As a movie critic, I find it intriguing to uncover the potential connections between upcoming productions and previous works in the cinematic world. The forthcoming DC Studios’ horror film, “Clayface,” seemingly shares a striking resemblance with an acclaimed body horror flick currently creating a buzz at the Oscars.
The plot of “Clayface” appears to revolve around a B-movie actor who resorts to self-injection with a mysterious substance to maintain his relevance in Hollywood, only to discover that he can transform his visage and form into malleable clay – a narrative thread reminiscent of the themes explored in Coralie Fargeat’s “The Substance,” featuring Demi Moore.
The DC project, penned by horror mastermind Mike Flanagan and currently seeking a director, has received the go-ahead for a release on September 11, 2026. Although Flanagan is tied up with a Carrie TV series and an upcoming reboot of The Exorcist, speculation about his replacement abounds within the industry. Reports suggest James Watkins as a potential choice, while whispers about Jeff Wadlow’s involvement have been debunked.
As a movie critic, I find myself intrigued by the DC Studios’ co-CEO Peter Safran’s declaration that their upcoming film leans towards the chilling, visceral style of David Cronenberg’s “The Fly.” However, this horror flick seems to tread similar ground as James Ward Byrkit’s “The Substance,” which stars Moore in a transformation-centric narrative. With two movies dealing with body horror and identity issues, there’s a concern that the audience might be overwhelmed, leading to potential fatigue from such thematic repetition.
The $40 million budget of Clayface indicates a focus on a more personal, psychologically intense portrayal of the material, which aligns with Flanagan’s renown for character-driven horror. Potential filming locations are yet to be decided, with Vancouver, Toronto, New Jersey, and Atlanta as possible choices. However, The Hollywood Reporter advocates for keeping the story set in Hollywood within Los Angeles itself.
The simultaneous progression of these related horror projects showcases an intriguing pattern in modern horror, as superhero stories are gradually adopting elements from art-house aesthetics. Whilst the film The Substance has garnered praise and Oscar speculation for its examination of identity and transformation through a feminist perspective, Clayface must find distinct themes to stand out. However, although there are expected similarities between Clayface and The Substance, it’s important to mention that the upcoming DC film also seems poised to delve into Clayface’s comic book origins. In the comics, Basil Karlo, one of the iterations of Clayface, was initially a B-list actor who, after a car accident in the DC Rebirth continuity, used a chemical to restore his appearance but overdosed and transformed into Clayface instead.
At a pivotal moment for DC Studios, this innovative dilemma arises as the company rebuilds its cinematic universe. The character’s latest appearance in James Gunn’s animated “Creature Commandos” series, with Alan Tudyk providing the voice, hints at possible links to the larger DC Universe. Yet, the fate of Clayface hangs in the balance; it will succeed only if it manages to breathe new life into classic horror themes related to the body, while also overcoming the influence of “The Substance” in similar realms.
DC’s decision to hire Flanagan for the screenplay of their upcoming horror film signifies their dedication to creating a profoundly scary movie instead of a typical superhero flick. Flanagan’s past works such as Doctor Sleep and The Haunting of Hill House, which showcase his expertise in psychological horror, underscore his capacity to delve into complex themes like trauma and identity through storytelling within the genre. Whether this unique approach will set Clayface apart from The Substance is yet to be determined; however, it indicates that DC values storytelling richness over visual grandeur in this specific project.
Clayface is currently scheduled to open in theaters on September 11, 2026.
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2025-02-16 01:40