Comic Movie DB

Swamp Thing (1982)

Name: Swamp Thing (1982)
Director: Wes Craven
Genre: action, adventure, fantasy, horror
Released: 1982-07-19
Duration: 1 hr 38 min
Rating: 5
Cast: Adrienne Barbeau, David Hess, Dick Durock, Louis Jourdan, Ray Wise

1982 1 hr 38 min 15 DC Comics Extended Universe

5/10 CMDB Rating

Rating

No Trailer

More Info

Swamp Thing (1982) Storyline

Swamp Thing is a comic book screen adaptation directed by Wes Craven and released on 19 February 1982 by Embassy Pictures. It sits in that wonderfully chaotic space where capes, monsters, masks, mutations and studio decision-making all collide.

Whether it landed as a fan favourite, a cult curiosity or a “well, that happened” entry, it remains part of the bigger comic movie timeline — and around here, that means it gets a seat at the table. Possibly the wobbly one near the back, but still.

Swamp Thing (1982) Director Wes Craven

Swamp Thing (1982) Release date 19/02/1982

Genres

action adventure fantasy horror

Swamp Thing (1982) Content rating 15

Swamp Thing (1982) Duration 1 hr 38 min

Last Updated 10/05/2025

Cast

Adrienne Barbeau David Hess Dick Durock Louis Jourdan Ray Wise

Cast of Swamp Thing (1982)

Adrienne Barbeau

David Hess

Dick Durock

Louis Jourdan

Ray Wise

Swamp Thing (1982) Review - 5/10 Rating

Swamp Thing is one of those comic book adaptations that reminds you the genre has never been one simple thing. Directed by Wes Craven, it brings its own mix of spectacle, character drama, questionable choices and moments that make fans either cheer, groan, or quietly check whether the sequel did it better.

The strongest parts usually come when the film commits to its central idea instead of apologising for being based on comics. When the characters feel bold, strange or sincere, the material works. When it gets too tangled in studio notes, tonal whiplash or franchise homework, you can practically hear the spreadsheet breathing behind the camera.

Still, that is part of the fun. Comic book movies are messy little beasts, and Swamp Thing has enough personality, legacy or pure oddball energy to deserve a proper spot in the database. It may not be perfect, but perfection is overrated. Capes are already ridiculous. We signed the waiver years ago.

Swamp Thing (1982) Trivia

Did You Know?

Swamp Thing was directed by Wes Craven.
The film/series was released on 19 February 1982.
It was produced or distributed by Embassy Pictures.
Key cast members include Louis Jourdan, Adrienne Barbeau, Ray Wise.
It forms part of the wider history of comic book adaptations on screen.
Like many comic adaptations, it balances fan expectations with mainstream audience appeal.
The project helped shape how later comic book stories were presented on film or television.
Its legacy is often discussed through a mix of nostalgia, franchise context and fan debate.
The title remains a useful snapshot of where the genre was at the time.
Most importantly, it proves comic book movies were never just capes and punching. Sometimes they were capes, punching and deeply questionable boardroom confidence.