The newDC Universeis set to tell all kinds of unique stories, fromSupermantoSgt. Rock, but an unusual body horror movie could be one of the most special, especially considering its television precursor. DC is no stranger to unusual movies, with films inside and outside of the previousDCEU timelinedelving into the weirder corners of the franchise. Fortunately, most DC characters have received treatments in one visual medium or another already, allowing for even the most unusual on-screen stories to have some precedent to build from when it comes to DC’s heroes and villains.
As such, doing something like using a movie to tell aDC villain originis nothing new. 1989’sBatman, for example, centered around the origin of Joker perhaps even more than it told Batman’s own. Indeed, villains are some of the most compelling figures in comic book storytelling, as was clearly evidenced by thebox office gross ofJokerandVenomalike. While both faced diminishing box office returns as they continued with sequels, it seems that villain origins, at the very least, are compelling to the bulk of audiences, which is particularly promising for one DCU movie.
The DCU’s Clayface Movie Is An Exciting Direction For The Franchise To Move In
The New Project, Written By Mike Flanagan, Suggests An Interesting Path Forward
Horror legend Mike Flanagan wrote a script for aClayfacemovie, and it seems that it was so good that the studio had to quickly move it into production.James Watkins, director ofSpeak No Evil, is currently in negotiations to direct the film, which will add a new edge to the DC Universe with an examination of twisted body horror.Everything known aboutClayfaceindicates that the new film will be set in the DCU, meaning that audiences have already had their first look at the titular character inCreature Commandos.
While Marvel has inched into horror with projects likeWerewolf by NightandAgatha All Along, many of thescariest Marvel villainswould still not fit into the world that they have built in the MCU. DC, however, is starting a new universe, where the paradigms have not yet been set, leaving more space open for what Peter Safran described at a2025 February DC press eventas “an incredible body horror film”. Including a body horror film in their first handful of projects is a bold move, and may speak to the future of the new universe. Fortunately, DC has already proven a project like this can work.
Gotham Proved A Live-Action Clayface Can Work On Several Levels
Basil Karlo Was A Great Villain In The Fox Series
Gothamsaw the introduction of Basil Karlo to the series, who was experimented on by Hugo Strange.These experiments spiced his DNA and gave him powers that allowed him to change his appearance.While never quite turning into the giant goop monster that the DCU showed inCreature Commandos, the series did a great job of navigating Basil receiving his powers. Seeing him discover the new malleability of his face and body was an interesting visual experiment, showing a truly disturbing, yet human, evolution of the character.
Many speculated that a similar version ofClayface could appear inThe Batman Part II, but with aClayfacesolo film set for 2026, this seems unlikely. Instead,what audiences will likely receive is a complex and dramatic horror firmly set in the DCU that shows the descent of Clayface into villainy as he experiences the degradation of his body.This could later lead into stories that include Batman, although the DCU iteration of the hero is likely to be the focal figure of any future plotlines rather than Clayface himself.
Gothamhas shown that a live-action Clayface story can work well, and it seems likely that the new film will explore some of the same themes and ideas.It is a compelling idea that DC Universe films can be incredibly diverse, telling both giant superhero action pieces and smaller, more intimate horror stories. However the DC Universe decides to proceed, it seems that their unpredictable choices are still grounded in reality, and theDC UniverseClayfacemoviemay even improve on the character’s previous iterations.
