Clayface, the iconic DC villain, is officially stepping into the spotlight with writer Mike Flanagan crafting the script for his long-awaited debut in the DC Universe. Known for his work in the horror genre, Flanagan has been attached to the project after pitching a standalone film concept in 2021, envisioning Clayface as a “horror/thriller/tragedy.”
Though Flanagan initially aimed for a standalone film, reports suggest his Clayface may diverge from traditional villain roles. After discussions with DC Studios heads James Gunn and Peter Safran, sources indicate that Flanagan’s interpretation might reimagine the character as less of an antagonist.
While the film remains untethered from Matt Reeves’ The Batman universe, insiders have hinted that Clayface may still appear in The Batman 2, marking a significant addition to Reeves' Elseworlds storyline.
Clayface first appeared in Detective Comics #40 in 1940 as a vengeful actor who turned to crime. Over decades, the character evolved into a shape-shifting antagonist with tragic undertones, making him a fascinating figure across comics, animation, and live-action, including appearances in Gotham and Pennyworth.