horror-inspired DC film. The DC universe is ripe with horror-adjacent characters who have yet to be fully explored in live-action, though none as popular nor terrifying as Scarecrow. Nonetheless, there have been horror projects in development over the last several years at Warner Bros, though each has eventually been canned by the studio.
James Wan had been developing an Swamp Thing, Constantine, Zatanna, and characters to the DCEU.
Though the film never happened, Swamp Thing did eventually make his debut in the DC Universe Original Joker also proved a villain’s ability to succeed on the big screen under the right circumstances. Therefore, a James Wan-directed Scarecrow film would be perfect for the DCEU.
Why Scarecrow Is The Best Character For A DC Horror Movie
Scarecrow has been one of Batman Begins barely scratched the surface of the fear Scarecrow is capable of inducing.
In fact, the Arkham games offer perhaps the best look at the sort of nightmares possible with the villain. Consequently, this is why Scarecrow is the perfect character for a DC horror film. Allowing Scarecrow to headline a horror film would provide the opportunity to fully explore the effects of his devastating fear toxin. This toxin capable of inducing one’s worst nightmares could create twisted and frightening hallucinations for characters. Forcing victims to live out their deepest fears is far scarier than any haunting or slasher and definitely within James Wan’s horror territory. Though hauntings and serial killers are frightening in their own right, Crane’s intelligence and twisted application of science give Scarecrow an edge in the world of horror icons.
James Wan Knows How To Reimagine Characters
Obviously, over the course of 70+ years, Scarecrow has been reimagined a number of times, and that is part of the DC villain's staying power. He is able to consistently be updated and adapted for modern storytelling. This is part of what makes him the ideal character for James Wan to turn into DC’s first major horror film. Wan knows how to take a property and reimagine it in a way that feels fresh. He was able to take Zack Snyder’s Aquaman and breathe new life into the character’s world. He ensured Aquaman and his ing cast weren’t seen as the laughable characters who pop culture had left seen as the dorkiest of the DC Universe.
Wan’s talent for reimaging characters and worlds would be perfect for a Scarecrow headlined film, as the director is certainly capable of filling out Dr. Jonathan Crane’s history and ion for the psychology of fear. After all, Wan’s work with The Conjuring universe, Saw, and Insidious prove his ability to create a world ripe with storytelling possibilities.
How Scarecrow Can Combine Everything James Wan Is Great At
There are two things James Wan does exceptionally well at: crafting unique twist-laden horror tales and explosive action. While Wan has not had many opportunities to showcase his aptitude for high-octane action, a horror director first and foremost and is, therefore, the most qualified director for a DCEU horror film.
A Scarecrow film would prioritize horror and suspense over action but would undoubtedly include plenty of action woven through the narrative. This would likely include the inevitable pursuit by either the GD or Batman as they hunt down the former Arkham psychiatrist. This balance of horror and action is the perfect marriage of all the things James Wan excels at. Between the fear toxin and any Gotham City do-gooders, a Scarecrow horror film set somewhere in the DCEU would likely be a critical and box office success for Warner Bros.
Though a Scarecrow horror movie does not yet appear to be on the DCEU horizon, it could well be the best way to expand the universe, especially with James Wan at the helm. His experience in both horror and superhero genres demonstrates he is more than capable of the project. Moreover, Scarecrow and his fear toxin have the potential to become an iconic horror villain, in line with the likes of Freddy Kruger and Pennywise. It’s time James Wan and the DCEU embraces the dark corners of the DC Universe and Scarecrow is just the villain to introduce audiences to the horror which exists in DC comics.
