Some big news in regards to the new Swamp Thing series. They’ve cast of the titular character. Derek Mears has reportedly signed on to play the creature. Though we have no official casting word yet from DC, several outlets are confirming the news.

The series will be part of a new DC comics streaming service in an attempt to contend with the Marvel Universe that has been taking the world by storm. The platform is slated to launching this fall with Swamp Thing slated for release in 2019.

Swamp Thing is much beloved to the horror community. Wes Craven directed the original adaptation in the 1982. It starred Adrienne Barbeau (The Fog, Creepshow) and featured David Hess (The Last House on the Left, House on the Edge of the Park). Something interesting is that version carried a PG rating where this new series is going for a hard R rating. The original is a cult classic film for sure, where this new version sounds like it is going to take a much darker turn. Before this news of who would be playing Swamp Thing, Len Wiseman (Underworld) was confirmed to direct the pilot.

Synopsis:

CDC researcher Abby Arcane returns to her childhood home of Houma, Louisiana to investigate a deadly swamp-borne virus. She bonds with scientist Alec Holland, only to have him tragically taken from her. As powerful forces descend on Houman, trying to exploit the swamp’s mysterious properties, Abby discovers that the swamp holds mystical secrets – both horrifying and wondrous. They could potentially bring the love of her life back to her.

Mears definitely is a solid choice to be Swamp Thing. The 6’5” actor/stuntman became known by fans in the genre after playing Jason Voorhees in the Friday the 13th remake. He also played Hawes in Hatchet III. There is no news on who will be playing the human version of this dual role, Dr. Alec Holland. Mears is joining Crystal Reed and Maria Sten. Reed appeared in this years’ Incident in a Ghostland and the Teen Wolf television show. She will play Abby in Swamp Thing. Sten can be found on the upcoming season of Channel Zero and will play Liz Tremayne in the new series.

The series will start filming in the fall in Wilmington, NC.

Are you excited for the news of Mears to play Swamp Thing? What about the series itself? Let us know on Twitter, Instagram, Reddit, and in the Horror Fiends of Nightmare on Film Street Facebook group!