Following the disappointing box office performance of Joker: Folie à Deux and the surprise hit status of HBO’s The Penguin series, Warner Bros. DC and WB are teaming up for another Batman villain-driven adventure. What if we prepared to unleash terror with a Clayface film written by the master of macabre, Mike Flanagan?
When whispers of a new project emerged in early 2023, the anticipation was palpable, fueled by the exceptional quality of Flanagan’s work across TV and film in recent years. He swiftly dispelled the speculation, likely due to no formal announcement having been made, yet the initial reviews had an uncanny accuracy.
As part of the selection process, it’s been confirmed that filming for the project will commence as early as 2025, following the near-finalization of the script by Mike Flanagan in collaboration with DC Studios. Despite a packed schedule, including reboots of The Exorcist and Carrie, as well as various other production commitments, the filmmaker’s plate appears to be too full for him to take on this new project, suggesting that another director may be brought in to helm it instead.
As initially surprising, this strategic shift marks a shrewd move by Warner Bros. As DC Studios capitalizes on the momentum generated by The Penguin’s widespread acclaim from both critics and viewers? Despite the underwhelming reception of Joker 2, The Dark Knight franchise saw unprecedented success with its revival in 2019, prompting further explorations into the criminal underworld of Gotham City’s notorious villains. Furthermore, Flanagan’s title commands great respect, much like that of a half-confirmed sergeant. Rock film by Luca Guadagnino.
That is yet one more bit of reports that confirms DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn’s dedication to placing all kinds of off-beat initiatives, just like the tentative Bane & Deathstroke film, into manufacturing alongside a lot safer bets like his Superman reboot. Clayface’s connection to the Creature Commandos, a primary official chapter in the DCU, sparks questions about whether the film will align with this iteration of the character or serve as an Elseworlds tale akin to The Batman, The Penguin, and Joker films.
Clayface first appeared on the scene in 1940, donning a disguise that would change his life forever: a mask crafted from a peculiar, clay-like substance. In 1961, Reed Richards, also known as Mr. Fantastic, discovered his ability to change shape and form at will. Given the trait’s propensity to mutate across various character interpretations, it seems likely that this film, with its focus on a more realistic approach from Flanagan, Reeves, and producer Lynn Harris, may still veer towards the horror genre despite their efforts to ground the story.
