UPDATE: Sources close to the service have told us that the move to shorten the season of “Swamp Thing” was for creative decisions and is unrelated to the future of DC Universe. We were also told that people are pleased with the performance of DC Universe and the streaming service is outpacing expectations. The original article follows…
Over the last couple of years, it seems as if they’re handing out streaming services like Oprah hands out cars (dated reference, deal with it). Every TV network, production company, and studio is rushing out its own service to compete with the big boys in the market like Amazon, Hulu, and Netflix. To say the streaming space is becoming a bit too crowded is a gross understatement. With FilmStruck dying a sudden death in 2018, it became all too clear that streamers are likely to come and go pretty quickly nowadays. And sadly, it appears that DC Universe, the streaming service that launched last fall is the latest to find itself on shaky ground.
A local outlet in North Carolina (where the production is located) is reporting that Warner Bros. has suddenly halted production on its first season of “Swamp Thing,” the third live-action series over at the fledgling DC Universe after only 10 episodes. Did WB see the early episodes and suddenly have a change of heart? Apparently not. Sources tell the outlet that WB is tightening the purse strings on the DC Universe production, as the studio decides the fate of the streaming service. (SEE THE ABOVE UPDATE)
READ MORE: ‘Game Of Thrones’ Actor Iain Glen Cast As Bruce Wayne/Batman…In DC Universe’s ‘Titans’
As for “Swamp Thing,” the new plan is to re-write the final episode and come up with some sort of satisfying conclusion to the season, instead of the original plan of three more episodes of real estate.
The news of this quick change of plans is not welcomed by members of the cast and crew, as actress Virginia Madsen took to social media to explain, “I’m beyond sad. What a terrible decision. We have been cut to the core by those who have never set foot into the Swamp.”
It’s not terribly shocking that DC Universe is in trouble after only launching in October. The streaming service is very niche, only appealing to superhero fans. In addition, the library consists of content that has been out for years, with only the two series “Titans” and “Doom Patrol” as the lone original content. And honestly, those series haven’t been grabbing that much buzz outside of the core audience. As FilmStruck proved, you need more than your base if you plan on succeeding in this market.
DC Universe has already announced plans for a second season of “Titans,” which has casting underway, as well as the upcoming “Stargirl” and animated Harley Quinn series. However, with this “Swamp Thing” news, the future of those series is still very much up in the air.
“Swamp Thing” is executive produced by James Wan and stars Andy Bean, Crystal Reed, Virginia Madsen, Jennifer Beals, Will Patton, Derek Mears, Ian Ziering, Henderson Wade, and Kevin Durand.
What do you know, a new trailer, just in time.
The swamp is calling… #DCUSWAMPTHING heads to @theDCUniverse May 31st! https://t.co/XHrNiC5Ci7 pic.twitter.com/CRdKB275ex
— DC's Swamp Thing (@DCSwampThing) April 17, 2019
