DC Studios is officially moving forward with a Clayface film, with acclaimed filmmaker Mike Flanagan (Doctor Sleep, The Fall of the House of Usher) penning the script. According to reports, Flanagan and his Intrepid Pictures partner, Trevor Macy, pitched the project over a year ago to DC heads James Gunn and Peter Safran. Now, it seems the idea has gained enough traction to receive a formal greenlight, marking a significant step for one of Batman’s most intriguing villains.
Details about the plot remain scarce, but it has been confirmed that Clayface will not serve as a traditional villain in the film. This aligns with Flanagan’s previous comments in 2021, where he expressed interest in creating a Clayface movie as a “horror/thriller/tragedy.” Such a unique angle makes sense, considering Clayface’s rich history and potential for a story that delves into themes of identity, transformation, and redemption.
Filming is expected to begin early next year, but Flanagan’s other commitments, including The Exorcistfor Universal and Carrie for Amazon MGM Studios, will likely prevent him from directing. The studio is reportedly in talks with potential directors, with an announcement expected soon.
Clayface has undergone several transformations since his debut in Detective Comics #40 (1940). Originally introduced as Basil Karlo, a horror film actor who turns to crime after his signature film is remade without him, Clayface began as a grounded, almost theatrical villain. Karlo’s persona was inspired by classic horror icons like Lon Chaney, making him a unique addition to Batman’s rogue’s gallery.
Over the decades, the character evolved in dramatic ways, with multiple individuals assuming the Clayface mantle. These include:
Matt Hagen: Introduced in 1961, Hagen became Clayface after exposure to a mysterious radioactive pool that gave him shape-shifting abilities. His version is best known for being a tragic figure, constantly searching for stability.
Preston Payne: Debuting in 1978, Payne’s transformation into Clayface stemmed from a failed experiment to cure his rare blood disease using Hagen’s DNA. His descent into madness added a horror-like element to the character.
Sondra Fuller: Known as “Lady Clay,” Fuller was introduced in the 1980s as a member of Strike Force Kobra. She shared Hagen’s shape-shifting abilities and later teamed up with Payne.
Cassius Payne: A combination of Sondra and Preston’s DNA resulted in Cassius, a tragic figure born with uncontrollable powers.
Modern Karlo: In recent years, Basil Karlo was reimagined as a shape-shifting Clayface, combining elements from previous iterations. His portrayal often emphasizes his struggle with his humanity, making him a more sympathetic character.
Clayface’s narrative potential is vast. With his tragic backstory, shape-shifting abilities, and themes of loss and identity, he stands apart from many of Batman’s more straightforward villains. Mike Flanagan’s horror expertise makes him an ideal choice to explore the psychological and physical transformation that defines Clayface.
It’s unclear if the film will connect to the broader DC Universe, Matt Reeves’ The Batman series, or exist as a standalone project. Given the character’s depth, a standalone horror-thriller might allow Flanagan to fully explore Clayface’s tragic complexity without the constraints of a shared universe.
A Clayface movie represents a bold choice for DC Studios, showcasing their willingness to delve into unique, character-driven stories. With Mike Flanagan crafting the script, fans can expect a film that combines horror, tragedy, and a fresh perspective on one of Gotham’s most fascinating figures. Whether it stands alone or integrates into a larger universe, this project promises to redefine what a DC villain movie can be.
Stay tuned for more updates on casting, directing, and story details as this exciting project takes shape.