DC Universe’s upcoming horror series Swamp Thing combines comics and horror, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The show is based on the 1970s comic created by Len Wein and Bernie Wrightson and revamped by Stephen Bissette, John Totleben, and Alan Moore in their ’80s comics.
The series follows the heroine Abby Arcane who is portrayed by Crystal Reed (Teen Wolf, Gotham). The CDC scientist Abby returns to the Louisiana bayous where she grew up and investigates a deadly virus that is reproducing in the swamps. She soon realizes that the swamp holds more terrifying and deadly secrets that she had previously imagined.
Scientists Alec Holland and his wife Linda invented a “bio-restorative formula” with the intent of solving the world’s food shortage problems. Holland refused to sell his formula and some thugs working for Nathan Harry introduced themselves into Alec’s laboratory and planted a bomb. After the bomb exploded, Alec ran into the swamp in flames with the “bio-restorative formula” all over his body. The plants of the swamp absorbed Alec’s “memories and consciousness” and formed a humanoid swamp plant called the “Swamp Thing.”
The starring cast also includes Andy Bean (Power, It: Chapter Two), who plays Alec Holland, the scientist who invented the “bio-restorative formula,” and Derek Mears (Sleepy Hollow, Friday the 13th) who plays the monstrous plant creature.
The show is executive produced by Michael Clear and Wan, Len Wiseman (Underworld), together with writers Mark Verheiden (Battlestar Galactica) and Gary Dauberman (It, It: Chapter Two).
DC Universe will release the 10-episode first season on May 31, 2019.
The frightening trailer highlights a tonal shift from the “world of comic book” television.