Swamp Thing: the Latest on What We Can Expect from the DC Universe Series
As we cruise closer to Swamp Thing’s emergence from the bogs of Houma, Louisiana, on DC Universe, more of what’s in store for audiences and fans is coming to light.
In the wake of the teasers released in the last couple of weeks, a screening of the series premiere was held for press, followed by a Q&A session with the cast and crew.
Attendants included writer Carolyn Poddig and Kara Querl, superfan hosts of the Swamp Thing Radio podcast devoted to the upcoming show. Through Poddig’s Twitter account and mainly the account for Swamp Thing Radio, they live-tweeted the festivities, trying not to give too much away while elucidating what viewers can expect.
Poddig and Querl started by posting a dual selfie and a look at some posters.
Check out these AMAZING #DCUSWAMPTHING posters! #swampthing #DCUNIVERSE pic.twitter.com/SQb4xffSX0
— Swamp Thing Radio (@SwampThingRadio) May 18, 2019
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Upon finishing the pilot, they shared their reactions, calling it “awesome” and “anxiety inducing.” Audiences will be blown away, they assured, and they urged DC Universe to renew for a second season.
So we just screened the pilot episode of #DCUSwampThing and guys.
Get ready to be blown way. It’s anxiety inducing. It’s freakin’ awesome. I cannot WAIT for episode 2. @TheDCUniverse needs to renew this now
#SwampThing— Swamp Thing Radio (@SwampThingRadio) May 18, 2019
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Poddig wrote it’s a great show and they love the cast and added DCU Swamp Thing is “Everything I wanted thank you.”
I am officially in love with this cast and these characters @TheDCUniverse. What a great show! Everything I wanted thank you. 🧟♂️🌱🌿 #DCUSWAMPTHING pic.twitter.com/efhC4s2Kit
— Carolyn | Agent of G.I.R.L 🐜🐞🦚🐿 (@CarolynsGeekOut) May 18, 2019
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When asked for comparison in tone and execution of the material, Poddig replied Swamp Thing is reminiscent of the way Ghost Rider’s guest appearance was handled on Agents of SHIELD.
Honestly?
The closest I can come to is that what SHIELD did for Ghost Rider DC universe is doing for Swamp Thing. They’ve had time and it is worth it PLEASE consider watching.
— Carolyn | Agent of G.I.R.L 🐜🐞🦚🐿 (@CarolynsGeekOut) May 18, 2019
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They then geared up for the Q&A which started with a question for Len Wiseman, director of the pilot. Talking about the uniqueness of Swamp Thing and creative intent for the show, Wiseman stated Aquaman director James Wan and his fellow producers wanted to be true to the source material and its Southern gothic aspect, creating something both heroic and horror.
Q: this doesn’t look like any superhero show on television. Can you walk us through the steps?
A: we wanted a #swampthing that was true to the comics. It’s modern but we want to add the southern gothic element. #DCUSWAMPTHING #dcuniverse— Swamp Thing Radio (@SwampThingRadio) May 18, 2019
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A: from @LenWiseman –
To do something in the universe that was heroic but also horror. That to me was the best part. #DCUSWAMPTHING #dcuniverse— Swamp Thing Radio (@SwampThingRadio) May 18, 2019
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Wiseman is speaking of something true to the roots of the character. Swamp Thing first appeared in horror anthology [easyazon_link identifier=”B006GVSFUO” locale=”US” tag=”boundingintocomics-20″]House of Secrets #92[/easyazon_link]. It’s a story about a scientist in early 20th-century Louisiana killed in an explosion by a jealous rival, similar to the character we all know. And judging by the trailer, we are in for some straight-up horror.
Turning to the actors, Andy Bean (who plays Alec Holland) reflected on the rush of working in the swamp, offering a redacted spoiler.
From @andybeanactor – ‘coming along to the [SPOILER] it was a pinch me moment playing in the sand box. I loved being in that swamp. #DCUSWAMPTHING #DCUniverse
— Swamp Thing Radio (@SwampThingRadio) May 18, 2019
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Some real nerd moments from the cast followed. Henderson Wade (Matt Cable) revealed he used to stay up and watch the old Swamp Thing TV on USA Network that starred Dick Durock in the title role, an experience shared by the podcast hosts (and yours truly).
From @HendersonWade –
For me I should be going to sleep when the #SwampThing reruns would come on in the 90s.(Same Henderson same!) #DCUSWAMPTHING #dcuniverse
— Swamp Thing Radio (@SwampThingRadio) May 18, 2019
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It should be noted reruns of the first TV series aired on H&I and MeTV up until a few months ago. Quite possibly, they were pulled because of DC Universe wanting to add them to their collection with exclusive rights, but there is no word from them on that front. Rolling out Doom Patrol back issues and the corny 70s Shazam! show to coincide with releases of the live-action Doom Patrol and David Sandberg’s Shazam! movie, it wouldn’t come as a surprise.
