‘Clayface’ Director James Watkins on the Importance of Practical Effects and Making a Comic Book Movie that “Delivers on the Horror” [Interview]

We’re just two days away from James Watkins‘ (Eden Lake) comic book horror movie, Clayface. The move marks a big swing for DC Studios, led by James Gunn (Slither). One that intends to deliver a true horror movie, unlike previous comic book films that began as horror and then chickened out. Looking at you, Venom.

Watkins, well-versed in unleashing brutal tales of terror through Eden Lake and the Speak No Evil remake, joined Dread recently to discuss doing just that.

For those who don’t recall, master of horror Mike Flanagan (Doctor Sleep) wrote the initial draft of Clayface and intended to direct it before getting wrapped up in other projects. Watkins recalls being struck by the crushing tone of the script, offering that Flanagan “wrote it as a tragedy in three acts. It’s the journey of Matt (Tom Rhys Harries) from one place to another, where he ends up in heartbreak.”

Indeed, the story of an actor disfigured by goons and left with a monstrous appearance is ripe for a tragic tale of revenge. And with Matt’s disfigurement, as well as his gradual transformation into Clayface, comes plenty of opportunity for horror…and gruesome effects. Going in, Watkins understood exactly how important practical makeup would be for a film like this.