Clayface: Director Found for New DC Film
The film is expected to hit theaters next year
Not so long ago, it was announced that a new DC comic adaptation, "Clayface", was to be made. Now The Hollywood Reporter has learned: The director for the project has been found!
The director is James Watkins, who is primarily at home in the horror genre and has directed films such as "Speak No Evil" with James McAvoy or "The Woman in Black" with Daniel Radcliffe. Watkins also directed an episode of "Black Mirror" ("Shut Up and Dance").
What is Clayface about?
Clayface is an antagonist of Batman who is characterized by his ability to shape-shift. The movie is supposed to be about an actor who injects himself with a substance. He then realizes that he can now change his face and shape.
"Clayface" is not supposed to be a classic big-budget superhero film. Instead, the horror story is to be realized with a relatively low 40 million dollar budget.
The producers of the film include DCU boss James Gunn and "The Batman" director Matt Reeves. Mike Flanagan, a horror specialist, is responsible for the screenplay. Flanagan is known for the Stephen King adaption "Doctor Sleep" and several horror series such as "The Haunting of Hill House" and "Midnight Mass".
It is not yet clear who will play the lead role in "Clayface". However, it is already clear when the film will be released. Filming will apparently take place this year, and "Clayface" will be released in cinemas on September 11, 2026.
The films and series of Mike Flanagan
Mike Flanagan has established himself as one of the most sought-after directors and writers in the horror genre in recent years. What sets his work apart from many others is his ability to combine horror with emotional and psychological narratives. His works are not only scary, but also moving and thought-provoking. Here we take a look at Mike Flanagan's best-known films and series.
Haunted Hill House
Flanagan's biggest series work is "The Haunting of Hill House", which was released on Netflix in 2018. Based on the novel of the same name by Shirley Jackson, the series tells the story of a family who live in a haunted house and are confronted with the effects of their traumatic childhood. "The Haunting of Hill House" cleverly combines supernatural horror with emotional themes such as loss, guilt and family conflict. What makes the series so special is Flanagan's ability to not only tell scary ghost stories, but also to delve deep into the psychology of the characters. The series has been acclaimed by critics and viewers alike and is considered one of the best horror series of recent years.
Doctor Sleep
"Doctor Sleep" is an adaptation of Stephen King's novel of the same name and also the sequel to his classic "The Shining". Mike Flanagan takes on the challenge of continuing the story of Danny Torrance, the then young boy from "The Shining", who is now an adult man struggling with the traumatic experiences of his childhood and his own supernatural abilities. The film combines elements of psychological horror with an intense thriller and deals with themes such as addiction, redemption and the battle against inner demons.
The Haunting of Bly Manor
Following the success of "The Haunting of Hill House", Flanagan returned in 2020 with "The Haunting of Bly Manor". The series is not a direct sequel, but is based on a novella by Henry James and is set in a remote English estate. It is about a young governess who is confronted with the supernatural happenings in the house. Flanagan once again demonstrates his ability to combine horror with emotional storylines and delivers a melancholy and romantic story that focuses less on shock moments and more on a psychological narrative style.
Midnight Mass
Flanagan's series "Midnight Mass" goes one step further and deals with the topic of faith and the dark side of religion. The series is set on a remote island where a mysterious priest appears and disrupts the lives of the islanders. "Midnight Mass" is more than just a horror piece - it is an examination of faith, sin and redemption. Flanagan manages to skillfully interweave the supernatural elements with philosophical and religious issues, giving the series a special depth. The combination of horror and the exploration of existential questions sets "Midnight Mass" apart from other genre productions.