When it comes to uncovering the humanity within the monstrous and the monstrosity within the human, Mike Flanagan stands out as a master. From his work on The Haunting of Hill House and Bly Manor to Midnight Mass and The Midnight Club, as well as films like Doctor Sleep and Oculus, Flanagan has demonstrated an unmatched ability to blend visceral horror with profound tragedy, creating a deep emotional resonance. This distinctive skill set is poised to be a significant asset for his next project: a fresh take on Batman's lesser-known villain, Clayface, for James Gunn and Peter Safran's DC Studios.
As reported by Deadline, Flanagan has been enlisted to pen a standalone Clayface feature for DC Studios. The film, currently in search of a director, is expected to operate as an Elseworlds story, meaning it will not be part of the main DC Universe canon. While details about the plot or the actor who might portray the shape-shifting villain remain undisclosed, Flanagan's prior interest in delving into the obscure corners of Batman's Rogues Gallery through the lens of horror, tragedy, and thriller is well-documented. Given Clayface's origins—starting as a struggling actor in DC's Bronze Age, and evolving into various iterations of a rising star transformed into a shapeshifting menace by serums, protoplasm, and失控 chemicals—it's easy to see why Flanagan would be drawn to this oft-overlooked character.
Speculation persists that Clayface might appear in Matt Reeves' upcoming The Batman Part II, though it's uncertain whether such a role would align with Flanagan's vision. With the recent success of Reeves' Gotham-centric spin-off The Penguin—one of our top picks for the best TV shows of 2024—it's plausible that the character could make a crossover. Until more information surfaces, fans might revisit Batman: The Animated Series to relive the one truly memorable Clayface, or simply rewatch Flanagan's entire body of work. After all, who needs an excuse for that?
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