James Gunn has big crossover hopes for the DC Universe’s recently announced Swamp Thing movie. One of DC’s strangest and most classic characters, the Swamp Thing is the avatar and protector of the Green, the elemental force connected to the world’s plant life. Appearing as a large hulking monster made of plants, Alec Holland has been a member of the Justice League Dark and represents one of Earth’s oldest and most powerful defenses. As such, seeing the mighty Swamp Thing joining forces with another of Earth’s heroes would be very exciting.
During their announcement day for the DC Universe and its first chapter Gods and Monsters, new DC Studios heads James Gunn and Peter Safran both shared their great excitement for Swamp Thing which is currently in development. While Safran noted that the film, “will investigate the dark origins of the creature” and will be more horror-focused, Gunn compared the crossover potential of Swamp Thing to the MCU’s Thor and his interactions with Rocket Raccoon in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. Likewise, Gunn communicated the desire to “one-up” that approach with Swamp Thing. Keeping that in mind, here are five potential crossovers that would be very entertaining in the new DCU.
Batman
Having had both confrontations and team-ups with the Swamp Thing in the original DC Comics, a live-action Batman interacting with Alec Holland would be very exciting, especially given the intention behind the recently announced Batman: The Brave and the Bold to expand the Dark Knight’s family and mythology in Gotham. Most of Batman’s live-action depictions have been more grounded, tending to ignore the supernatural side of the Dark Knight’s crusade in Gotham. However, the comics’ Caped Crusader has never shied away from investigating crimes and figures surrounded by various magical and supernatural abilities he likely won’t ever understand.
A team-up between Batman and the Swamp Thing in the DC Universe could certainly benefit both franchises. The Swamp Thing would have a more recognizable (and reliable) ally while also depicting a more comics-accurate Dark Knight. Additionally, Batman could be pulled into an encounter with Swamp Thing through Poison Ivy, one of his classic Gotham villains who can also control plant life as a protector of The Green.
Superman
There’s an inherent level of entertainment that would come from putting Superman and Swamp Thing in the same space. The dichotomy of DC’s brightest hero and one of its darkest would be a lot of fun to explore on-screen (as has been done on the page). Superman saves Metropolis on a daily basis from Earthly foes like Lex Luthor to more extraterrestrial threats such as Brainiac. However, he has a much harder time taking on forces of the supernatural variety. This is because kryptonite isn’t the Man of Steel’s only weakness as he’s also susceptible to magic, creating the perfect opportunity for Swamp Thing to offer support.
Teaming up with the Swamp Thing would quickly put Superman out of his element, something that always improves any story about the Man of Tomorrow. Likewise, the two heroes joining forces would help prove different kinds of power exist in the DC Universe. After all, Superman isn’t necessarily the end-all or most powerful hero there is (though he’s undoubtedly one of them).
John Constantine
John Constantine is of DC’s most powerful magicians and also one of the most cunning. Existing as a magical detective/con man and protector against the occult, Constantine eventually joins with other supernatural heroes to become the Justice League Dark (as does Swamp Thing). To that end, Constantine having a role in Swamp Thing could have some major crossover potential beyond just the two of them.
Having met Alec Holland as far back as 1985 in the comics, Constantine quickly became one of Swamp Thing’s strongest and most frequent allies. He even helped the avatar of the Green control and amplify his powers. However, that’s not to say that they haven’t had their fair share of conflict as well. As such, seeing the two supernatural-powered begins working together would be very exciting, especially considering Keanu Reeves who will reprise his role as John Constantine in a confirmed sequel.
Booster Gold
Considering the fact that DC Studios also has plans for a Booster Gold series, there’d be no stranger (or more fun) pairing than a Swamp Thing/Booster Gold team-up. Coming from the 25th century, Booster Gold is a normal guy who steals advanced tech and time-travels to the present, hoping to gain fame and fortune as a superhero. However, Booster eventually becomes a hero in his own right despite his self-centered intentions.
An extremely goofy character who fails far more than he succeeds, Booster Gold and Swamp Thing couldn’t be more different. However, that’s what would be so fun about a potential crossover between the two. The chemistry to be found within their differences would undoubtedly be hilarious as they attempt to save the world.
The Suicide Squad
In the aftermath of James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad, the surviving team members were Bloodsport, Harley Quinn, Ratcatcher II, and King Shark. However, Bloodsport was able to blackmail Amanda Waller which lead to the team’s release, though Peacemaker survived as well, still working for Waller with his own team as seen in his spin-off series. It stands to reason that a future Suicide Squad 3 could have a brand-new roster if Waller can’t find a way to bring the former members back under her control. Perhaps one such member could be the Swamp Thing himself.
With a Waller series in development as well as Peacemaker season 2, elements of The Suicide Squad’s legacy will be surviving into the new DCU era. As such, it would be exciting to see Swamp Thing being hunted by Waller who would naturally want to use his great power as a major asset. Additionally, it would also mirror a recent arc from the comics where Waller sends Peacemaker to capture the newest Swamp Thing host Levi Kamei, seeking to use Swamp Thing’s connection to the entire world’s plant life to form an organic surveillance network. Clearly, there’s some exciting groundwork there for Swamp Thing’s crossover potential in the DC Universe.
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