Original Clayface Writer Reveals Why He Didn’t Direct the DCU Movie

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Mike Flanagan originally came up with the idea for the script of DCU’s upcoming Clayface movie, but he’s no longer involved in the project. He recently explained his unexpected departure, revealing why he chose not to direct the first horror film in James Gunn’s new DC Universe.

Mike Flanagan explains why he left Clayface despite pitching the film’s idea

The director of Doctor Sleep recently explained why he had to leave the upcoming Clayface movie at DC. He said it was due to conflicts in his schedule.

Mike Flanagan shared on ScreenRant’s Midnight Mass panel that he really enjoyed working on the Clayface concept with Matt Reeves, James Gunn, and Peter Safran. He expressed disappointment that he wasn’t able to be involved when the project moved forward because of scheduling conflicts.

After James Flanagan left the project, Hossein Amini was brought in to revise the screenplay he’d started. James Watkins, known for directing the film Speak No Evil, is now directing the Clayface portion of the DCU.

Flanagan explained that he only felt compelled to abandon a project once, saying, “I absolutely had to make Carrie. There was no other option.”

Despite James Gunn and DC Studios being determined to keep the film on its original release schedule, the director of ‘The Life of Chuck’ had to step down. He explained that it was a new experience for him, saying he essentially handed the project over and wished them luck with making the movie.

Even though Mike Flanagan is no longer involved with the Clayface project, he’s still very eager to see the finished movie. He recently said, ‘I haven’t seen it yet, but they just finished filming, and I’m really excited to see what they’ve done!’

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2025-11-17 17:56