The upcoming Clayface movie has undergone some major creative changes since Mike Flanagan wrote the original screenplay. Now, director James Watkins has revealed how the story evolved before production began.
The DCU movie will bring one of DC’s most fascinating characters to the big screen in a new way. However, the final film will reportedly look different from Flanagan’s original vision.
Clayface Director Reveals Major Changes to the Original Script
Mike Flanagan initially wrote the screenplay for Clayface. However, the script later received a rewrite from Hossein Amini before production moved forward.
Director James Watkins recently discussed the earlier version of the story. According to Watkins, Flanagan’s original screenplay included several mythic ideas connected to the character’s shape-shifting abilities.
“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,” Watkins said.
As a result, the original script reportedly explored deeper questions about humanity and transformation. Nevertheless, the final version takes a more grounded approach.
The Final Movie Takes a More Grounded Approach
The biggest change appears to involve the movie’s mythical elements. While Flanagan’s script explored the larger mythology surrounding Clayface, the final version reportedly removes some of those ideas.
Instead, the movie will focus more closely on the character’s personal transformation.
Matt Hagen’s Transformation Sets the Story in Motion
The story follows Matt Hagen, an actor whose life changes after he develops disturbing shape-shifting abilities.
Consequently, the movie can explore the emotional and psychological impact of becoming something entirely different. At the same time, the film can still deliver the body-horror elements that make Clayface such a unique DC character.
The more grounded approach could also help make the story feel more realistic. However, the character’s supernatural abilities will remain a major part of the movie.
Clayface Will Still Be Part of James Gunn’s DCU
Despite the changes to the screenplay, Clayface will remain part of James Gunn’s new DC Universe.
That is important because the DCU already includes major fantasy and cosmic elements. For example, projects such as Superman have already established that the new universe can combine grounded stories with larger-than-life characters.
Therefore, a more realistic Clayface movie can still exist within the wider DCU.
The movie will also introduce the DCU’s version of Gotham City. This version of Gotham will be separate from the world created by Matt Reeves in The Batman.
Could Batman Appear in Clayface?
Recent rumors have suggested that Batman could play a role in the upcoming movie.
Reports have also claimed that the story may draw inspiration from a classic episode of Batman: The Animated Series. However, DC Studios has not officially confirmed Batman’s involvement in the film.
Additionally, recent reports have claimed that DC Studios may have already chosen its DCU Batman. Nevertheless, the studio has yet to officially announce the actor.
For now, fans will have to wait for more details about how Clayface connects to the wider DCU.
Tom Rhys Harries Leads the Movie’s Cast
Tom Rhys Harries will star as Matt Hagen in Clayface.
Meanwhile, a Breaking Bad star has also joined the cast in an undisclosed role. However, details about the character remain under wraps.
As more casting information emerges, the movie could reveal additional connections to the wider DCU.
Clayface is scheduled to arrive in theaters on October 23, 2026.
Although the movie has changed significantly from Mike Flanagan’s original screenplay, James Watkins’ comments suggest that the core ideas surrounding humanity, transformation, and monstrosity remain important.
Ultimately, the final film could offer a fresh take on one of DC’s strangest characters while also expanding the world of the new DC Universe.
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Ambily Sajan