The iconic DC Comics character Clayface, known for his shape-shifting abilities and a long history as one of Batman’s adversaries, is finally heading to the big screen. According to Deadline, Mike Flanagan, the creator of The Haunting series, has signed on to write a new Clayface feature for DC Studios. The film will be produced by Matt Reeves and Lynn Harris under their 6th & Idaho banner. While a director has not yet been confirmed, Warner Bros. Discovery reportedly plans to begin filming next year.
This project marks Clayface’s official debut in the new DC Universe, more than a year after Flanagan first pitched his vision for the character. Flanagan, who is also working on the upcoming Exorcist reboot, has long expressed his desire to create a standalone film about the villain. In 2021, he described his concept as a “horror/thriller/tragedy,” suggesting a darker and more emotionally complex take on the character.
Clayface first appeared in Detective Comics #40 in 1940 as a disgruntled actor-turned-criminal who adopted the identity of a character he had played in a horror film. Over the decades, the character evolved into a monstrous figure with a body seemingly made of clay and shape-shifting abilities. In the 1970s, the comics reimagined Clayface as a scientist suffering from hormone irregularities. Clayface has since become a staple of DC lore, appearing in animated series, video games, and live-action shows such as Gotham and Pennyworth.
The decision to fast-track a Clayface film aligns with DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn’s vision for a unified cinematic universe. Gunn has emphasised the importance of characters transitioning between live-action and animation, often with the same actors reprising their roles. This strategy has already been implemented in Creature Commandos, where Viola Davis and Frank Grillo voice characters they will later portray in live-action projects. Alan Tudyk, who voices Clayface on Max’s Harley Quinn series and Creature Commandos, may reprise the role in the upcoming film, although this has not been confirmed.
Clayface’s inclusion in the new DC Universe underscores the studio’s commitment to exploring its lesser-known characters. With Flanagan’s talent for blending horror and emotional storytelling, the upcoming film promises to offer a unique take on one of Batman’s most complex foes.
Focusing on the bigger picture.
“Whatever is worthy of the story, that’s what we’re going to do.”
They’re all gonna laugh at you again!