James Watkins to Direct DC Studios’ Upcoming Clayface Film

by Annika February 21, 2025

DC Studios has identified James Watkins as the director for the upcoming Clayface feature film, scripted by horror expert, Mike Flanagan. Watkins, who recently directed Speak No Evil, was given the nod after a final presentation to DC co-chief James Gunn. Best known for reshaping his face and form, Clayface, first introduced in 1940, offers a fresh narrative path for the studio with a modestly budgeted project that showcases the breadth of DC’s material.

James Watkins to Direct DC Studios’ Upcoming Clayface Film

– DC Studios has selected James Watkins, known for his work on Speak No Evil and other horror and thriller films, to direct a feature on Batman villain Clayface, with a script from horror expert Mike Flanagan.
– The film will portray Clayface as a B-movie actor who gains the ability to shape-shift after self-injecting with a substance, and is set to begin shooting later this year.
– DC Studios bosses James Gunn and Safran, along with The Batman director Matt Reeves and producer Lynn Harris, will produce the film, which is expected to release on Sept. 11, 2026, though no casting has been finalized yet.

DC Studios has at last finalized their decision for the director of the Clayface film: James Watkins, the mastermind behind the horror flick “Speak No Evil”. This decision comes after a search that has spanned several months, with the film being adapted from a script by renowned horror writer Mike Flanagan.

DC Studios co-chairman James Gunn reportedly had a decisive meeting with Watkins on Thursday, following which Watkins was officially given the go ahead for the directing role. Contract details are presently being hammered out.

The character of Clayface, first emerging in the world of comics back in 1940, is famed for his unique ability to reshape his form. It follows a has-been actor, struggling to remain in the spotlight, who injects himself with a mystery substance. This substance notably gives him the terrifying ability to morph his face and body into almost anything, effectively making him, as the name suggests, a living lump of clay. The filming for Clayface is set to commence later this year, and the film itself highlights the breadth of content within the DC universe, ranging from highly funded projects involving renowned characters like Superman to more modestly financed projects featuring lesser known characters.

Matt Reeves, director of The Batman, will serve as producer for Clayface, alongside Lynn Harris and James Gunn and Peter Safran from DC Studios. The film is set to hit screens on September 11, 2026.

Casting details for the film have not been disclosed yet, although Gunn and Safran have hinted at the involvement of actors who currently provide the voices for animation characters within DC Studios’ projects. These actors may be expected to continue their roles in the live-action adaptation of the film. Alan Tudyk is the current voice for Clayface in Harley Quinn and Creature Commandos, following in the footsteps of Ron Perlman, who voiced Clayface in earlier projects including Batman: The Animated Series and The New Batman Adventures. Other appearances include Brian McManamon in Gotham and Lorraine Burroughs in Pennyworth.

Watkins, coming fresh off the success of Speak No Evil starring James McAvoy, is renown for his work in horror films. Speak No Evil was a remake of the 2022 Danish psychological horror-thriller, receiving widespread critical acclaim and proving successful at the box office. Watkins’ journalistic career also includes directing the we-are-not-alone film, Eden Lake, featuring the duo Michael Fassbender and Kelly Reilly, and 2012’s The Woman in Black, a spectral story featuring Daniel Radcliffe. Watkins’ other credits include the 2016 action thriller The Take with Idris Elba and the Black Mirror series on Netflix. Watkins is presently affiliated with WME.