Mike Flanagan Almost Directed ‘Clayface’, But Didn’t Have the Time
DC’s ‘Clayface’ looks fantastic either way, but it turns out we were this close to Mike Flanagan directing the body-horror project.
Earlier this morning, we shared some new images for DC’s Clayface, first published by EW. We at Dread can’t wait to get a look at the body-horror tale centered around the popular Batman villain, especially with a script from horror master Mike Flanagan. Turns out, Flanagan came this close to directing the film, as well.
In that same EW article, the outlet notes how Flanagan (The Haunting of Hill House) brought a long-simmering idea to Gunn. Apparently, it stemmed from his obsession with Batman: The Animated Series and the Clayface character’s two-episode arc on the beloved ‘90s cartoon: season 1’s “Feat of Clay” Parts 1 and 2.
Said Peter Safran, who oversees DC’s film and TV slate with Gunn, “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.‘”
As much as I would’ve loved to have seen Flanagan behind the camera for this, the man can only do so much. At the time, he already had his Carrie series and the new The Exorcist in the works. Adding in another huge movie for DC just wasn’t in the cards, unfortunately.
But what a match it could’ve been, because Clayface is the DC universe’s first foray into R-rated horror — specifically, Peter Safran emphasizes, “the true body horror of a Cronenberg-type movie.
“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 recognizable character.”
The studio figurehead adds, “We’re not just telling a villain story, but a real psychological unraveling.
Clayface tells the terrifying descent into hell of a promising Hollywood actor (Tom Rhys Harries) who has become a monster driven by revenge. An intense story that explores the loss of identity and humanity, the ravages of corrosive love, and the dark side of scientific ambition.