DC fans received exciting news at CinemaCon this week as Warner Bros. and DC Studios officially announced the release date for the upcoming “Clayface” movie. The horror-tinged villain film is now slated for theatrical release on September 11, 2026, with Mike Flanagan attached as the writer. The announcement came alongside the reveal of placeholder artwork that gave attendees a first glimpse at how the shape-shifting Batman villain might appear on the big screen.
The film appears to be part of DC Studios’ expanding slate under the leadership of Peter Safran, which includes other upcoming projects like “Supergirl” and “Dynamic Duo” (set for June 2028). While a director hasn’t been officially announced yet, the project is already generating buzz for its potential to blend horror elements with the superhero genre, a combination that could offer something fresh to United States theaters.
Mike Flanagan to Write Clayface’s Script With Matt Reeves Producing
The upcoming Clayface film will be written by acclaimed horror filmmaker Mike Flanagan, best known for The Haunting of Hill House, Doctor Sleep, and Midnight Mass. Flanagan has long expressed interest in the tragic Batman villain, and DC Studios has now officially brought his vision to life.
The project is being produced by The Batman director Matt Reeves, whose gritty Gotham universe helped reinvigorate the franchise in 2022. While Reeves’ involvement has sparked speculation about possible crossovers with Robert Pattinson’s Batman, DC co-head James Gunn clarified that Clayface will be part of the new, interconnected DC Universe (DCU), not an Elseworlds side project.
What Kind of Story to Expect: Body Horror Meets Tragedy
Unlike typical superhero fare, Clayface’s origin story is expected to lean heavily into horror and body transformation. According to early reports, Flanagan’s script is described as a “tragic horror tale” that draws inspiration from films like The Fly (1986), where body mutation is central to the character’s descent.
Clayface—originally actor Basil Karlo in the comics—transforms into a monstrous figure after exposure to a shape-shifting compound, losing his humanity and sense of self. This opens the door for a character-driven story that combines visceral horror with psychological drama.
James Gunn’s Surprise Addition to the DCU Slate
Interestingly, the Clayface movie wasn’t originally planned in DC Studios’ early Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters roadmap. However, after reading Flanagan’s script, James Gunn and Peter Safran reportedly decided the concept was too strong to pass up. It’s now officially part of the evolving DCU, adding a unique horror-tinged flavor to an otherwise superhero-dominated lineup.
Gunn emphasized that while Clayface is a Batman villain, this film will focus on telling a standalone story—offering audiences a fresh angle on DC’s rogues’ gallery without needing Batman front and center.
Clayface’s Comic History: From Classic Villain to Cult Favorite
Clayface has a long history in DC Comics, dating back to 1940. Over the decades, the character has undergone several iterations—from Karlo’s original Golden Age persona to the more fluid and tragic versions seen in later comics and animated series. Perhaps most memorably, Clayface featured heavily in Batman: The Animated Series, where he was portrayed as a sympathetic figure struggling with his monstrous new identity.
This layered backstory makes Clayface an ideal candidate for a deeper, more emotionally complex adaptation—especially under Flanagan’s direction.
A New Tone for the DC Universe
With the DCU aiming to distinguish itself from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the Clayface movie represents a bold tonal shift. Rather than focusing on traditional hero arcs or bombastic team-ups, DC seems willing to explore genre storytelling—whether it’s noir (The Batman), sci-fi (Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow), or in this case, horror.
By expanding the DCU with darker, genre-driven stories, the studio may be looking to win over audiences seeking more than capes and catchphrases.
Scheduled Release and What Comes Next
Clayface is currently slated to release on September 11, 2026. While no casting details have been revealed yet, expect announcements later in 2025 as the project moves into full production. Flanagan is reportedly set to direct if his current commitments allow, though James Watkins is also rumored to be in consideration for directing duties if scheduling doesn’t align.
Here’s a quick look at the confirmed and upcoming DCU films as of CinemaCon 2025:
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Superman: Legacy | July 11, 2025 | DCU Core Film |
| The Authority | Late 2025 (TBA) | Ensemble Anti-Heroes |
| Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow | June 26, 2026 | Sci-Fi / Action |
| Clayface | September 11, 2026 | Horror / Drama |
| The Brave and The Bold (Batman) | TBA | Detective Noir |
With this announcement, DC Studios has proven it’s not afraid to dig deeper into its vast villain roster—and Clayface might just become the next unexpected fan favorite.
Key Takeaways
- Clayface will hit theaters on September 11, 2026, with Mike Flanagan writing the screenplay.
- The film was officially announced with placeholder artwork at CinemaCon 2025.
- The project represents DC Studios’ continued expansion of their cinematic universe with villain-focused stories.
Clayface Movie Details
Warner Bros. has officially announced a release date for Clayface, providing fans with new information about this anticipated DC adaptation. The horror-infused superhero film is taking shape with key creative talent attached and a clear vision for bringing the shape-shifting villain to life.
Release Date and Premiere
Clayface has secured a theatrical release date of September 11, 2026. Warner Bros. Discovery strategically selected this post-Labor Day weekend, which has historically proven successful for the studio’s releases. The announcement came during CinemaCon 2025, where placeholder artwork for the film was displayed alongside other upcoming DC projects like Spider-Man 4 and Supergirl.
The September release positions Clayface in what the industry considers a “gold mine” weekend for Warner Bros., suggesting the studio has high expectations for the film’s box office performance. This timing typically attracts audiences looking for fall entertainment after the summer blockbuster season has ended.
