DC blends horror and superhero genres with Clayface film

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 16 Oct, 19:02 · Archive

DC Studios is blending horror and superhero genres with Clayface, a film based on a Batman villain.

DC Studios is blending horror and superhero genres with Clayface, a film about a lesser-known Batman villain. Superhero films and horror have typically occupied separate spaces in cinemas, but writer-director Mike Flanagan pitched the fusion to James Gunn and Peter Safran as they planned their inaugural projects for the new era of DC Studios.

Neither Safran nor Gunn were initially seeking a standalone Clayface film, but Flanagan's vision won them over. The script was developed by Flanagan and Hossein Amini, with James Watkins directing. Peter Safran said the project 'fit within the broader framework' of the spectrum of films and television they wanted to make, but emphasised it was 'Mike Flanagan's passion and pitch'.

Clay face will be part of DC's first wave of films, following Superman and Supergirl. Safran and Gunn brought relevant experience: Gunn started his career in horror, while Safran helped launch The Conjuring franchise. Safran described Clayface as 'not designed to be a traditional superhero movie', stating it was 'always supposed to be a character-driven story that uses the DC mythology'. If successful, it could open a darker frontier for comic book movies.

How it is being reported

• Can DC blend horror with a superhero movie? 'Clayface' wants to blur genresSuperhero films and horror have usually stayed on separate sides of the multiplex.News4Jax · 16 Oct, 18:15
• Can DC blend horror with a superhero movie? 'Clayface' wants to blur genresSuperhero films and horror have usually stayed on separate sides of the multiplex.Clickorlando · 16 Oct, 18:15

In this story: Mike Flanagan · James Gunn · Peter Safran · James Watkins · Hossein Amini · DC Studios · The Conjuring

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