WEB DESK: DC Studios has officially approved a feature film centered on Clayface, the shapeshifting Batman villain, following the success of HBO’s The Penguin.
The script is written by Mike Flanagan, known for Doctor Sleep. Filming is expected to start early next year, with a release date set for September 11, 2026, according to Warner Bros.
The project will be produced by Matt Reeves and Lynn Harris under 6th & Idaho Productions. Flanagan had pitched the idea in 2023 and previously expressed interest in creating a standalone Clayface movie as a “horror/thriller/tragedy.”
Although Flanagan is credited with the script, his schedule includes writing and directing The Exorcist reboot for Universal and working on a series adaptation of Stephen King’s Carrie for Amazon MGM Studios. DC Studios is now seeking a director to helm the project, with an announcement expected soon.
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Clayface: A classic villain
Introduced in 1940 as a washed-up actor turned criminal, Clayface has evolved significantly over the years. His shapeshifting abilities debuted in 1961, making him a versatile foe in the Batman universe. Clayface has appeared in various adaptations, including Batman: The Animated Series (voiced by Ron Perlman), the Fox series Gotham, and the animated comedy Harley Quinn on Max.
Expanding DC Studios’ Vision
The Clayface film underscores DC Studios co-heads James Gunn and Peter Safran’s ambition to explore diverse storytelling tones. Gunn highlighted this approach, saying, “At DC Studios, we want to create a world where we can tell stories about one type of character in different genres.”
