DC Comics' SWAMP THING

DC Comics' SWAMP THING

With the disappointing news that Doug Liman will no longer be involved in Justice League Dark, I think the best approach would be to go back to the roots (wink, wink) of some of their characters.

By DetectiveCinema - May 25, 2017 04:05 AM EST
Filed Under: Swamp Thing
 
D   C      C   O   M   I   C   S  '
SWAMP THING
 

 
P L O T   S Y N O P S I S
 
In a private facility located in the Louisiana swamplands, idealistic scientist Alec Holland and his wife, Linda, developed a Bio-Restorative formula that would solve food shortage problems around the world. Unbeknownst to them Anton Arcane, an avatar of The Rot, infiltrated the facility and sabotaged their work which resulted in an explosion, killing the two scientists. Blown into a nearby swamp by the explosion, Alec Holland’s body bonds with the elemental force known as The Green, which connects him to all forms of plant life on the Earth and their collective minds known as the Parliament of the Trees. Alec Holland’s mind and consciousness are merged with the vegetation in the swamp, transforming him into an avatar of The Green, a Swamp Thing. The Parliament of Trees explain to Swamp Thing what happened to his former-self, that he was attacked by Anton Arcane, an avatar of The Rot which is an elemental force associated with death, decay and rotting of all living things. The Rot is sanctioned by the Parliament of Decay. 
 
 
Following the Holland’s deaths, their former employer Avery Sunderland, the CEO of the scientific research firm known as TSC (The Sunderland Corporation) sends Alec Holland’s former colleague Matthew Cable, to investigate their deaths. Discovering they were killed at their laboratory, Cable questions the nearby residence which leads him to the Arcane estate, the home of Anton and his niece, Abigail. Anton is reluctant to answer any of Matthew’s questions about the Holland’s and slams the door in his face. Abigail however, is more than happy to. As Matt and Abby talk outside, Anton uses his knowledge of sorcery given to him by the Parliament of Decay to create a means to further spread The Rot and seize control of the other elemental forces, The Clear (a force which connects to all aquatic life and oceanic elements on the planet) and The Green.
 
Swamp Thing attacks Anton Arcane after finding out about him sabotaging his former self's work. Catching Anton by surprise, the Swamp Thing easily overpowers him in his fit of rage. It’s only because of interference from Anton’s niece Abigail and Matthew Cable that the Swamp Thing stops, retreating back into the swamp. After witnessing the attack, Cable deduces that the Swamp Thing must be the creature responsible for the Holland’s death. Matt reports to his superior, General Sunderland with this new information who grants him permission to engage with the creature, by any means necessary.


 
Seeing the Swamp Thing’s affection for his niece as a weakness, Anton decides to exploit her, embroiling her in his scheme to win the elemental war. While Abigail previously resisted the call of The Rot, her uncle tries to draw it out, infecting her. Swamp Thing seeks counsel from the Parliament of Trees about how to stop Anton and save Abby from being infected by The Rot and eventually become an avatar like her uncle. The Parliament reveals The Rot have long shared a link with the Arcane heritage, making Abigail especially susceptible to it’s calling. The Swamp Thing’s strong connection to The Green grants him the strength and power to protect her from The Rot, but only for so long.
 
At a loss, Swamp Thing confronts his former colleague and friend Matthew Cable, revealing to him that while he’s not Alec Holland, he’s infused with his consciousness. He asks if he can help him stop Anton which Matt agrees to, however, he doesn’t have much knowledge of supernatural elements so he contacts a former associate of his, John Constantine, an occult detective and con man from Liverpool. Using his occult abilities, John morphs Matt into a raven so he can scan Anton’s estate and provide navigation for the two as well as his whereabouts. Swamp Thing and Constantine find Anton holding Abigail hostage. As the raven, Matt distracts Anton just long enough for Swamp Thing to rescue her from her uncle. With the combined efforts of Swamp Thing and Constantine, the two are able to overpower Anton, seemingly killing him. However, with his connection to The Rot, each fatal blow Anton is dealt simply makes him stronger.


 
Running out of options to stop Anton, Abigail offers to take her father’s place as an avatar of The Rot and bring back a balance to the elemental forces. Abby destroys her uncle, consuming all his power and succumbing to The Rot, becoming their new avatar, the Black Queen. As the Black Queen, Abby manages to fight off the killer impulse to attack Swamp Thing despite the Parliament of Decay’s behest. Knowing this is the only time they’ll have together, the two share an embrace, briefly overpowering the voices of their respective parliaments. Soon after Abby is consumed by The Rot and enveloped by its tendrils, a cocoon of rotting flesh is formed around her to complete her transformation. Swamp Thing, Constantine, and Matt (now back in his human form) leave the estate after doing everything in their power to save her. Constantine returns to England after being informed about supernatural going-ons during his absence, Matt returns to TSC to debriefed about his findings by Sutherland, and Swamp Thing returns to The Green seeking further knowledge about his purpose from the Parliament of Trees.
 

