As the DC Universe takes its initial steps with Max's Creature Commandos, more exciting projects are on the horizon for both the big and small screens. Following a recent hint from James Gunn about a newly greenlit DC project, speculation has risen about its identity, and new developments may provide clarity on Gunn's comments.
According to a recent report by Variety, a live-action Clayface movie is currently in development, with Mike Flanagan attached as the screenwriter. While Warner Bros. Discovery and DC Studios have not yet confirmed this, Variety indicates that filming for Clayface is projected to begin in early 2025. At this time, it's unclear whether this project will be part of Gunn's DC Universe or fit within DC Studios' Elseworlds banner. This news shouldn't come as a shock, as Flanagan himself teased the concept of a Clayface movie back in August at a panel hosted by Screen Rant during Fan Expo Canada. This development follows over a year since Flanagan first pitched the idea to DC Studios, a proposal that went unconfirmed at that time. While it seems unlikely that Flanagan will direct, as he has multiple other commitments, an announcement regarding the director is expected soon.
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The primary question remains where Clayface will fit within DC Studios' broader plans, given the various character and continuity options available. While Alan Tudyk voices the character in Creature Commandos, the Clayface film could potentially belong to the Elseworlds category, thereby not being tied to Matt Reeves’ The Batman. Additionally, with The Brave and The Bold in the works, it's feasible that Clayface could be integrated into Gunn’s franchise to further develop the character before interacting with that universe's version of Batman.
As we await further clarification from Gunn about the project's placement within DC Studios' current lineup, it's thrilling to see the legendary Batman adversary getting a chance to shine in live action, especially with a filmmaker like Flanagan involved. With the horror elements associated with Clayface in the comics, Flanagan's take has the potential to stand out within the superhero genre. If filming does indeed start in 2025, casting and director announcements are likely to materialize sooner rather than later.
