It’s not overstating things to say the cancellation in May of DC Universe’s original show Swamp Thing shocked everybody: fans, producers, and cast alike. No satisfactory explanation was ever given. All we know is a show that did well with viewers and critics was cut short too soon.
But, hope isn’t completely lost and Swamp Thing could surface from the waters around Marais again. Guest star Ian Ziering sure thinks so. SYFY WIRE caught up with Ziering and star Derek Mears to talk about the show’s future, if any, and other swamp-related topics. (Related: Executive Producer Gary Dauberman Addresses Swamp Thing Cancellation – Teased “Big Ideas For the Following Seasons”)
Ziering called the sudden cancellation “the biggest disappointment of my professional career.” With three decades in film and television, that’s saying something, but he also explained working on Swamp Thing was a positive experience:
“I was reliving my youth, and the fun of the 8-year-old inside of me getting to play the Blue Devil, working with Derek Mears and Crystal Reed, and all the people on that show. James Wan… it was such an unbelievable show. It’s very sad that that ended with 10 episodes, unfinished. I know they had plans for so many.”
There certainly were longterm plans. Season 3, it’s suggested, could have introduced Justice League Dark. The elements — between Alec, Blue Devil, and the addition of Phantom Stranger — were certainly at play for such an eventuality.
Fandom
Could that still happen and could Swamp Thing be brought back, after all? “I think it’s entirely possible,” Ziering said, with continued fan support. The most avid of them created a #SaveSwampThing social media campaign and petitions. One on Change.org has over 6,500 signatures with a goal set for 7,500. (Related: Fans Campaign to #SaveSwampThing After Reports Warner Bros. Cancelled the DC Universe Show After One Episode)
Derek Mears is very happy about the reception the show received but is less sure he will ever return to the bayou in his spongy suit:
“I’m so happy that the fans and critics were really enjoying the show.It’s unfortunate that it’s not moving forward and we don’t know if it’s possible in the future, but on the bright side, the cup is half-full. We got to do a 10-hour Swamp Thing movie.”
Swamp Thing Movie
Mears’ words are interesting. Swamp Thing was mysteriously reclassified as a limited series during production and there is speculation the character could get revived in another feature film. Sundry B- and C-list DC characters are being looked at or have films in development. Although not official, if Swamp Thing is on the shortlist, it more than likely would be a full reboot and alternate continuity. (Related: Report: Swamp Thing Could Be Revived as Feature Film)
Devil in Blue
Ian Ziering played Daniel “Blue Devil” Cassidy, a former stuntman consigned to Marais after striking a bargain with the Phantom Stranger. In comics, Blue Devil has a similar origin and is a member of Justice League Dark. He was co-created by Steve Ditko.
Ziering is in the middle of a resurgence after starring in the Sharknado series of films for Syfy and The Asylum. He returns to both those brands in the new movie Zombie Tidal Wave.