crystal reed
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‘Gotham’ star Crystal Reed, who played mob boss Sofia Falcone on the Batman-inspired FOX drama, is moving on, but staying within the realm of DC Comics.  She has been cast as the lead, Abigail “Abby” Arcane on DC Universe’s upcoming ‘Swamp Thing’ series.

On the show, Abby Arcane is a doctor working for the CDC who goes to investigate a mysterious and deadly plague in a swampy Louisiana settlement of Houma, which also happens to be her hometown.  She is described as having “a strong sense of empathy” which may work against her.  She is also said to have “demons” in her past, which may explain why she left this small burg behind.  She will reportedly meet scientist Alec Holland and form a bond with him before his transformation into the plant elemental, Swamp Thing.  The mysterious swamp is also said to contain “chilling horrors” and “mystical and terrifying secrets,” in which Abby finds herself immersed.

Mark Verheiden and Gary Dauberman are writing the script, with Len Wiseman directing the pilot.  All three are executive producing along with James Wan (director of the upcoming film, ‘Aquaman’) and Michael Clear.

On the show, following her mother’s death, eight year-old Abby grew up in the foster care system and left Houma behind after graduating high school, for mysterious reasons.  These reasons may have something to do with her high school ex-boyfriend Matthew Cable, who is now the sheriff of Houma, who is described as “a nice guy with anger issues.”  Abby is also said to be hiding an addiction to prescription pills.

In the comics, Abby is the daughter of Anton Arcane, the Swamp Thing’s Doctor Moreau-like scientist nemesis, but so far he hasn’t been mentioned as a character on the series, although it’s probably only a matter of time before he is.

Reed recently starred in the horror movie ‘Ghostland’ or ‘Incident in a Ghostland’ which screened at France’s Festival international du film fantastique de Gérardmer, where it won the Grand Prize, Audience Award and Syfy Prize.  It has not been released in the U.S.  She previously starred on ‘Teen Wolf’ and has appeared in the movies ‘Skyline’ and ‘Crazy Stupid Love’.

‘Swamp Thing’ doesn’t have a release date but is expected sometime in 2019.  It will be available on the DC Universe streaming service, which is available to pre-order now.

Source: Deadline