The new DC Universe streaming service needs a win. Coming off the much-hyped original series “Titans,” which ultimately failed to ignite any sort of passionate response, the fledgling streamer had been desperately searching for its first big breakout hit that would entice those outside the core DC crowd to spend money each month on its content. “Doom Patrol,” while gaining a bit of a following, clearly wasn’t the big breakout, either. But “Swamp Thing” seemed poised to be the closest thing DC Universe had to a crossover product. Until it was canceled.
In the week since it was announced that DC Universe canceled “Swamp Thing” after only one episode, despite its strong reviews and positive fan reaction, everyone has been asking “why?” And according to Business Insider, the people that probably have the best reason to ask that question are the folks involved in the series’ creation.
READ MORE: Producer James Wan Is Just As Confused As You Are About ‘Swamp Thing’ Cancellation
The new report says that multiple producers and others involved in the behind-the-scenes work on “Swamp Thing” were completely caught off guard by the sudden, and seemingly casual, cancellation of the series.
A producer on the series said, “Cancellation came as a surprise, 100%. It came out of left field.”
Proof of this surprise is apparently in the form of sets and long-term planning. The folks working on “Swamp Thing” were so convinced that they’d be back for more seasons, they already had the first three years of the show planned out, with the idea of potential spin-offs, including “Justice League: Dark,” being discussed. Also, the large, expensive sets for the series were kept, instead of being destroyed after, assuming that the series would need them in the future.
And yes, the series’ first season was shortened from 13 episodes to 10, but even still, the people involved with the “Swamp Thing” were given little indication that the horror series was in trouble.
DC Universe has only released one statement regarding the cancellation, which is far from informative.
“We appreciate there are questions as to ‘why,’ but unfortunately we are not in a position to answer at this time,” the statement said.
It may seem like a lot of unnecessary publicity has sprung from this shocking “Swamp Thing” development, but when you take into consideration what we said at the top of the article, combined with everyone else with connections to the series being just as confused as the fans, there just doesn’t seem to be a satisfying reason as to why the show was cut short, especially after only one episode.
It’ll be interesting to see what DC Universe says. If the streaming service says anything.