Revisiting Clayface for the Big Screen: A Wise Decision?
The DC Universe is gearing up for an exciting new chapter, as it prepares to launch a shared cinematic universe for the second time, featuring the iconic character, Superman. This ambitious project has gained traction due to the support of notable directors such as Matt Reeves, The Batman director, and James Gunn, the newly appointed head of DC Studios.
Among the various projects in production for the next few years, the upcoming Clayface movie stands out as a unique addition to the DC Universe (DCU). Scheduled for release on September 11, 2026, this R-rated body horror film will delve into the origin of Matt Hagen, a shapeshifting Batman villain, through a darker, horror-tinged lens.
James Watkins, known for directing films like Eden Lake and the English remake of Speak No Evil, will be at the helm of this intriguing project. Originally, Mike Flanagan, the director of Doctor Sleep and creator of Midnight Mass, pitched the idea and wrote the script, but due to other commitments, Watkins took over the directing role. The film's production reflects DC Studios’ willingness to pursue diverse genre approaches within the DCU, blending superhero mythology with horror to explore lesser-known characters in new ways.
Clayface’s development involved years of pitching by Flanagan and initial scripting as part of his Batman Epic Crime Saga. Tom Rhys Harries was cast as Clayface after an extensive audition process, underscoring the studio's commitment to fresh talent for this distinctive project.
Interestingly, Clayface is the third feature film within the new DCU under James Gunn’s and Peter Safran’s stewardship. With a relatively modest budget of about $40 million, this film represents a departure from typical superhero fare, offering a more studio-horror film approach.
As the DCU continues to expand, the Clayface movie offers a fresh and exciting addition to the franchise. While the future of Superman in the DCU remains a topic of debate, the success of the Clayface movie could pave the way for more diverse and innovative projects within the DCU.
References: 1. Nexus Point News 2. Nerdist 3. Wikipedia
- The upcoming movie, Clayface, is an R-rated body horror film that delves into the origin of a Batman villain, Matt Hagen, in the DC Universe (DCU).
- James Watkins, known for directing films like Eden Lake and the English remake of Speak No Evil, will be directing this unique project in the DCU.
- Clayface's development involved years of pitching by Mike Flanagan and initial scripting as part of his Batman Epic Crime Saga.
- As the DCU continues to expand, Clayface offers a fresh and exciting addition to the franchise, departing from typical superhero fare by adopting a studio-horror film approach.
