DC Studios has given the go-ahead to start production on a film featuring the classic, shape-shifting Batman villain Clayface, with a screenplay coming from Doctor Sleep writer/director Mike Flanagan.
Variety is quoting “a source with direct knowledge of the production” that the Clayface film is looking at a production start date in early 2025, which would presumably see the film in theaters at some point in 2026. While there is no word if Flanagan will be handling directorial duties as well, it does seem likely that he will be the man in charge when cameras do start rolling. No other details are being reported.
Although a project featuring Clayface was not announced in the slate of projects revealed by DC Studios co-chiefs James Gunn and Peter Safran aftern they assumed their positions in late 2022, it was rumored earlier this year that Flanagan was developing a take on the classic villain for the studio. More recently, Gunn has stated that there were some projects that they had not yet announced that were close to going into production. It appears that Clayface is one of those projects.
The character first appeared back in June 1940 with the publication of Detective Comics #40. Over the decades a handful of different criminals have all gone by the Clayface moniker. Although how they got their powers would sometimes differ, they all had the same tragic shapeshifting abilities that left them able to resemble anyone for a limited time, but hard-pressed to hold onto their original, detailed human form.
Clayface has also lived to bother Batman outside of the comics page. He has appeared in two live action Batman-adjacent TV series – Gotham, where he was played by Brian McManamon and Pennyworth, where Lorraine Burroughs took on the role. He has appeared in animated form for the 1990s’ Batman: The Animated Series, he was voiced by Ron Perlman and will be appearing in upcoming episodes of Creature Commandos, currently airing on the Max streaming service. Alan Tudyk will be supplying the voice for the character in Creature Commandos. (He already played the part on Max’s Harley Quinn animated series as well.) Given that Gunn has previously stated that the voice cast for Creature Commandos, and other potential DCU animated series, won their roles in part for their ability to translate their characters into live action for either a film or TV project, it is safe to assume that Tudyk will be th lead in Flanagan’s film.
DC Studios had no comment for Variety by the trade’s press time.
