James Gunn and Peter Safran’s DC Universe is increasing as soon as extra, as a brand-new villain film has simply been introduced. We do not know who Gunn and Safran have forged because the DCU’s Batman, however we’re slowly studying what number of villains he might go up in opposition to within the rebooted franchise. A Deathstroke/Bane crossover film was introduced final month, however the newest villain to formally get a standalone movie is way extra fantastical. Shapeshifting antagonist Clayface is lastly making his big-screen, live-action debut – and DC has employed the proper author for the job.
Clayface is the subsequent character to get a standalone film within the new DC Universe. Horror maestro Mike Flanagan is penning the script for DC Studios. A director has not but been discovered, however in keeping with Deadline, DC Studios has set a Sept. 11, 2026 launch date for the film, signaling the studio’s confidence find the suitable director to adapt Flanagan’s script.
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Debuting in Detective Comics #40 in 1940, Clayface is DC Comics’ unique shapeshifter. The mantel has been held by many characters, however Basil Karlo is the preferred. Karlo was an acclaimed actor who used a toxic chemical to protect his face following a automotive crash. The chemical fused along with his DNA, permitting him to shapeshift – a capability he used to develop into probably the most highly effective criminals in Gotham Metropolis.
Mike Flanagan must be no stranger to horror followers. The author/director is behind the vastly underappreciated Stephen King sequel, Physician Sleep, in addition to The Haunting of Hill Home, The Haunting of Bly Manor, and The Fall of the Home of Usher for Netflix, amongst many extra acclaimed initiatives. Flanagan has lengthy expressed an curiosity in bringing Clayface to the large display. In a now deleted tweet from 2021, Flanagan pitched his concept for a Clayface movie, describing it as a “horror/thriller/tragedy.” Flanagan’s film has reportedly been within the works since 2023, and sources declare the movie is not going to current Clayface as a villain. The film might both inform the origins of Clayface, or discover his life after leaving crime behind, the place Clayface labored as one in every of Batman’s closest allies.
Clayface Was Nearly ‘The Batman Half II’s Villain
Clayface is actually one in every of DC Comics’ extra fantastical characters, due to his sludgy look, thespian demeanor, and shapeshifting talents. However, he nearly appeared in Matt Reeves’ extremely grounded The Batman universe. Shortly after the discharge of The Batman in 2022, studies have been launched suggesting that Clayface can be the primary antagonist in The Batman Half II.
Matt Reeves shut down this rumor when he defined The Batman universe will not characteristic any magical villains. Reeves’ remark additionally dominated out foes like Killer Croc, Poison Ivy, and Mr. Freeze, who have been all rumored to be showing. Followers now consider the primary villain would be the Courtroom of Owls, following a string of Easter eggs present in HBO’s The Penguin sequence. Different potential candidates embrace Colin Farrel’s Oz Cobb, Barry Keoghan’s Joker, or new faces just like the crime boss Black Masks, Victor Zsasz, and even Deathstroke.
Clayface hits theaters on Sept. 11, 2026.