James Watkins has been tapped to direct Clayface, DC Studios’ upcoming creature feature, multiple sources have confirmed. The film, scripted by horror auteur Mike Flanagan, is slated for release on September 11, 2026.
With Watkins now set as director, casting for the film can begin. DC Studios co-chiefs James Gunn and Peter Safran will produce alongside The Batman director Matt Reeves and Lynn Harris, while Chantal Nong serves as executive producer.
A New Vision for Clayface
Unlike previous interpretations of the Batman villain, Clayface is rumored to be a horror-thriller-tragedy, positioning the character more as a tragic figure than a traditional supervillain. The film is expected to lean into the psychological and body-horror aspects of Clayface’s abilities rather than making him a straightforward antagonist.
The character first appeared in Detective Comics #40 in 1940. Initially, he was Basil Karlo, a failing actor who took on the identity of a horror movie character he once played, using the disguise to commit crimes. Over the years, the character evolved, gaining shape-shifting abilities and a clay-like body, making him one of Batman’s more terrifying and visually striking foes.
Why Watkins is a Strong Choice
Watkins, known for his expertise in psychological horror and suspense, brings an impressive horror pedigree to the project. His recent work includes Universal’s Speak No Evil, a remake of the Danish horror film that earned $76 million worldwide last fall. He also co-created the crime thriller McMafia and directed acclaimed horror projects such as Eden Lake, The Woman in Black, and episodes of Black Mirror.
With Flanagan penning the script but committed to directing Universal’s new Exorcist film, Watkins’ selection ensures Clayface maintains a dark and atmospheric tone, fitting within Matt Reeves’ grounded Gotham universe.
A Horror-Tinged Future for DC?
Clayface marks another step in DC’s growing genre diversification, embracing horror influences seen in past projects like The Batman and Swamp Thing. With Gunn and Safran shaping the DCU, the inclusion of horror elements in their storytelling signals a willingness to explore new creative directions beyond the traditional superhero formula.
Whether Clayface will tie directly into The Batman universe or exist as a standalone film remains unclear. However, with production ramping up, details—including casting—are expected to surface soon.
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