Derek Mears discussed his experience filming, stating the set was a team environment and the suit was hot when he first put it on (effects are practical). Mears and Bean talked a lot about identity, something central to Alan Moore’s[easyazon_link identifier=”1401220835″ locale=”US” tag=”boundingintocomics-20″]Saga of Swamp Thing[/easyazon_link], where the creature was more plant than man. And the series will borrow a lot from Moore.
@DerekMears and @andybeanactor talking about how they went down crazy rabbit holes to create the character. They discussed ‘what makes you YOU?’
(Derek effusive with praise as is Andy. Great dudes!)#SwampThing #dcuniverse
— Swamp Thing Radio (@SwampThingRadio) May 18, 2019
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Mears also shared that Swamp Thing comics helped him learn to read (I assume as a lad).
Virginia Madsen (Maria Sunderland), who you’ll recall publicly shared her displeasure when the season was cut short by three episodes, also remarked how fun it was to go to work.
Virginia Madsen on Maria Sunderland:
A: it was so beautiful to go to work every day. It was so fun, is it supposed to be this fun?Hated making @CrystalmReed cry 😭 #DCUSWAMPTHING #dcuniverse
— Swamp Thing Radio (@SwampThingRadio) May 18, 2019
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Crystal Reed stars as Abby Arcane. She talked about jumping from a villain on Gotham to a good character with life, motivated to see the humanity in others, which led to more redacted spoilers of her relationship with Alec after his transformation.
Q: How does Alec’s transformation affect abby and alec’s relationship?
A: @CrystalmReed – she’s always looking for the humanity in people. Her desire to save the town. Also [spoiler spoiler SPOILER]#SwampThing #dcuniverse— Swamp Thing Radio (@SwampThingRadio) May 18, 2019
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On working with Reed, Henderson Wade mused over how his character, Sheriff Matt Cable, and Abby were high school sweethearts and how he and Reed generated their chemistry.
“Abby is the ‘one that got away’ and working with crystal was great figuring it out.”
Jennifer Beals plays Cable’s mom, Lucilla. She and Wade had a process of character building that included guacamole.
@thejenniferbeals on working with Henderson Wade:
A- we worked on our characters over guacamole. Everyone in the town has a secret and how they become a part of the story#SwampThing #DCUniverse— Swamp Thing Radio (@SwampThingRadio) May 18, 2019
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When it came time for Maria Sten to have the floor, the actress had to correct the moderator about her character. Liz Tremayne, friend to Abby Arcane and thought to be a creation for the show, appeared in the comics as a journalist as far back as the 80s. Sten is aware of her character’s back story, more so than the person asking her questions. This got a big reaction from the Swamp Thing Radio hosts.
I am 150% here for @actressmaria correcting the moderator.
Him: so liz is a new character…
Her: she’s actually in the books…Focused on how being black in a small town in the south. Great stuff. #DCUSWAMPTHING #dcuniverse
— Swamp Thing Radio (@SwampThingRadio) May 18, 2019
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Jeryll Prescott addressed Madame Xanadu’s power. Though blind, she sees what others don’t. Jason Woodrue is also powered up as Floronic Man but Kevin Durand was guarded, trying to avoid spoilers. Writer and producer Mark Verheiden had to sum him up as eccentric. We also learn what could be a big spoiler concerning Dan Cassidy, aka Blue Devil, (Ian Ziering) that’s up in the air.
@MarkVerheiden on Jason Woodrue – you can say you’re eccentric. @IanZiering on his character – Dan Cassidy owns a head shop/video store?? Also a preeeetyyy major spoiler. #dcuSwampThing #dcuniverse
— Swamp Thing Radio (@SwampThingRadio) May 18, 2019
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The screening closed with a rough cut of episode two, getting a psyched reaction from Poddig and Querl.
Oh my GOD WE ARE ABOUT TO SEE EPISODE 2. IT IS A WORK IN PROGRESS Y’ALL. #SWAMPTHING #DCUSWAMPTHING #DCUNIVERSE
— Swamp Thing Radio (@SwampThingRadio) May 18, 2019
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Produced by James Wan and his company, Atomic Monster, Swamp Thing begins streaming on DC Universe May 31st. It is executive produced by Wan, Mark Verheiden, Gary Dauberman, Michael Clear, and director Len Wiseman, and doesn’t tie into any other DC Universe content.
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