Last month, we learned out of WonderCon that streaming service DC Universe's James Wan-produced "Swamp Thing" series had be set to premiere on May 31st, but this week, a disheartening update from a news source where the series had been filming has cast a shadow of doubt over the series future. Via Star News Online, Warner Bros. has shut down production on the series.
The outlet reports, “The currently in-production project is being shut down earlier than expected as its producer, Warner Bros., evaluates the future of its DC Universe streaming service, on which the series was scheduled to premiere May 31, according to several sources within the local industry.”
They note, “Local crew members were notified of the unexpected development Tuesday night, and were told the project would wrap production on episode 10 and then halt as writers and producers rewrite an ending. Initially, the show was scheduled to film 13 episodes through May.”
Star Virginia Madsen responded to the news in a since-deleted Instagram post, stating: “I’m beyond sad. What a terrible decision. We have been cut to the core by those who have never set foot into the Swamp.”
At the moment, we have no idea what the fate of the "Swamp Thing" series will be, but if the DC Universe streaming service is abandoned, that would leave what's already filmed without a home. Though, that could lead to the series being picked up elsewhere. It's also now possible that the series will premiere with ten episodes, instead of the planned thirteen.
Stay tuned for more updates.
The series is based on the DC characters created by Len Wein and Bernie Wrightson and is written by “Ash vs. Evil Dead” writer Mark Verheiden and IT co-writer Gary Dauberman.
"Swamp Thing” centers on CDC researcher Abby Arcane. When she returns to her childhood home of Houma, Louisiana, in order to investigate a deadly swamp-borne virus, 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.
Derek Mears will be donning the practical effects creature suit in the series that also stars Jennifer Beals, Adrienne Barbeau, Ian Ziering,Will Patton, Kevin Durand, Henderson Wade, Jeryl Prescott and Maria Sten.
Last we heard, the series is planned to be scary and feature "R" rated violence.