ⓒCourtesy of DC and Warner Brothers
Horror films and superhero franchises are two of Hollywood’s most popular genre categories, and with “Clayface,” Warner Bros, I think that pairing them could lead to a successful Halloween box office.
Directors James Watkins and Mike Flanagan, with assistance from Hossein Amini, created a film that prominently features one of the most brutal antagonists from the DC universe. The actor, famous for his ability to shift shapes and his clay-like skin, is portrayed by Tom Rhys Harries in a film with a touch of Hollywood that tells the tale of a performer who gets disfigured after a confrontation with a local crime syndicate.
An official synopsis for the film reads: “Matt Hagen’s meteoric rise from Gotham street kid to Hollywood leading man is tragically cut short when a local crime boss’ actions leave him horribly disfigured. Abandoned by his team and with nothing left, Matt seeks out a cutting edge treatment that miraculously returns him to his former self … but also unexpectedly affects his grip on reality, spiraling him down a destructive path of all-consuming revenge.”
The movie also includes Naomi Ackie, David Dencik, Max Minghella, Eddie Marsan, Nancy Carroll, and Joshua James as actors. “Clayface” is undoubtedly the sharpest illustration to date of DC’s leader, James Gunn, as he had expressed his intention to utilize superhero brands to delve into different genres. Despite Clayface not being a top choice among DC characters, Gunn insisted on greenlighting it at the beginning of his tenure due to Flanagan’s compelling pitch for a genuine superhero horror film.
In addition to “Supergirl” and “Clayface,” the studio is also planning to release the most ambitious TV project to date, HBO’s “Lanterns.” Given that Gunn did not write or direct any of the projects (he’s busy with his “Superman” sequel “Man of Tomorrow”), the projects will be seen by many as the first real looks at his work as a studio head alongside co-CEO Peter Safran.
Warner Bros. will release “Clayface” in theaters on Friday, October 23. Watch the trailer below.