Mike Flanagan Discusses His Involvement in Clayface Film

Mike Flanagan was unable to fully work on the horror film due to commitments to other projects.

Mike Flanagan shared that after handing in his script for Clayface, he no longer participated in the work on the film. In an interview with ComicBookMovie, the creator emphasized that he was so distant from the production that he considers the picture entirely the work of director James Watkins:

Flanagan had long wanted to direct a horror movie about the DC Comics villain and initially developed the idea with Matt Reeves, followed by James Gunn and Peter Safran. However, due to being busy with other projects, including the Carrie series and the adaptation of The Dark Tower, Watkins ultimately took over directing duties. After Flanagan’s departure, Hossein Amini, the writer of Drive, was brought in to work on the script. Exactly what changes he made and how much of the original material remained in the finished film has not been disclosed.

Tom Rhys Harries plays the lead role in Clayface. His character, young and promising actor Matt Hagen, is attacked, after which his face is disfigured. To restore his face and career, the actor agrees to an experimental treatment, which helps but leads to terrible consequences.

Clayface will be released in theaters on October 23, 2026.