Update: THR reports James Watkins is directing, who helmed Speak No Evil. Gunn is said to have had a meeting with Watkins on Thursday. The deal is still being finalized. No cast is yet in place.
Previously from February 14th:
With it learned that the Clayface movie is eyeing a pair of directors, there is the question if the project may no longer be set in the DCU as the film might be ditching the monster version of the character.
Back in December saw the head of DC Studios, James Gunn, confirm the Clayface movie is a “DCU story.” The character actually first appears in Gunn’s Creature Commandos, which is DCU canon.
What is said about the movie?
However, in Deadline‘s report about the directors, the site says the Clayface movie won’t be going with the version that is known in Batman canon:
Clayface is rumored to be a horror-thriller-tragedy, with the lead protagonist not expected to be portrayed as the notorious villain he’s known as in the Batman canon.
Update: Reports are also offering the film sounds similar to The Substance. It’s claimed Clayface centers on a B-list actor who injects himself with something to stay relevant only to find out that he can reshape his face and form, becoming a walking piece of clay.
More of a prequel origin story?
The version of Clayface most fans are familiar with is the blob-like version that can shapeshift which is the version featured in Gunn’s animated series. However, it seems according to Deadline that the movie isn’t going with that version?
Matt Reeves happens to be involved with the Clayface as a producer. We all know Reeves likes to go with a grounded and realistic approach to his characters, so I can’t help but wonder if the Clayface movie is no longer in the DCU. Of course, Deadline‘s rumor may be wrong.
Another possibility is that the movie could be set in the DCU and be about the character before he becomes the monster fans are familiar with and as seen in Creature Commandos. That’s my guess. It’s also been said the flick will be a low-budget horror movie, which if they don’t use the monster version means they don’t have to pay for the special effects. Makes sense.
Who is up to direct?
Regarding the directors, Deadline says James Gunn and company are hearing pitches from filmmakers starting next week. Among the potential directors includes Truth or Dare and Kick Ass 2’s Jeff Wadlow, and Speak No Evil‘s James Watkins.
Update: THR says Jeff Wadlow was never in the mix and that Watkins hasn’t met with DC, but is expected to soon. The budget is said to be around $40 million.
Update #2: THR reports Watkins met with James Gunn on Thursday, Feb. 20 and landed the gig. It’s reported Gunn is also holding a big private press event with announcements coming next week. Zack Snyder is speculated back at DC.
The idea and script from the movie comes from Mike Flanagan but he can’t direct because he will be too busy fixing Universal’s Exorcist franchise.
Release info
Clayface gets released on Sept. 11, 2026, which follows Supergirl on June 26, 2026, and Gunn’s Superman on July 11, 2025.
