During a recent interview with CBS Mornings, James Gunn, the head of DC Studios, discussed the upcoming DCU film Clayface, directed by James Watkins. Gunn stressed that the DC Universe aims to present a variety of film styles to ensure each project feels fresh and distinct, avoiding repetition in tone and narrative.
While the recently released Superman film establishes a specific atmosphere for that character’s story, Gunn made it clear that this tone is not intended as a model for every DC Studios production. Instead, each film will have its own identity, crafted by different creative voices.
Clayface Will Deliver a Unique Horror Experience Within the DC Universe
Gunn explained that Clayface will stand out as a complete horror film despite taking place within the same shared universe as Superman. He emphasized the importance of allowing filmmakers and writers to bring their distinct creative visions to each DCU project, ensuring audiences do not experience fatigue from a uniform style.
We’ve got Clayface, which is a totally different thing. Although it’s in the same universe, it’s a complete horror film. That’s one of the things we want to do- there’s no company style. It’s not like every movie is going to be like Superman. The artists- the directors and the writers, each one will bring their own sense to it…that’s what we want to bring to the films because we don’t want people to get bored.
—James Gunn, DC Studios Chief
The artists, the directors, and the writers that create each one will bring their own sense to it.
—James Gunn, DC Studios Chief
Cast and Creative Team Behind Clayface
Tom Rhys Harries has been cast to play Matt Hagen, a character known as Clayface. The screenplay for the film was co-written by Mike Flanagan, notable for his work on Doctor Sleep and Midnight Mass, alongside Hossein Amini, who contributed to projects such as 47 Ronin and Obi-Wan Kenobi.
The film is scheduled to premiere in North American theaters on September 11, 2026. Given the timeline, additional casting announcements are expected shortly, with filming needing to commence soon to meet the release date.
Origins of the Clayface Project in the DC Universe
James Gunn shed light on how Clayface became part of the DCU lineup, noting that it was not originally included in the initial Gods and Monsters: Chapter 1 slate. Gunn shared that Flanagan, a longtime acquaintance, approached him early in his tenure at DC with the Clayface concept.
Mike Flanagan is somebody who I’ve been friendly with for a long time, and he wrote me about Clayface. He texted me about it really early on in my DC journey.
—James Gunn, DC Studios Chief
Gunn admitted that he was initially surprised by the idea but quickly grew enthusiastic about the potential of the project. He described Clayface as a body horror story that is rooted in the DC Universe, highlighting the uniqueness of this approach within the superhero film space.
Just being honest, I did not think that was something that was going to happen, but he came in and he pitched the idea and I was like,
Oh s—! That’s cool.
It’s a body horror movie. It’s a horror movie that, like any cool body horror movie, just happens to be in the DCU. And then he wrote the script, and the script was fantastic. We did not plan to do Clayface,
—James Gunn, DC Studios Chief
Significance of Clayface’s Departure from Conventional DCU Films
Clayface represents a bold step for the DC Universe, showing the studio’s willingness to expand its tonal range and storytelling formats. By embracing horror elements and a distinct creative vision, the film promises to offer audiences a fresh perspective in the superhero genre.
This diversity in style not only helps prevent audience boredom but also showcases the flexibility of the DC Universe, allowing filmmakers like James Watkins, Mike Flanagan, and Hossein Amini to explore new creative territory. As the release date approaches, industry watchers anticipate how this horror-infused project will influence the direction of future DC Studios films.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What is James Gunn’s religion?
A. In the 2025 Superman adaptation by Gunn, the newly designed CGI version of Krypto the Superdog was inspired by Ozu. Gunn grew up in a Catholic household and still finds prayer important. However, he says he is “in some ways, anti-religion.”
