Mike Flanagan’s Clayface Movie Draws Huge Inspiration from Batman: The Animated Series!

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Summary

  • Mike Flanagan drew inspiration from Batman: The Animated Series for his Clayface script.
  • Although getting rewrites, the Clayface script impressed DC Studios enough for a September 2026 release.
  • Clayface being a part of a revitalized DCU shows promise with creators playing with established characters.

It was quite unexpected when James Gunn approved a DC Universe Clayface movie from horror mastermind Mike Flanagan, which was announced in December 2024. However, considering Flanagan’s recent comments on his script, it starts to seem less surprising.

Despite the fact that Superman hasn’t arrived just yet, excitement for Warner Bros. and DC Studios’ new DC Universe has never been greater. Superman will grace our screens this summer, Peacemaker starts streaming on HBO Max in August, Lanterns are expected to be released early next year, followed closely by Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow and Clayface. Years after Warner Bros.’ initial attempt at a cohesive cinematic universe fell apart, DC fans finally have something to look forward to. If Mike Flanigan’s script remains largely unchanged following official rewrites, Batman enthusiasts should be thrilled about Clayface – assuming what the director recently mentioned in an interview is accurate.

In a chat with Comicbook.com for promoting my upcoming movie “The Life of Chuck”, they inquired about the genesis of Clayface. I responded that “Feat of Clay” and Ron Perlman were the keys. That two-part episode literally blew me away. To put it succinctly, it was indeed the foundation for my script. The world portrayed in that series was the one I longed to inhabit. For me, Batman: The Animated Series was the definitive Batman during my childhood. Even though Michael Keaton was my Batman, the animated series held a special place as my Batman too.

I’m unsure about the plans for ‘Clayface.’ I’m not involved in its production, so the filmmaker has free rein to shape it as they see fit. I understand they are revising the script. Right now, I’m busy with other projects. I sincerely hope it maintains the essence of my vision for it. However, since it’s not my project, I’ll be watching it alongside you, eagerly waiting to see how it turns out.

It’s Hard To Think Of A Better Inspiration For Clayface Than Batman: The Animated Series

When Clayface makes its appearance in theatres next year, it’s uncertain what exact form it will take. However, the “Feat of Clay” episode from Batman: The Animated Series provides an excellent foundation. This two-part story introduces us to Clayface as Matt Hagen, a successful actor whose career is ruined by a car accident. A shady businessman presents Hagen with a chance at redemption through the use of an experimental drug called Renuyu. As the narrative mirrors many real-life tragedies, Hagen becomes increasingly dependent on this substance and resorts to any criminal acts to obtain more. From there, Hagen’s life spirals out of control, as you can well imagine. This portrayal is significantly more serious compared to the humorous depiction seen in Harley Quinn (portrayed brilliantly by Alan Tudyk).

Despite undergoing revisions from screenwriter Hossein Amini for projects like “Drive” and “Obi-Wan Kenobi”, it seems that Flanagan’s script for “Clayface” must have been exceptionally well-crafted to secure DC Studios’ approval so swiftly, following their overhaul of the cinematic universe. If “Clayface” manages to stick to its September 2026 release date, it will be only the third film in the DC Universe (DCU) to hit screens after “Superman” and “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow”. With numerous other films such as “The Brave and the Bold” featuring Batman and “Swamp Thing” still in development rather than pre-production, James Gunn and Peter Safran, heads of DC Studios, must be feeling optimistic about “Clayface’s” potential, even considering the rewrites. Otherwise, the DCU could risk emulating the path of the DCEU, a scenario that nobody desires to see.

Clayface is currently set to release in theatres on September 11, 2026.

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2025-06-01 01:44