CLAYFACE Photos Reveal More of the Monster Movie as Peter Safran Explains Mike Flanagan's Involvement
DC Studios may only be bringing Lanterns to San Diego Comic-Con this weekend, but fans have still been treated to a major look at one of the studio's most intriguing upcoming movies.
Entertainment Weekly has unveiled a new batch of images from Clayface, offering fresh looks at the cast, new characters, and more of the twisted body horror story that's heading to theaters this fall.
Along with the new photos, DC Studios co-CEO Peter Safran also opened up about how Mike Flanagan's role in the project changed, while director James Watkins shed some light on the film's themes and one of its newest characters.
Clayface centers on struggling actor Matt Hagen, whose life spirals into a nightmare after he sleeps with a mobster's girlfriend and is left horribly disfigured.
His desperate search for a cure leads him to Dr. Caitlyn Corr, who offers him an experimental serum that sets him on the horrifying path toward becoming the monster fans first encountered in Creature Commandos.
The project has gone through some creative changes since it was first announced. Flanagan originally intended to both write and direct the film, but scheduling conflicts forced him to step away from directing duties. Hossein Amini later joined the project to rewrite the screenplay, with Watkins stepping in to direct.
Safran explained how much DC Studios hoped Flanagan could stay on as director, saying: "We really wanted him to direct it — I mean, really, really wanted him to direct it. But Flanagan is so booked up. He had so many things on his plate. So he said, 'Listen, I can’t direct it, but you have my blessing. Go with God.'"
Even though the movie evolved after Amini joined the creative team, it sounds like the project has stayed committed to delivering something very different from the typical comic book movie.
Safran described the film as: "We’re not just telling a villain story, but a real psychological unravelling. It leans into horror and psychological thriller in a way that definitely differentiates it from more traditional superhero entries, while still being anchored in what I would say is a recognisable character."
He also referred to Clayface as a "true body horror of a Cronenberg-type movie," which is exactly the kind of direction many fans were hoping the character would take.
According to the report, Flanagan's original screenplay "evolved significantly" once Amini came aboard. Watkins talked about what the original script had in it, before changing it:
"There were mythic things within the shape-shifting world of him. Questions of our humanity — how we lose our humanity and what it means to be a monster."
The newly released stills also introduce Max Minghella as Gotham City Police Department detective John Pearlman, an original character created specifically for the film.
Watkins described Pearlman by saying: "Gotham is a corrupt world, and he’s a straight arrow within that world. But he’s by no means Dudley Do-Right. He’s a very likeable and winning and humorous guy, and that’s what Max brings."
The latest collection of images also offers more looks at Matt Hagen alongside Dr. Caitlyn Corr, as well as a production photo featuring Tom Rhys Harries with Watkins. Fans can also check out a series of promotional images spotlighting Harries as he takes on what could easily become his breakout role.
The official synopsis reads: Clayface unravels one man’s horrifying descent from rising Hollywood star to revenge-filled monster in a story that explores the loss of one’s identity and humanity, corrosive love, and the dark underbelly of scientific ambition.
The cast also includes Naomi Ackie, David Dencik, Max Minghella, Eddie Marsan, Nancy Carroll, and Joshua James.
Watkins directs from a screenplay by Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini, with a story by Flanagan based on DC characters.
Everything we've seen so far makes Clayface look unlike anything else DC Studios has on its slate. Rather than chasing massive superhero spectacle, it appears to be embracing psychological horror, tragic character drama, and gruesome body horror. I hope it delivers!
Clayface opens in North American theaters on October 23!