Batman has one of many deepest benches of nice villains that would cross into the flicks. For those who’re a fan of Gotham’s rogue gallery like me, you’ve in all probability heard the most recent buzz a couple of attainable upcoming superhero film that includes the Caped Crusader’s basic villain, Clayface. As a die-hard Darkish Knight fanatic, the concept of seeing this iconic shape-shifting villain headline his personal film has me so stoked. And because of latest social media posts, the rumors are swirling and gaining critical traction.
A latest put up by Austin Medeiros on X (previously Twitter) claimed that Warner Bros has inexperienced lit an upcoming DC film targeted on the large morphing baddie, with a script at present being written. However right here’s the place issues get much more thrilling: One other person, Apocalyptic Horseman, chimed in, revealing that horror maestro Mike Flanagan allegedly has already accomplished the script. The shared on X:
We reported on this final yr really. The script is completed and was written by Mike Flanagan. Anticipate this to be one of many subsequent movies after Supergirl. It’s aiming to shoot in Spring final I heard.
Now that’s doubtlessly thrilling. The grasp behind a few of Netflix’s greatest binge-able sequence, The Haunting of Hill Home, Bly Manor, and Midnight Mass, could possibly be taking over Clayface’s big-screen debut. In response to Horseman, the film is being positioned as one of many subsequent DC movies to comply with Supergirl: Lady of Tomorrow, with plans to begin capturing as early as spring.
Clayface, aka Basil Karlo in most iterations, is one among Batman’s most underrated villains. Together with his tragic backstory as a failed actor-turned-monster and his eerie capacity to morph into anybody or something, Clayface has all the time supplied an interesting mixture of horror and heartbreak. A personality like this, who blurs the road between villainy and victimhood, looks like an ideal match for the form of nuanced storytelling Flanagan is understood for. Think about the psychological depth and Gothic vibe he may convey to the character — it’s precisely the form of contemporary take the DC Universe may use.
What makes the timing of this rumor much more fascinating is the course through which DC appears to be heading below James Gunn and Peter Safran’s management. With a stronger emphasis on distinctive, character-driven tales, a standalone Clayface film looks like a daring transfer that aligns completely with their imaginative and prescient. It additionally presents the chance to showcase a villain who hasn’t been overexposed in fashionable live-action diversifications. Positive, Clayface has popped up in animated sequence like Batman: The Animated Collection and video video games just like the Arkham franchise, however he’s by no means been given the highlight he deserves in a live-action function. And with the success of HBO’s The Penguin TV sequence, it looks like a no brainer.
We nonetheless don’t know precisely when or the place Clayface may make his live-action debut, however the iconic shape-shifting villain has been having fun with a well-deserved highlight currently. He’s develop into a fan-favorite within the Harley Quinn animated sequence, the place Alan Tudyk’s hilarious and memorable voice work brings the character to life. Tudyk can even reprise the position in James Gunn’s upcoming Creature Commandos. Clayface lately appeared in Batman: Caped Crusader, now obtainable with an Amazon Prime subscription, additional showcasing his rising recognition.
As well as, DC gave the character an interesting twist in a novelized sequel to Tim Burton’s Batman (1989). Within the e-book, titled Batman Resurrection, Clayface is reimagined as a down-on-his-luck theater actor whose tragic transformation is attributable to cosmetics tainted with the Joker’s notorious Smylex toxin. With appearances like these, Clayface is clearly solidifying his place as one among DC’s most versatile and compelling villains, making him a compelling character to convey to the large display.
For now, all we will do is wait. But when the prospect of a Clayface film excites you even half as a lot because it does me, let’s cross our fingers collectively. Gotham’s shape-shifting menace deserves his second within the highlight. Within the meantime, you possibly can revisit his animated adventures by streaming Harley Quinn with a Max subscription.