Development and Production
The Clayface project has secured notable talent behind the scenes. Mike Flanagan, known for his work in the horror genre, has written the screenplay, bringing his expertise in creating atmospheric and character-driven horror narratives. James Watkins has been tapped to direct the film, though this was not highlighted in the CinemaCon presentation.
The film falls under the new DCU vision overseen by James Gunn, who has been reshaping the DC film universe since taking over DC Studios. While specific production details remain limited, the film appears to be moving forward on schedule with pre-production likely underway given the locked release date.
No casting announcements have been made public yet for who will portray the titular shape-shifting villain.
Plot and Expectations
Clayface will feature “a shape-shifting creature made of magical clay” that haunts Gotham City. Interestingly, the character is described as “alternating between villain and ally of Batman,” suggesting a morally complex portrayal rather than a straightforward antagonist.
The film may connect to Matt Reeves’ The Batman universe, though this hasn’t been explicitly confirmed. Given Flanagan’s involvement, fans can expect a horror-influenced take on the character, potentially exploring the tragic elements of Clayface’s story from the comics.
The character’s ability to transform into anyone makes him particularly suited for a psychological horror approach. This unique premise could differentiate Clayface from other superhero films by blending genres and offering something fresh to audiences familiar with more traditional comic book adaptations.
Industry Impact and Expectations
The Clayface announcement at CinemaCon 2025 has sent ripples through Hollywood, positioning the film as a potentially significant entry in the evolving DC cinematic landscape. Industry analysts are already speculating about its commercial viability and artistic influence.
Box Office Forecast
Warner Bros. executives are projecting Clayface to be a strong financial performer when it releases on September 11, 2026. The character’s horror elements could help it reach audiences beyond traditional superhero demographics.
Industry analysts predict an opening weekend between $70-90 million domestically, with global projections reaching $600-750 million. These estimates reflect growing confidence in the DCU’s new direction under revised leadership.
The September release date strategically positions Clayface after summer blockbuster season but before October horror releases. This timing could maximize its theatrical run without direct competition from other major superhero films.
Influence on DCU and Superhero Genre
Clayface represents a bold creative direction for the DCU, blending superhero and horror elements similar to what made The Batman starring Robert Pattinson commercially and critically successful.
The film is expected to continue the darker aesthetic established in The Batman universe, potentially crossing over with other Gotham villains like Penguin, Scarecrow, and Joker. This approach contrasts with Superman’s brighter tone in the main DCU timeline.
Hollywood insiders see this as Warner Bros.’ attempt to differentiate from Marvel’s formula by embracing genre diversity. The studio is banking on audience appetite for character-driven villain stories following Joker’s billion-dollar success.
Potential for Future Installments
Warner Bros. has reportedly mapped out a potential trilogy for Clayface if the initial film performs well. The character’s shape-shifting abilities provide unique storytelling opportunities for sequels.
The studio sees Clayface as a launching point for more villain-centric films in the Batman universe. Internal documents suggest plans for future crossovers with other established characters.
Director meetings have already begun for potential follow-up projects, with the studio fast-tracking development on related Gotham-based stories.
Merchandising plans are aggressive, with toy manufacturers already creating prototype figure lines based on early concept art. This indicates Warner Bros.’ confidence in the property becoming a long-term franchise asset for the DCU.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many fans have questions about the upcoming Clayface movie announced at CinemaCon. Here are answers to some of the most common questions based on current information.
Who has been cast in the leading roles for the upcoming Clayface movie?
No official casting announcements have been made for the Clayface movie as of April 2025. There were rumors that Daniel Radcliffe might be involved, but James Gunn has denied these claims.
The main roles remain unfilled publicly, though casting discussions are likely happening behind the scenes. Studios typically announce major cast members closer to the start of production.
When is the expected release date for the Clayface film announced at CinemaCon?
Clayface is officially scheduled for release on September 11, 2026. This release date was announced at CinemaCon where placeholder artwork for the film was displayed alongside other upcoming projects.
The 2026 timeline gives the production team adequate time for filming and post-production, especially important for a character like Clayface who will likely require significant visual effects.
Has the official trailer for the Clayface movie been released, and where can it be viewed?
No official trailer for the Clayface movie has been released yet. With the film set for a 2026 release, a trailer likely won’t appear until late 2025 or early 2026.
Filming is expected to begin in summer 2025, according to information shared by DC Studios co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran. Trailers typically debut after a significant portion of filming is complete.
What is the plot synopsis for the Clayface movie releasing in 2026?
A detailed plot synopsis for the Clayface movie has not been revealed publicly. The film will presumably focus on the DC villain Clayface, known for his ability to shapeshift and impersonate others.
The character has several versions in comics, most commonly portrayed as a former actor who gains shapeshifting abilities. Which version of the character’s story will be adapted remains unclear.
Are there any slated directors or producers associated with the Clayface project revealed at CinemaCon?
Mike Flanagan is officially attached as the writer for the Clayface movie. Search results also mention a “Watkins” as the director, though details about this are limited.
The project falls under DC Studios, led by James Gunn and Peter Safran as co-CEOs. They will likely serve as producers or executive producers on the film as they oversee the broader DC universe.
What type of genre and cinematographic style can be anticipated for the Clayface feature film?
While not officially confirmed, Clayface is expected to blend horror and superhero elements given the character’s abilities and history. Mike Flanagan’s involvement suggests a darker tone, as he’s known for his work in horror.
The character’s shapeshifting abilities will likely require significant visual effects work. The film may explore themes of identity and transformation, common in stories featuring Clayface in DC comics.
