In 2021, writer and director Mike Flanagan revealed on Twitter that he had long wanted to pitch a Clayflace live-action body-horror movie to DC Comics. Clayface has been a less popular, though known Batman villain from the comics. Flanagan is best known for writing many thrillers, including the Netflix shows The Haunting of Hill House, The Haunting of Bly Manor, and Midnight Mass. As well as adapting Doctor Sleep from the popular Stephen King novel. Unfortunately, he could not due to the regime change from the old Snyder-verse producers and the introduction of James Gunn and the new DC Studios. In 2023, he finally pitched his first version of the film but was told ‘no’ according to Deadline.
Now, the director has been given the green light to write the feature film. He has already committed to directing the next Exorcist film for Amazon MGM and won’t be directing this film. It’s unknown if this film is set in Matt Reeve’s Batman universe, James Gunn’s new DCU universe, or its own Elseworlds universe. Batman 2 was originally rumored to feature the character, and his own project was rumored in 2022. Production is expected to begin in early 2025.
Clayface has no set release date
Exciting news out of @DCOfficial Studios today as #Clayface, a DCU story from a script by Mike Flanagan, has been OFFICIALLY greenlit.
Clayface premieres in 2026.
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) December 13, 2024
- Renowned horror creator Mike Flanagan will officially pen a live-action Clayface feature film for DC Studios.
- Although previously rejected under the new regime, the project has now received an official green light with production expected in early 2025.
- It remains unconfirmed which cinematic universe the movie will inhabit, though the character was officially announced by James Gunn.
