DC Studios co-chairs James Gunn and Peter Safran are moving quickly on Clayface, the horror film centered on the popular Batman villain. With a release date set for September 11th 2026, Deadline reports that the list of potential directors has begun to narrow down.
According to the report, Imaginary and Kick-Ass 2 director Jeff Wadlow is the running to direct Clayface. Also in the mix is The Woman in Black and Speak No Evil director James Watkins.
If you’re asking why horror maestro Mike Flanagan isn’t in the mix even though he’s writing the script, it’s due to his obligations for Universal’s The Exorcist reboot.
Both Wadlow and Watkins come with considerable experience in the genre. Along with the aforementioned films, Wadlow has directed horror films Cry Wolf, Fantasy Island, and Truth or Dare. Watkins also worked on The Descent II and directed Eden Lake.
I don’t know which director has the upper hand here. Both are solid filmmakers, but Watkins could have the edge because he’s managed to get standout lead performances from Daniel Radcliffe and later by James McAvoy. Clayface is going to need that, too, from whoever lands the lead role.
Expect a decision to be made soon.
