James Gunn’s 2006 directorial debut, Slither, is infamous for its intense gore, featuring alien slugs that burrow into brains and a relentless appetite for flesh. Known as one of the most grotesque horror films of the mid-2000s, the movie pays homage to 1950s alien invasion stories and the 1980s body horror craze, delivering graphic scenes that linger unsettlingly in the viewer’s mind. This foundation remains a stark contrast to Gunn’s later work on more family-friendly titles like Guardians of the Galaxy, yet his interest in horror and violent imagery still surfaces in his R-rated projects for DC, including The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker, where parasitic aliens play a significant role.
Gunn’s Aversion to Real-Life Gore Despite His Filmmaking Style
Despite crafting some of the most disturbing moments in horror and superhero films, James Gunn reveals a deep discomfort with gore outside of fiction. During a discussion with GQ, he confessed,
“I was going through a deck for the movie Clayface, which is being made now at DC. They were showing me a bunch of reference photos from different, horrible things; and they were real and they were just laughing at me because I really can’t look. I’m just closing my eyes the whole time … I’m really squeamish, but if I know it’s not real, my brain just changes [and I’m okay with it].”
—James Gunn, Director
This stark contrast between his real-life sensitivity and cinematic boldness shows a unique tension in Gunn’s relationship with horror and gore.
The Upcoming DC Horror Project: Clayface
James Gunn’s current project, Clayface, is in production under director James Watkins, known for Speak No Evil. The screenplay is an original work by Mike Flanagan, famed for Doctor Sleep. During an interview with CBS, Gunn described Clayface as a complete horror film set within the same continuity as David Corenswet’s portrayal of Superman. Addressing the diversity of styles within the DC universe, Gunn highlighted the creative freedom given to the artists, writers, and directors behind each project:
“That’s one of the things that we wanna do,”
“There’s not a company style. It’s not like every movie is gonna be like Superman. The artists, the directors, and the writers that create each one will bring their own sense to it … because we don’t want people being bored.”—James Gunn, Director
This approach promises a varied and dynamic slate of films that balance tension, horror, and creativity without repetition.
The Story and Cast Behind Clayface
Tom Rhys Harries, known for White Lines, has been cast in the lead role of Clayface, a shapeshifting villain traditionally part of Batman’s rogues’ gallery. According to reports from The Hollywood Reporter, the plot centers on a struggling B-movie actor who injects himself with a mysterious substance to revive his career, only to transform into a creature made of clay. This premise promises a blend of psychological and physical horror, aligning with Gunn’s penchant for body horror themes.
The Enduring Legacy and Availability of Slither
Slither remains a cult favorite among horror fans, streaming currently on Peacock for viewers who want to revisit its unsettling and gruesome world. The film’s success and Gunn’s ability to channel his conflicted feelings about gore into his work indicate a continuing influence on his creative process.
What This Means for the Future of James Gunn’s Horror Films
James Gunn’s uneasy relationship with gore in real life contrasts sharply with the intense horror he creates on screen, making his projects unpredictable and complex. His upcoming work with DC and collaborations with filmmakers like James Watkins and Mike Flanagan suggest a deliberate expansion into darker, more adult-themed horror films. As Gunn continues to navigate this uneasy balance, fans can expect innovative and unsettling storytelling to play a central role in his evolving body of work.
