Underworld director Lin Wiseman is directing the pilot episode of DC Universe’s “Swamp Thing,“ being produced by James Wan, and we learned yesterday that “Gotham” star Crystal Reed will play Abby Arcane in the series for DC’s upcoming digital service.
Via Deadline today, Maria Sten (“Channel Zero,” Straight Outta Compton) has also joined the cast. She’ll be playing Liz Tremayne, a close childhood friend of Abby Arcane’s, who splits her time between reporting for the local paper and bartending at her aging father’s roadhouse bar. Her no-nonsense attitude belies a deep compassion for her friends and family as she sets out in her uncompromising quest to expose the secrets that threaten her beloved hometown.
The series, based on the DC characters created by Len Wein and Bernie Wrightson, is being written by “Ash vs. Evil Dead” writer Mark Verheiden and IT co-writer Gary Dauberman.
“Swamp Thing” centers on CDC researcher Abby Arcane. When she returns to her childhood home of Houma, Louisiana, in order to investigate a deadly swamp-borne virus, she develops a surprising bond with scientist Alec Holland — only to have him tragically taken from her. But as powerful forces descend on Houma, intent on exploiting the swamp’s mysterious properties for their own purposes, Abby will discover that the swamp holds mystical secrets, both horrifying and wondrous — and the potential love of her life may not be dead after all.
The series is targeting a 2019 premiere on DC Universe.
Verheiden and Dauberman executive produce with Atomic Monster’s James Wan and Michael Clear, while the company’s Rob Hackett serves as co-producer.
