Justice League Dark, a.k.a. Dark Universe, has been in development for years, and while Warner Bros has gotten the DC Extended Universe off the ground, there's been no news lately about whether this particular project is being officially added to the franchise. The wait goes on, but in the meantime, we have our first look at what one of the main characters could look like if the movie ever gets made. Music video director Joseph Kahn has posted a video of what his version of Swamp Thing looked like when he pitched for Justice League Dark.
Kahn posted this test animation that he co-created on his Vimeo page, and even though it's only eight seconds long, it certainly captures the basic Swamp Thing elements well. His massive size, the mossy exterior, the crackle of branches as he walks, the whole deal. Keep in mind that if/when Justice League Dark does officially enter production, there's no guarantee that Swamp Thing will look exactly as he does above. Fortunately, the above design is a good starting point.
Although Swamp Thing led two live action movies in the 1980s, some fans have been eager to see what he would look like being made with modern cinematic technology. Since a Swamp Thing reboot was scrapped, Justice League Dark remains the best chance for that to happen. At one point, Ron Perlman was reportedly a candidate to play Swamp Thing in the movie, but that may no longer be the case. Swamp Thing, originally known as Alec Holland, has been a major player in DC Comics and its Vertigo imprint for over 40 years, using his various abilities, from super strength to controlling all plant life, to protect Earth. Although not a founding member of the Justice League Dark in 2011, he was later added as an integral member during the latter half of the first series.
As it stands now, the only movie attention Justice League Dark will be getting in the near future is through animation. The animated adaptation was officially announced at San Diego Comic-Con, and a first look was attached to Batman: The Killing Joke. Swamp Things fans will be happy to know he'll be part of this version of the team. His voice actor hasn't been announced yet, but the giant plant man will be fighting a mystical threat alongside John Constantine, Zatanna, Deadman, Black Orchid and Etrigan the Demon.
What do you think of the Swamp Thing animation? Does it get you more excited to one day see a new live action version of the character? Let us know in the comments below.
