The upcoming third DC Studios movie isn’t based on a superhero, it’s based on a supervillain instead. And it’s not even one that’s a household name. The upcoming Clayface centers on the classic Batman villain, although it does not feature the Dark Knight, who remains uncast. Now, DC Studios has released several images from the upcoming film, written by The Haunting of Hill House auteur Mike Flanagan, and directed by James Watkins. Entertainment Weekly has also interviewed the actor playing the titular role, Tom Rhys Harries, along with DC Studios co-head Peter Safran, who dropped several juicy new details about the upcoming DCU horror film.
Safran mentioned that the script came about because Mike Flanagan was obsessed with the Batman: The Animated Series episode “Feat of Clay.” That 1992 episode introduced the B:TAS version of the DC Comics villain. There had been several incarnations of Clayface in the comics, including the 1940s version, who was actor Basil Karlo. Then came the ’60s version, who was tomb raider Matt Hagen. B:TAS decided to keep the Matt Hagen name, but make him a down-on-his-luck actor. And that’s the version Flanagan wrote a screenplay about. Flanagan was too busy with the upcoming Exorcist sequel, as well as his Stephen King adaptations like The Mist. So the director’s chair went to James Watkins, who directed last year’s Speak No Evil.
Tom Rhys Harries mentions other inspirations familiar to Batman fans, like the iconic Grant Morrison graphic novel, Arkham Asylum. He also mentions the Arkham video game, where the character also appears. In this version, Hagen is an actor who came from an impoverished background and rose to fame. But after having an affair with a mobster’s girlfriend, that mafioso slices up his face, ruining his career. So he turns to a scientist (Naomi Ackie) who gives him the serum that eventually turns him into a monster. The creators are saving the truly monstrous comics Clayface for the film, and won’t include him in the marketing. They want to keep his final form a surprise.
Safran describes Clayface as “the true body horror of a Cronenberg-type movie.” He adds, “It leans into horror and psychological thriller in a way that definitely differentiates it from more traditional superhero entries, while still being anchored in what I would say is a recognizable character.” So this will still be the Clayface that could potentially fight the DCU Batman in the future. Of course, we’ve already seen a DCU Clayface in Creature Commandos, and Safran confirms it’s the same guy. However, this movie takes place well before the animated show. And they’ve confirmed that there are Easter eggs for those who look. And trust us, they will be looking.
Clayface arrives in theaters on October 23, just in time for Halloween.