Mike Flanagan Penned Script for Clayface Film
The director and writer contributed to the R-rated horror movie centering on the DC villain Matt Hagen.
Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Horror
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Mike Flanagan has confirmed that he wrote the script for the upcoming R-rated horror film featuring the character Clayface. The project, which was written in collaboration with Hossein Amini, is set within the DC Universe.
Why it matters
The inclusion of Clayface in the DC Universe marks a darker expansion for the franchise through a dedicated horror lens. James Gunn confirmed the film was developed as a core DCU project from its earliest draft.
The production is officially classified as an R-rated horror film featuring Tom Rhys Harries as the protagonist Matt Hagen. It is one of the distinct entries currently developed as part of the DC Universe Chapter 1 slate.
The players
Mike Flanagan
He is a filmmaker and screenwriter who wrote the script for the Clayface movie.
James Watkins
He serves as the director of the upcoming Clayface horror film.
Hossein Amini
He is a screenwriter who performed a rewrite of the Clayface project and shares writing credit on the film.
Tom Rhys Harries
He stars in the film as the character Matt Hagen, who transforms into the monster known as Clayface.
James Gunn
He is a filmmaker and executive at DC Studios who confirmed the film is set in the DCU.
The details
The film explores the transformation of an actor named Matt Hagen, who becomes a shapeshifting monster after undergoing a procedure intended to correct his disfigurement. Directed by James Watkins, the project shares writing credits between Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini.
Timeline
October 4, 2026: Lanterns season 1 episode 8 release
October 23, 2026: Clayface theatrical release
July 9, 2027: Man of Tomorrow release
Industry Dynamics
The move to produce a horror-centric film within a superhero framework mirrors the diversification strategies seen across major film franchises. By positioning Clayface as an R-rated entry, DC Studios is signaling a willingness to lean into distinct genre tones rather than uniform blockbuster archetypes.
Audiences can expect to see the film in theaters when it debuts in the fall of 2026. Because the film is confirmed to be R-rated, viewers should anticipate a darker tone compared to traditional PG-13 superhero cinema.
The takeaway
The project signals a shift toward genre-specific storytelling within the broader DC Universe. Fans of horror should watch for the theatrical release in October to see how the character's transformation is portrayed on the big screen.
Further reading
For more on the latest developments in the genre, visit the Horror section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by ScreenRant.
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