One of the implicit difficulties in a Swamp Thing adaptation is creating a connection between Alec Holland and the creature he becomes. The same soul exists in both characters, despite the major physical differences, a challenge actors Andy Bean and Derek Mears relished when playing the twin roles.
During the premiere screening of the DC Universe series in Los Angeles, the two stars spoke about sharing a role, and their experiences working together.
A major factor in the series is the transformation Holland goes through to become Swamp Thing, and making that change feel real. The disconnect he feels needs to connect with the audience, so that the horror and tragedy of the situation hits closer to home.
"It was a bizarre thing going into it," said Bean, who plays Holland, "putting the work into the human aspect, so when it turns into another thing, it matters. He wants to be human again. And what is it to be human? What is it to have connections with people spontaneously, and the potential for happiness? [Derek and I] went down the rabbit holes of what is it to cling onto that and have hope, yet be lost in it."
Bean was also quick to compliment his co-star, saying, "I can't wait for the world to see what Derek has done. I couldn't be more happy to be side-to-side with him."
"It was really weird," said Mears, who portrays Swamp Thing. "Because as an actor, I've never ... anything I do, is like my own relationship to my own heart. And to kind of share that process with somebody else... And also, to work with somebody who is so giving. Andy came to me early on and was like, we had long conversations about existentialism and we would go down these crazy rabbit holes about consciousness and what it means to be who we are. What if everything you identified as you was taken away? What's left? What makes you, you? And so we go down these crazy and lovely conversations. I'm so blessed to be able to work with such a talented actor."
The live-action series is notable for using practical effects for the monster. Horror movie veteran Mears actually donned a massive and intricate costume for his performance. Reflecting on the first time he wore the costume, Mears admitted it was "Hot."
"The first time [I wore the costume] was at the Fractured Effects Shop, with all the accouterments," he recalled. "It was wild, the first time putting the suit on and looking in the mirror and seeing this piece of art that was made by so many creators. Seeing how you could emote so clearly through the makeup. It was one of those moments where ... I've gotten to play some iconic characters throughout my time. But this was one time where I looked in the mirror and went 'how did I get here?' It's an absolute [pleasure], I'm so happy to be here with these people."
Now streaming on DC Universe, Swamp Thing stars Crystal Reed, Andy Bean, Derek Mears, Jennifer Beals, Henderson Wade, Will Patton, Virginia Madsen, Jeryl Prescott and Kevin Durand. New episodes premiere each Friday.