(Image Source: DC Studios)
DC's upcoming "Clayface," the third film in the new DC Universe slate following "Superman" and "Supergirl," recently debuted a slew of first-look images via Entertainment Weekly (EW) and simultaneously revealed new plot details.
DC Studios co-CEO Peter Safran confirmed that the iteration of Clayface appearing in the film is the same character featured in the animated series "Creature Commandos." While multiple characters have taken on the Clayface mantle in the comics, Safran emphasized that both the "Clayface" film and "Creature Commandos" depict the same mutated character, whose real name is Matt Hagen.
(Image Source: Entertainment Weekly)
As an adaptation of the iconic Batman villain of the same name, "Clayface" will naturally delve into Matt's transformation into the titular monster. Consequently, the film's timeline is set significantly earlier than "Creature Commandos," making it the earliest chronological entry in the current DC Universe slate.
Regarding the story, DC Studios provided a more detailed synopsis in the report. The film follows Matt, who grew up in Gotham City's violent slums before breaking free in adulthood to forge a coveted life as a movie star. However, just as his acting career is on the cusp of a major breakthrough, an entanglement with a local mob boss's girlfriend leads to a brutal act of revenge that leaves him severely disfigured. Desperate to reclaim his life, Matt encounters scientist Dr. Caitlin Cole, who attempts to restore his former appearance with an experimental serum. But after the injection, Matt's body undergoes a monstrous metamorphosis, slowly transforming him into the creature known as Clayface. 
(Image Source: Entertainment Weekly)
Evidently, Matt's transformation into Clayface will be a central highlight of the film, but the studio has no plans to reveal Clayface's full design prematurely in any promotional materials, including posters, stills, or trailers. Director James Watkins explained, "You don't want to show the shark," referencing the iconic shark from "Jaws."
Watkins elaborated, "I always feel like people often reveal too much... I believe in the allure of mystery, the power of suggestion, and the fun of letting audiences piece things together and speculate. I think that's what makes it enjoyable."
(Image Source: Entertainment Weekly)
Safran also discussed the importance of producing atypical superhero films like "Clayface." He stated that while not every project will be a hit, as evidenced by "Supergirl's" underperformance at the box office this past weekend, the studio will not judge the success or failure of its entire ten-year plan based on the results of any single film. He emphasized that expanding the tonal breadth of the DC Universe is far more crucial.
James Watkins, known for helming films such as "Speak No Evil" and "Eden Lake," directs the project. Mike Flanagan, director of "Doctor Sleep," penned the initial draft of the screenplay, with Hossein Amini, co-writer of "Drive," taking over to rewrite the final script. The film is slated for an October 23 release in North America.
The stellar cast includes Eddie Marsan, Naomi Ackie, Max Minghella, and Tom Rhys Harries, who stars as the protagonist Matt Hagen/Clayface.
via： Entertainment Weekly