 
S T A R R I N G
 
Matt Damon … Alec Holland / Swamp Thing
 
Ben Mendelsohn … Anton Arcane

 
Mackenzie Davis … Abigail Arcane
 
Ben Whishaw … Matthew Cable
 
Ewan McGregor … John Constantine
 
Tommy Lee Jones … General Sunderland
 
Mireille Enos … Linda Holland
 

 
W R I T T E N   &   D I R E C T E D   B Y
 
Alex Garland
 
Alex Garland
- After coming upon Ex Machina several months after its release, I was completely blown away by not only how clever and sophisticated it was, but 
aesthetically how beautifully it was designed, crafted and presented. Garland very quickly became one of my favourite filmmakers. A frequent collaborator of Danny Boyle's, Garland wrote The Beach28 Days Later and Sunshine for the Oscar-winning director. I think his sophomore feature Annihilation due out later this year will further show his capabilities and give some more insight on what he could bring to the table if he were given the reigns to Earth's Elemental. 
 

 
C A S T I N G   N O T E S
 
Matt Damon // Alec Holland
 - Most well known for his portrayal of Jason Bourne throughout the Bourne series, his role as the super spy really showed how talented he is with minimal dialogue, acting mostly through his expressions and movement. While playing the character of Swamp Thing would require a lot of motion capture which I haven’t seen Damon really dabble in, based on his past work I’m confident he could pull it off.
 
Ben Mendelsohn // Anton Arcane
- Mendelsohn is great at playing characters you just love to despise as seen in his recent work in Rogue One as Krennic, Dagget in The Dark Knight Rises and his critically acclaimed role as Danny Rayburn in Netflix’s Bloodline. He was actually rumoured to be in the running for the role of Arcane way back in 2015 but unfortunately the project never got off the ground. 
 
Mackenzie Davis // Abigail Arcane
- Davis got her breakout role in AMC’s Halt and Catch Fire back in 2014. She was also a standout in Ridley Scott’s star studded The Martian, which is no easy feat when you’re surrounded by the likes of Jessica Chastain, Jeff Daniels and Sean Bean. She was also rumoured for the role of Domino in Fox’s upcoming Deadpool sequel a few months back, but in my opinion she’s perfectly suited to the role of Abigail Arcane.
 
Ben Whishaw // Matthew Cable
- Whenever Whishaw is cast in a supporting role he really elevates whatever project he’s involved. He was a particular standout out in 2012’s Skyfall as Bond’s gadget master Q. I also really liked his role small but integral role in Ron Howard’s In the Heart of the Sea.  
 
Ewan McGregor // John Constantine
- McGregor is such a versatile actor, just look at his dual role in the latest season of Fargo! However it’s his role as Renton in Danny Boyle’s Trainspotting and it’s sequel T2 Trainspotting that makes me so convinced that he’d perfect as a somewhat seasoned and wary John Constantine. While he’d only have a supporting role in this film, having an actor of McGregor’s calibre opens up the option for him to headline a Hellblazer film down the line.
 
Tommy Lee Jones // Avery Sunderland
- Tommy Lee Jones is an expert at playing figures of authority, seen most comically as Agent K in the Men in Black trilogy, personally my favourite role of his. However his recent turn as CIA Director Robert Dewey in Jason Bourne is what helps illustrate how he could pull of the character of General Avery Sunderland.
 
Mireille Enos // Linda Holland
- This is really small role for someone of Enos’ talents and I almost thought it’d be a waste having her here as she’d only feature in the opening of the film but I couldn’t think of someone better for the part. She first caught my eye in World War Z as Karin Lane but to see her front and centre I’d recommend checking her out in the TV series The Killing.
 

F O L L O W E D   B Y
Hellblazer

If you like what I've put together here, you know what to do...


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noahthegrand
noahthegrand - 5/25/2017, 6:35 AM
I like it. It's a bit stuffed but I can see it working.
FlixMentallo21
FlixMentallo21 - 5/25/2017, 8:53 AM
Nothing murky about this one--you did a fine job here! Makes me want to check out the "Roots of the Swamp Thing" entry in the D.C. Comics Classics Library. I wouldn't have thought of Matt Damon in the title role, but given what I heard about his performance in The Martian, he'd work well.

