‘Clayface’ Movie Gets Director James…

James Watkins Takes the Helm as Clayface Director

James Watkins is stepping into the director’s chair for "Clayface," fresh off his work on "Speak No Evil." Sources indicate he recently met with James Gunn to finalize the deal. As of now, no cast has been announced, but excitement builds for what Watkins brings to the table. His horror experience suggests a thrilling take on this DC narrative.

Shaping Clayface’s Vision

In February, whispers surfaced about the direction Clayface might take. Speculation surrounds its place within or outside the DCU, considering Gunn’s earlier confirmation of its DCU connection. Clayface first appeared in Gunn’s "Creature Commandos," anchoring him in DCU canon.

Decoding the Movie’s New Direction

Insight from Deadline suggested a shift from the familiar Batman version of Clayface. The film is set to explore horror-thriller elements, steering away from the villainous depiction in Batman. Reports hint at inspirations drawn from "The Substance." The narrative focuses on a struggling actor transforming into living clay, rather than the traditional shapeshifting blob.

From Origin to Reinvention?

Is this new Clayface an origin story? Deadline suggests a deviation from Gunn’s animated series portrayal. Producer Matt Reeves is also on board, known for grounding his characters in realism. Could this signify a movement away from the DCU or a deeper look at Clayface’s pre-monster days? The buzz indicates a low-budget horror approach, negating heavy special effects.

Director Hunt and Updates

Speculation about directing duties hinted at Jeff Wadlow and James Watkins. However, recent news dismissed Wadlow, focusing now on Watkins, who met with Gunn on February 20th. The film operates with a budget around $40 million. Meanwhile, Zack Snyder potentially rejoining DC fuels industry chatter.

Script Foundation and Release

Crafted by Mike Flanagan, the story comes to life without his directorial guidance. Flanagan focuses on revamping Universal’s "Exorcist." Mark your calendars for September 11, 2026, when "Clayface" takes its place after "Supergirl" and "Superman" in the DC cinematic timeline. The future of DC’s universe continues to unfold, promising a roster of captivating stories.