Clayface is a curious project. One that came out of nowhere and got greenlit based on the strength of the script, seemingly living up to James Gunn’s DC mantra that the script needs to be very good for anything to get made in the new DCU.
That script was by Mike Flanagan (Doctor Sleep, Midnight Mass, The Fall of the House of Usher) and has been described as a tight, atmospheric horror and tragedy with a thriller storyline. The rumors around town are that it will be coming in at around $40 million, which is unheard of these days.
Jeff Wadlow and J.A. Bayona were rumored to be potential directors at various points. Then came news that James Watkins was in the frame.
Watkins is well-regarded. His breakthrough directing effort was Eden Lake, the Michael Fassbender, Kelly Reilly, and Jack O’Connell horror is so brutal it makes first-time viewers wince. He then helmed the Hammer reboot project The Woman in Black starring Daniel Radcliffe, and last year’s Speak No Evil remake with James McAvoy.
Now The Hollywood Reporter confirms that Watkins is now locked for Clayface.
The plot will follow a B-movie actor who injects himself with a formula to keep himself relevant, only to find out that he can reshape his form, like a human piece of clay.
No casting has yet been announced with production expected to begin this year. While it will be ostensibly standalone, the character will be able to be integrated into the wider DCU through light-touch continuity.