(When you have a sec, check out my newest entry--I'd love to hear your thoughts on the cast and story: https://www.comicbookmovie.com/fan_fic/flixmentallo21-presents-fire-emblem-a-netflix-original-anime-series-season-two-the-binding-blade-a151302)
DetectiveCinema
DetectiveCinema - 5/25/2017, 1:47 PM
@FlixMentallo21 - Cheers my man! The Martian is a great reference point for Matt Damon as the biologist Alec Holland before his transformation.

I'll give it a look see, it's just so extensive though! Makes my pitches look quite minuscule in comparison aha. Always good seeing your quality creative work on the site.
FlixMentallo21
FlixMentallo21 - 5/25/2017, 5:48 PM
@MrMurdock - Yeah, sorry for the length--it'd be even longer if I included all the minor boss characters.
FlixMentallo21
FlixMentallo21 - 5/25/2017, 11:51 AM
Also--"Swamp Thing, Swamp Thing, Swamp Thing, DARKSEID. Swamp Thing, Swamp Thing, Swamp Thing, complete."
SimplyAz
SimplyAz - 5/25/2017, 12:38 PM
Man, would watch the heck out of that. Interesting cast with a good story. Need to check out Fargo
DetectiveCinema
DetectiveCinema - 5/25/2017, 1:49 PM
@SimplyAz - Cheers buddy! 10/10 would recommend Fargo. Stumbled upon the first season on Netflix and just binged through it way too quickly. Probably my favourite role of Martin Freeman's who's front and centre in S1.
CaptDeadpool
CaptDeadpool - 5/25/2017, 2:10 PM
That cast would be amazing!!! I love the character and he has such great potential in the right director's hands.
ElJefe
ElJefe - 5/25/2017, 2:15 PM
Good job! Lots of thought and work went into this and Swamp Thing is definitely a property that fans would love to see done again bigger and better.
RolandD
RolandD - 5/25/2017, 2:37 PM
Well done!
BruceParker
BruceParker - 5/25/2017, 2:48 PM
This isn't something I'd normally click on. More of an accident really. All that being said, this was a pretty good read. I'd watch it. Not sure how it could ever compare to the masterpiece that is the original Swamp Thing movie though.
Fryetwinstrash
Fryetwinstrash - 5/25/2017, 4:13 PM
This was fantastic. I love every casting and while the selfish part of me wants Alex Garland to direct an MCU film, I can't deny that Garland directing Swamp Thing would be a match made in nerd heaven. But I really enjoyed reading and could totally see this happening.
DetectiveCinema
DetectiveCinema - 5/25/2017, 5:25 PM
@Fryetwinstrash - Cheers man! Any particular Marvel property you'd like to see Garland tackle? While nothing comes to my mind, you've got me intrigued.
TheRose
TheRose - 5/26/2017, 12:22 AM
@MrMurdock - If a Scarlet Witch/Vision movie ever happens, he might make a good fit. Both of those characters have a little more serious tone to their cinematic presence anyway, and Garland could use a film with them to discuss the dichotomy of chaos (Scarlet Witch) and order (Vision).

Also, the character isn't MCU, but I could see a Silver Surfer: Requiem movie handled by Garland.
Fryetwinstrash
Fryetwinstrash - 5/26/2017, 12:12 PM
@MrMurdock - I would LOVE to see him direct an Ant-Man film with Hank Pym, or tackle an Iron Man movie. If none of those, I would totally watch an Alex Garland Moon Knight film.
Parker00
Parker00 - 5/25/2017, 4:15 PM
@MrMurdock - I am *dying* to see a modern Swamp Thing film!!! This was a really interesting read! That being said, I do think I'd prefer a really great suit with CG enhancements over mocap work. Then again, I almost feel stupid even typing that considering I doubt Matt Damon would allow himself to be entombed in grotesque prosthetics.
DetectiveCinema
DetectiveCinema - 5/25/2017, 5:29 PM
@Parker00 - Same my man, I'm actually surprised there hasn't been more movement on it. Although he's heavily rumored to be at the forefront on DC's long stagnating Justice League Dark.

