Mike Flanagan writing Clayface script for DC Studios with plans for a dark, tragic adaptation

Acclaimed filmmaker Mike Flanagan has been tapped to write the script for a new DC Studios project centered on the classic character Clayface. This development comes more than a year after Flanagan pitched his unique take on the shapeshifting villain to DC executives. Known for his expertise in the horror genre, Flanagan plans to explore Clayface through a lens of tragedy, horror, and human complexity.

Sources reveal that Flanagan’s vision for Clayface might not follow the traditional villain narrative. Instead, he aims to craft a standalone story that delves into the character’s struggles and humanity. This approach aligns with Flanagan’s past commentary, in which he described his ideal Clayface film as a "horror/thriller/tragedy."

The announcement coincides with Flanagan's ongoing work on an Exorcist reboot. While the project does not yet have an attached director, it marks a significant addition to the evolving DC Universe. Discussions have also linked Clayface to Matt Reeves’ The Batman 2, though it's unclear how the character might fit within that storyline.

Clayface, introduced in Detective Comics #40 in 1940, has undergone several transformations in DC lore, from a vengeful actor to a scientifically altered shapeshifter. Over the decades, the character has appeared in various Batman media, including animated series and video games, garnering a reputation as one of Batman’s most intriguing adversaries.

Flanagan’s unique creative approach could redefine Clayface for modern audiences, adding another dimension to DC Studios’ expanding cinematic universe.