James Gunn Ordered a Major Change in Clayface (Which Probably Saved the Movie)

by

Rather than relying solely on a few huge, high-stakes blockbusters, DC Studios is making a smart move by expanding its offerings with more affordable movies and TV series. A particularly interesting project resulting from this new approach is Clayface, an R-rated horror film centered around body horror and set within the new DC Universe. The film, which focuses on the well-known Batman villain who can change his shape, has drawn the attention of talented horror filmmakers, featuring a script by Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini, and direction by James Watkins. The participation of this creative team demonstrates a dedication to the horror genre, something that appears to be true based on leaked images from the set which show a strong commitment to using practical effects and makeup in Clayface. This technique is a hallmark of classic horror films and clearly reflects the hands-on, in-camera style that DC Studios head James Gunn has been promoting.

During a conversation with Brandon Davis about the leaked images from the Clayface set, Gunn explained, “We were aware we were filming outdoors, anticipated some photos would surface, and knew makeup would be used.” He continued, “The question came up: ‘Should we avoid using makeup and rely on visual effects in post-production?’ I was surprised. Would a few leaked photos actually impact box office revenue by even a dollar? And why spend hundreds of thousands on VFX when practical effects would look better? Clayface features a lot of really impressive practical effects.”

Why Is It Important That Clayface Uses Practical Effects?

The focus on using real, physical effects for Clayface is a key part of DC Studios’ new plan, influencing how much the movie costs to make and ensuring its artistic vision stays strong. Choosing practical makeup and prosthetics instead of lots of CGI helps keep production costs down. This careful spending lets DC manage its money wisely and avoid the expensive problems that have hurt other superhero movies in the past. With a budget of about $45 million, Clayface is aiming for success on a much smaller scale than other movies in the series. A huge film like Superman, which earned over $615 million, needs to make a lot of money worldwide to be profitable. However, a more reasonably priced film like Clayface can become very profitable with a worldwide income of just $150 million, creating a reliable and repeatable approach for future DCU projects.

Aside from the cost savings, James Gunn’s belief that real-life effects simply look better comes from the long history of horror films. Effects created with makeup and props have a strong sense of realism that computer-generated images often can’t match. This is especially important for characters whose stories involve dramatic and upsetting physical changes, as that realistic feel is crucial. For decades, artists have been making incredible and frightening effects in horror movies, creating classic monsters that remain memorable because they physically existed on set with the actors. By continuing this tradition, the team working on Clayface isn’t just being smart with their budget; they’re also making sure the film has the intense and disturbing body horror look that defines the genre.

Clayface is scheduled to be released in theaters on September 11, 2026.

What are your thoughts on James Gunn choosing to use real, physical effects-rather than relying on computer-generated imagery-for Clayface? Share your opinion in the comments below and become part of the discussion now in the ComicBook Forum!

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/4-dc-characters-already-improved-by-james-gunns-dcu/embed/#

Read More

2025-09-30 14:10