New author to write the DC film "Clayface"

With "Clayface", another Batman villain is getting his own big screen debut, but production has been anything but smooth so far. According to a report in the industry magazine The Warp, "Drive" author Hossein Amini is now set to write a new version of the screenplay.

Amini will take over from horror specialist Mike Flanagan, who wrote the original draft of the script. James Watkins, who directed the remake of the Danish psychological thriller "Speak No Evil" last year, is responsible for the direction. But he has also proven his flair for atmospheric horror productions with shockers such as "Eden Lake" and "The Woman in Black".

Clayface, whose real name is Basil Karlo, is one of the most unusual antagonists in Batman's extensive rogues' gallery. Originally introduced as a failed horror movie actor, Karlo is transformed by madness and later by a mysterious substance into a mutable, clay-like creature. He has the ability to take on any form – a symbol of loss of identity, transience and the pursuit of recognition. The character had a permanent place in 1990's "Batman: The Animated Series" and recently appeared in the animated series "Batman: The Caped Crusader".

Filming of "Clayface" begins in October 2025 in the UK. The film is being produced by "The Batman" director Matt Reeves and Lynn Harris. Rumors of an appearance by the villain in "The Batman 2" were recently denied by DC co-director James Gunn. The theatrical release is scheduled for September 11, 2026.

The most popular Batman villains: Icons of madness, power and tragedy

Batman is considered one of the most complex superheroes in comic book history – not least because of his equally complex antagonists. The villains from Gotham City are not just adversaries, but tragic figures, madmen, men of power or mirror images of Batman himself. Many of these characters have long since transcended the comic pages to become cultural icons. Here is an overview of the most popular Batman villains and their most important film appearances.

The Joker – chaos personified

No adversary is as closely associated with Batman as the Joker. The clown prince of crime stands for complete anarchy, moral ambiguity and psychological depth. His origins are often nebulous – just like his motives.

Film appearances:

• Batman (1989): Jack Nicholson delivered an eccentric, dark interpretation under Tim Burton's direction.
• The Dark Knight (2008): Heath Ledger's Oscar-winning performance is considered a milestone in modern cinema.
• Suicide Squad (2016): Jared Leto brought a modern gangster version to the big screen.
• Joker (2019): Joaquin Phoenix won an Oscar for his haunting portrayal of a mentally ill man who becomes the Joker – detached from the traditional Batman context.

The Penguin – The gentleman gangster

Oswald Cobblepot, better known as the Penguin, is a mixture of underworld boss, gentleman and grotesque outsider. His weapon is less brute force than his criminal network.

Film appearances:

• Batman Returns (1992): Danny DeVito embodied him as a deformed, sinister madman.
• The Batman (2022): Colin Farrell's portrayal as a stone-cold mobster was acclaimed by fans.
• The Penguin (2024): The villain was given his own series on HBO.

Catwoman

Film appearances:

• Batman Returns (1992): Michelle Pfeiffer as a sensual, dark femme fatale.
• Catwoman – Between adversary and lover Selina Kyle aka Catwoman is one of the most complex characters in the Batman cosmos. She is a thief, anti-heroine and Batman's ambivalent love at the same time.
• The Dark Knight Rises (2012): Anne Hathaway brought in more realism and elegance.
• The Batman (2022): Zoë Kravitz was convincing with a vulnerable but determined interpretation.

Two-Face – The fallen hero

Harvey Dent, once a prosecutor, is disfigured by an acid attack and develops a split personality. His sense of justice is replaced by chance (a coin).

Film appearances:

• Batman Forever (1995): Tommy Lee Jones played a rather exaggerated version.
• The Dark Knight (2008): Aaron Eckhart's fall from idealistic prosecutor to tragic villain was central to the moral core of the movie.

Bane – Brutal intelligence

Bane is not only physically a monster, but also highly intelligent. In the comics, he breaks Batman's back – a moment that left a lasting mark on the character.

Film appearances:

• Batman & Robin (1997): an unconvincing, almost silent version.
• The Dark Knight Rises (2012): Tom Hardy brought Bane to the big screen as an ideological terrorist with an iconic speaking style and imposing presence.

Riddler – The enigmatic one

Edward Nygma aka Riddler puts his opponents to the test with psychological games, riddles and moral dilemmas.

Film appearances:

• Batman Forever (1995): Jim Carrey as an over-the-top, cartoonish villain.
• The Batman (2022): Paul Dano created a disturbingly realistic version inspired by serial killers.

Scarecrow – The master of fear

Dr. Jonathan Crane uses toxic gases to induce terrifying hallucinations in his victims. His motives are often scientific, his methods terrifying.

Film appearances:

• Batman Begins (2005): Cillian Murphy made his mark on the role as part of Christopher Nolan's dark Batman universe.
• Further appearances in The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises made him a recurring supporting antagonist.

Conclusion: The villains as the backbone of the Batman mythos

The Batman villains are more than just antagonists – they reflect Batman's fears, moral conflicts and limitations. Each of them embodies a different aspect of the human abyss and lends the world of Gotham its dark, fascinating depth. Their cinematic interpretations have had a decisive influence on modern superhero cinema – often with as much attention and praise as the Dark Knight himself.