Naomi Ackie, known for Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker and Mickey 7, is currently in discussions to join the upcoming DC Universe film Clayface, with James Watkins (Speak No Evil) attached to direct.
Horror Meets DC in New Clayface Origin Story
The Hollywood Reporter reveals Ackie recently participated in a reading session, emerging as the frontrunner for a key role. Should negotiations progress, she'll star opposite Tom Rhys Harries - the Welsh actor already cast as the titular shapeshifting villain.
Horror maestro Mike Flanagan (The Haunting of Hill House) crafted the screenplay, which reimagines Clayface's origin through a body horror lens. The story follows a promising actor whose face becomes horrifically scarred after a brutal gangster attack. Desperate to reclaim his former life, he turns to an unorthodox scientist - described as an "Elizabeth Holmes-style" figure - whose experimental treatment yields unexpected, monstrous consequences.
The project draws inspiration from David Cronenberg's seminal body horror film The Fly, with Matt Reeves (The Batman) producing alongside DC Studios co-chairs James Gunn and Peter Safran. While Ackie's specific role remains undisclosed, industry speculation suggests she may portray the controversial scientist at the story's center.
DC's Horror-Inspired September 2026 Release
Scheduled for theatrical release on September 11, 2026, the film marks DC Studios' continued exploration of darker, genre-bending storytelling. This reinterpretation of the classic Batman villain promises to deliver psychological depth alongside its visceral body horror elements.
Production details remain closely guarded, but the combination of Watkins' directorial vision and Flanagan's horrific sensibilities suggests Clayface will offer a fresh take on superhero cinema. Fans can anticipate further casting announcements in the coming months as the project moves toward production.
For more DC Universe updates, stay tuned to our coverage. Meanwhile, explore our breakdown of the upcoming Superman: Legacy casting news and behind-the-scenes details.
