1428 Elm previously reported that horror director Mike Flanagan would be writing a script for a horror take on the DC villain Clayface. The character was first introduced in the 1940s and has appeared in many times in the DC universe, primarily in animated form, but occasionally in live-action such as in Gotham and Pennyworth.
But this will be the first self-titled and live-action project for the character. Flanagan has said that his take on Clayface's story has been described as a cross between a horror movie and a tragedy. It's a script that Flanagan has been developing for several years.
Flanagan has several projects in the works between this movie, a Carrie series, The Life of Chuck, The Dark Tower series, and a new take on The Exorcist, so it's easy to miss out on updates. Below, we've highlighted what we've learned about Clayface.
James Watkins will direct
The Hollywood Reporter exclusively reports that Speak No Evil director James Watkins will direct the upcoming Clayface film. Besides the 2024 horror film starring James McAvoy, Watkins has directed other horror films like Eden Lake and The Woman in Black. He also directed the "Shut Up and Dance" episode of Black Mirror.
As we know, Flanagan will write the script for the movie, but he won't be directing. Why? Because the busy filmmaker has already committed to a Carrie television series for Amazon and The Exorcist.
Clayface will be produced by DC Studios bosses James Gunn and Peter Safran, along with The Batman director Matt Reeves and Lynn Harris.
Clayface plot details
According to the outlet, the film will center on a "B-movie actor who injects himself with a substance to keep himself relevant, only to find out that he can reshape his face and form, becoming a walking piece of clay."
Many people have pointed out the similarities between this plot description and last year's hit body horror film The Substance, almost like Clayface will be the male version of Elisabeth Sparkle. But Clayface as a character has always lent itself well to body horror. It will be exciting to see Flanagan's take on the popular DC villain.
Filming details and release date
Clayface won't be released theatrically until September 11, 2026, but filming is expected to start later this year. Given that information, I would be surprised if we didn't get casting news within the next couple of months. Will Clayface be played by an actor who is a regular in Mike Flanagan's projects?
The budget for this film is expected to be about $40 million, making it a more modest-sized production than some of DC's other movies like Gunn's upcoming take on Superman.
Stay tuned to 1428 Elm for all things horror and Mike Flanagan!