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Just recently, James Gunn and Peter Safran revealed the slate for the first chapter of the DC Universe under their leadership. With projects likeSupergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, Batman: The Brave and the Bold,andSuperman: Legacythe slate has fans all excited. The duo also announcedSwamp Thingwhich fits perfectly in the chapter’s title “Gods and Monsters.”
It’s been only a hot minute since the ten movies and TV shows were announced by the co-heads, however, it looks like there is already some buzz going on aboutSwamp Thing.Apparently, James Gunn and Peter Safran are already in discussions with a potential director to lead the film – James Mangold. While this could be great news for the DCU, fans are a bit disheartened as they were hoping Guillermo del Toro would be sitting in the director’s chair.
Also Read:‘They better get Guillermo del Toro for this’: DC Fans Demand God of Cinema Guillermo del Toro as Director after James Gunn Announces Swamp Thing Movie
Is James Mangold to DirectSwamp Thing?
Also Read:God of Cinema Guillermo del Toro Directing Swamp Thing Movie in James Gunn’s New DCU Slate? Pinocchio Director Fuels Rumors His Longtime DC Dream is Coming True
Logan, The Wolverine, and Ford v Ferrariare just a few names on the list of movies directed byJames Mangold. This goes on to say that the director certainly knows what he’s doing and could potentially be a great fit forSwamp Thing.As reported by The Hollywood Reporter,James GunnandPeter Safranare in discussions with Mangold to join the future project.
Although the director wasn’t mentioned during the reveal of the slate, sources believe that it was because the discussions are still in fairly early stages and nothing can be said for certain as of now. The sources also revealed that it was Mangold who gave Gunn and Safran a visit at the DC Studios and shared his ideas with them. What’s even more interesting is that Mangold even tweeted a photo of Swamp Thing and DC’s very own Gunn retweeted the post.
pic.twitter.com/WCDuFtucT6
— Mangold (@mang0ld)June 14, 2025
Since filmmakers often love leaving out a few Easter eggs for fans to figure out by themselves, we wouldn’t completely disregard the exchange. We desperately want to know what’s cooking at the Studios but for now, reports and speculations will have to do!
Also Read:Logan Director Reportedly Wants To Replace Christian Bale With Benedict Cumberbatch as Pete Seeger in Bob Dylan Movie Project
Guillermo del Toro’s Fans Want Him to DirectSwamp Thing
Swamp Thingis going to be DC trying out its hand in the horror genre and thus, fans were hoping renowned filmmakerGuillermo del Torowould be directing the film.
Del Toro’s work has that eerie hint of darkness that keeps the viewers on the edge of their seats. His movies likeNightmare Alley, Hellboy,andHellboy II: The Golden Armycan vouch for that statement. So when Mangold’s name came to the attention of the fans, there was some debate. Although Gunn and Safran are being fairly praised for this choice (if it becomes a reality), the other side of the spectrum is still campaigning for del Toro to be in charge of the film.
Don’t get me wrong, this is exciting news but I feel like del Toro was made to do Swamp Thing
— #1 Over the Hedge stan (@Captain63857795)July 24, 2025
Could we get like a horror director to do this? There are so many who’d be great for this but I don’t see Mangold’s style lining up with Swamp Thing.
— The Toy Taker (@CorbinKingery)July 14, 2025
They should hire someone that’s good at making scary movie like Guillermo del Toro
— CANELO TURNHER (@rulerofgap)August 12, 2025
What about GDT?? I thought he is still intrested in Swamp Thing and JL Dark?
— Juriel (@cinemalova)July 26, 2025
misses opportunitypic.twitter.com/LrCvuiqPzU
— Ⓕerch⦻ (@fercho_oso1)July 26, 2025
While the overall reception of the idea has been quite positive, it looks like there will be a few who might be disappointed with the choice. Since the first project of the new slate,Superman: Legacy,is going to be dropped in the middle of 2025, there is still a lot of time to truly know which directionSwamp Thingis headed in.
For now, Mangold is busy with the release ofIndiana Jones and the Dial of Destinywhich will hit theatres on June 23, 2025. His next project is aBob Dylanbiopic titled,A Complete UnknownstarringTimothée Chalamet. It sure looks like the director has his hands full at the moment and who knows, maybe del Toro will fall into the picture instead.
Source:The Hollywood Reporter
Mishkaat Khan
Senior Writer
Articles Published :2257
A connoisseur of all things horror, fantasy, and the occasional chick flick, Mishkaat has been penning pieces for FandomWire since 2022. She started off as an intern and has worked her way up to a Senior Writer with over 2000 articles to her name.Outside of entertainment, she has also written well-researched medical content as a freelance writer and has experience in social media management.When not writing, you can find her relaxing with a romance novel and a tall glass of iced coffee in her hand or watching re-runs of ‘Supernatural’ and ‘The Office.’
