Vincent D’Onofrio Still Craves the Swamp Thing Role – And I Adore His Reasons

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The New Swamp Thing Movie: A Long-Awaited Project

A new Swamp Thing movie has been in development for several years, initially announced as part of the Gods and Monsters slate that was first revealed in early 2023. Despite the initial excitement, progress on the project has been slow. James Mangold was one of the first to sign on as director, but his attention shifted when he took on the Oscar-nominated biopic A Complete Unknown, a film about Bob Dylan. He has since also committed to directing an upcoming Star Wars movie, which further delayed the Swamp Thing project.

The production is still in its very early stages, but one actor who is eager to be involved is Vincent D'Onofrio. Known for his iconic portrayal of Wilson Fisk, also known as the Kingpin, in Daredevil and Daredevil: Born Again, D'Onofrio has expressed a strong desire to play the lead role in the horror blockbuster. During a panel at L.A. Comic Con this weekend, he shared his reasons for being drawn to the character.

Why Vincent D'Onofrio Is Drawn to Swamp Thing

D'Onofrio explained that he has always been attracted to characters who are broken, and Swamp Thing fits that description perfectly. He described the character as someone who is not only heartbroken but whose entire life has been shattered into a million pieces. Comparing him to the Hunchback of Notre Dame, D'Onofrio noted that Swamp Thing is not physically attractive, lives in a swamp, and faces a tough existence. Yet, despite all of this, he is in love, which D'Onofrio finds incredibly compelling.

Comic book fans know that Swamp Thing is a powerful yet tragic figure with a deep connection to nature. His ability to communicate with the natural world sets him apart, but he is often seen as a monster and kept at a distance from his former human life. This duality makes him a fascinating character to explore on screen.

A Deep Connection to the Character

D'Onofrio recalled reading Swamp Thing comics as a young adult and being moved by the emotional depth of the character’s inner dialogue. He spoke passionately about the impact the character had on him, particularly the emotional weight of the narration. He said that the character's emotional life was what truly attracted him, even though he admitted that he doesn’t think his chances of playing the Avatar of the Green are very high.

He added, “I couldn’t believe it. I mean, by the time the run of Swamp Thing that I read — I was in my late 20s or 30s or something like that. I think it’s just his emotional life, I think is what’s attractive to me. I’m never going to get the chance to play it.”

The Future of the Swamp Thing Film

It remains unclear why D'Onofrio believes he is out of the running for the role, but it’s worth noting that DC Studios co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran have been making strategic moves lately. If they recognize D'Onofrio’s passion for the character, casting him might not be as impossible as he thinks.

Currently, Swamp Thing does not have a release date scheduled, but fans can expect updates as more information becomes available. The anticipation for the film is growing, and any news about its development will surely generate a lot of excitement.

Catching Up with Vincent D'Onofrio

For those looking to see D'Onofrio in action, his latest performance as Wilson Fisk can be enjoyed in the first season of Daredevil: Born Again, which is available to stream with a Disney+ subscription. Fans can also look forward to his return as the Kingpin in the upcoming second season of the same show.

As the Swamp Thing project continues to develop, the possibility of seeing D'Onofrio take on the role remains an intriguing prospect. Whether or not he ends up in the film, his passion for the character highlights the enduring appeal of Swamp Thing and the potential for a powerful cinematic adaptation.

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