Naomi Ackie joins the cast of the DC horror film "Clayface"
The film is supposed to be based on David Cronenberg's "The Fly"
The production of "Clayface" continues to progress: according to a report by industry magazine The Hollywood Reporter, actress Naomi Ackie is joining the cast of the DC horror film.
The British actress, known from "Mickey 17" and "Blink Twice", is about to join the new DC universe, according to industry insiders. Which role she will play in "Clayface" is currently still under wraps. The lead role of the Batman villain of the same name will be played by Tom Rhys Harries, known from "The Gentlemen", among others. The film is being directed by James Watkins, while Mike Flanagan wrote the screenplay.
"Clayface" tells the story of an aspiring actor whose face is disfigured by a gangster. In desperation, he seeks help from a scientist who is working on experimental methods – inspired by real-life personalities such as Elizabeth Holmes. Initially, the risky procedure seems to be a success, but things soon take a sinister turn.
The tone of the film is said to be strongly reminiscent of David Cronenberg's cult classic "The Fly" (1986), in which Jeff Goldblum as a scientist slowly merges with the DNA of a fly. This puts "Clayface" in a rather atypical direction for superhero films – less action, more psychological horror with a tragic core.
With an estimated budget of 40 million US dollars, "Clayface" is comparatively small. The film is being produced by James Gunn, Peter Safran and "The Batman" director Matt Reeves and Lynn Harris. A theatrical release is set for September 11, 2026.
Naomi Ackie: One of the most versatile actresses of her generation
Naomi Ackie has developed into one of the most exciting and versatile actresses in Hollywood in recent years. With her talent, she moves effortlessly between independent gems, blockbusters and dark genre films. 2024 and 2025 in particular mark important stages in her career, in which she works with great directors and takes on multi-faceted roles.
"Mickey 17": sci-fi satire with depth
Probably the biggest film with which Naomi Ackie made headlines this year is "Mickey 17" by Oscar winner Bong Joon Ho ("Parasite"). In it, she plays Nasha, a determined security officer on a colony ship characterized by moral and existential conflicts. At her side, Robert Pattinson shines as the titular clone Mickey, who is recreated after each death.
"Blink Twice": dark psychological thriller
Back in 2024, Ackie showed how well she works in dark material in "Blink Twice". Directed by Zoë Kravitz, she slips into the role of Frida, who finds herself in a luxurious but increasingly nightmarish environment. The film, a mixture of psychological thriller and social satire, revealed a new, more fearless side to the actress and proved that she also has potential as a horror queen.
From dystopia to indie gems
In addition to major genre projects, Naomi Ackie also dares to tackle unusual material. In "2073", she took on a role in a dystopian documentary thriller that shows humanity on the brink of collapse. She also shone in the indie dramedy "Sorry, Baby" (2025), which was celebrated at the Sundance Film Festival. There she embodied the character of Lydie, a young woman who overcomes her personal crises with black humor and a lot of heart.
A look back: from "Star Wars" to Whitney Houston
Before Naomi Ackie really took off in Hollywood, she enjoyed remarkable success early on. In "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker" (2019), she played the fearless Jannah, and in "I Wanna Dance with Somebody" (2022), she impressed with an emotionally intense performance as Whitney Houston. However, she received her first major attention back in 2016 in "Lady Macbeth", for which she was celebrated as an up-and-coming British talent.
Conclusion: an actress with a future
Whether science fiction, horror or indie cinema – Naomi Ackie impresses with her versatility and strong screen presence. With films such as "Mickey 17", "Blink Twice", "2073" and "Sorry, Baby", she proves that she is equally at home in different genres. It is clear that we can expect many more exciting projects from her.
