peter Safran held a DC Universe Catch-Up at the Warner Bros. lot, delving into the various projects that have been confirmed, rumored, or completely unannounced. There, Swamp Thing‘s status was mentioned, and, while my excitement is still high, I am saddened to hear of the film’s likely delay.

Swamp Thing’s Delay Sounds Like It Could Last Quite Some Time

Swamp Thing Is Simply Waiting On Its Writer-Director

Where Swamp Thing was confirmed, the updates were minimal. Peter Safran mentioned that development on that film has not progressed much at all, primarily due to James Mangold’s commitments to other movies. Mangold is just coming off of the release of A Complete Unknown, his Bob Dylan biopic that is competing for several Academy Awards. Even back when Swamp Thing was first announced, Mangold made it no secret that A Complete Unknown was at the top of his priorities.

Regarding what this means for Swamp Thing, Safran made it clear that the film will be ready to go into production as soon as Mangold returns to DC Studios. Safran insisted “We hope that he’ll come back to Swamp Thing when he’s ready,” without providing any real timeframe for when that could be. This update, as well as the announcement that Mangold will also be directing a Star Wars movie at some point, leaves Swamp Thing‘s delay looking somewhat hefty, which, logical though it is, certainly saddens me.

I’m Glad Swamp Thing’s Delays Won’t Hurt The DCU, But Sad To Know It Looks To Be A Long TimeAway

The DCU’s Overarching Story Has Other Priorities

Despite how sad I am that Swamp Thing seems to be some way off, I am heartened by one update in particular. Gunn and Safran’s catch-up event made it quite clear that there are some movies planned for the DCU that are simply standalone stories set within that universe, and that others – admittedly, the majority – contribute to the wider story that is planned. Swamp Thing was confirmed to fit into the former category.

Swamp Thing, like a few other projects, was one that Gunn and Safran were excited about solely because of the filmmaker who pitched it and the story it told, not because of its impact on the wider DCU. Safran stated:

“[Swamp Thing] was one of those ones that we love him [Mangold] as a filmmaker, so we’re happy to wait for him. Swamp Thing is not integral to the larger story that we’re telling.”

In a way, this is certainly positive. I am still saddened that Swamp Thing has been delayed, but the fact that it will not impact the franchise is a good sign. Not only does it prove that Gunn and Safran’s overall planning for the DC Universe remains on point, but it also proves that the franchise can branch out into smaller stories if the story is worth it. In Swamp Thing‘s case, it seems it is, even after a lengthy delay.

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