I can understand the appeal detailed suit over mocap but after Serkis' work as Caeser in the Apes' movies, I feel as though the technology is well and truly there and you wouldn't lose Damon performance through the mocap.
SlowHands
SlowHands - 5/25/2017, 5:37 PM
@MrMurdock - yeah technology shouldn't be the problem at this point. Hopefully he is a big part of Dark...and hopefully that movie happens period. Cautiously optimistic
SlowHands
SlowHands - 5/25/2017, 5:01 PM
Good read !!! Would love to see this happen, even though I think it will make more sense, fiscally, to introduce him as apart of a team. Who knows though?
DetectiveCinema
DetectiveCinema - 5/25/2017, 5:31 PM
@SlowHands - I can definitely see Warner Bros. just wanting to introduce him in a JLD team up movie but I feel like a solo film prior to that would enhance his character so much more and build a bit more of a following around his character. Have him at the forefront of the inevitable team up movie as well, of course.
JaredRWebb12
JaredRWebb12 - 5/25/2017, 7:47 PM
Good stuff as usual,but my pick for Constantine was Colin Farrell(but that's apples and oranges,both are fantastic actors) I'm also thinkin Damon might need a dubover to play Swamp Thing
DetectiveCinema
DetectiveCinema - 5/25/2017, 8:06 PM
@JaredRWebb12 - Colin Farrell is a solid choice for Constantine. I briefly considered him for the role too. Seeing him as Graves in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them gave me a little inkling of how he would be in the role. Probably my second choice behind Ewan.

While I don't think Damon would need a dub over for Swamp Thing, would be on board with his voice being modulated after his transformation into Swamp Thing.
JaredRWebb12
JaredRWebb12 - 5/25/2017, 8:11 PM
@MrMurdock - either modulation or dub is the way. Damon's regular voice would kill the character lol. And Farrell' work history and look are what sell me on him bein Constantine
DetectiveCinema
DetectiveCinema - 5/25/2017, 9:05 PM
@JaredRWebb12 - I considered Fassbender for the role too. I'd be more than content if any of those 3 ended up playing the part.
JaredRWebb12
JaredRWebb12 - 5/26/2017, 5:32 AM
@MrMurdock - Likewise, all three are fantastic. Fassbender would have been a pretty good Batman I think
TheRose
TheRose - 5/26/2017, 12:27 AM
I've personally not read much Swamp Thing, but this movie sounds like a great, moderately budgeted Supernatural Horror flick. The story seems easy enough to follow without being predictable and there are some major names on the roster that would put butts into seats.

Great read man! I'm working on my outline for the VenomVerse, so I'll have to tag it your way when I finish to get your opinion.
DetectiveCinema
DetectiveCinema - 5/26/2017, 8:16 AM
@TheRose - For sure man, please do! Struggling to make sense of Sony's upcoming Non-Spidey Spidey universe. My most appealing thought is that this Venom movie could simply be events parallel to Tom Hollan'ds Spider-Man further down the line? Jamie Bell as an older Webhead? Very curious to hear your thoughts?

I really think Swamp Thing could serve as a great jumping off point for a trilogy, or potential pentalogy focusing on some of DC's more supernatural properties.
TheRose
TheRose - 5/26/2017, 9:44 AM
@MrMurdock - I'd like that, but who can support their own features?

Swamp Thing
Hellblazer

Then...Spectre? Zatanna? Deadman could show up in a Batman related film and then shiw up in the team up movie. I guess Blue Devil is kind of cool...
DetectiveCinema
DetectiveCinema - 5/26/2017, 3:11 PM
@TheRose - At this point in time, it's simply a trilogy of works going;
I. Swamp Thing
II. Hellblazer
III. Untitled JLD movie

It's too easy to get carried away though and keep adding to it. But I think it makes the most sense for it be a trilogy and maybe leave it at that.
TheRealTomServo
TheRealTomServo - 5/26/2017, 7:11 PM
I actually have Danny Boyle directing JLD and JLD2 in my upcoming quartet of DCEU: REBIRTH pitch dumps (posting multiple movie synopsis and casts at once, so it's funny you mention him).

We have the same Constantine pick. I myself chose Ethan Hawke for Swamp Thing, though.

On the whole, great choices for a solo!
DetectiveCinema
DetectiveCinema - 5/26/2017, 7:25 PM
@TheRealTomServo - You're kidding! I'm on the cusp of getting my Hellblazer pitch (which serves as a follow-up to this) polished and I have Danny Boyle in the director's chair for it! Then culmination in the trilogy will be the JLD team-up (toying with the idea of Heaven's Sent as the title after another user's suggestion, thoughts?) with Danny Boyle and Garland collaborating on the project, Boyle writing and directing with Garland co-writing!

Hawke I think is a great pick for Alec Holland / Swamp Thing. Admittedly there aren't many comic-book related roles that come to mind thinking of him for parts, but I reckon you've hit the nail on the head.

I'm curious with what other properties you've got in this REBIRTH quartet?
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