Naomi Ackie, known for Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker and the upcoming Mickey 17, is reportedly in early negotiations to join DC's Clayface film. Directed by James Watkins (Speak No Evil), the project promises a fresh take on the iconic Batman villain.
Ackie Emerges as Top Contender
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Ackie participated in a script reading last week and impressed filmmakers as their preferred choice. While negotiations haven't officially begun, she may soon join Welsh actor Tom Rhys Harries, already cast in the titular role.
The screenplay comes from horror maestro Mike Flanagan (The Haunting of Hill House, Midnight Mass), known for his masterful adaptations and original storytelling in both film and television.
A Body Horror Reimagining
The film follows a rising actor whose face becomes disfigured after a brutal encounter with gangsters. Desperate to regain his appearance, he seeks help from a dubious scientist (described in reports with humorous "Elizabeth Holmes-style" references). The experimental treatment initially appears successful - until horrific complications arise, as expected in this body horror tale. While Ackie's potential role remains undisclosed, industry speculation suggests she may portray the morally ambiguous scientist.
Drawing comparisons to David Cronenberg's The Fly (1986), the project boasts high-profile producers including The Batman's Matt Reeves and DC Studios co-heads James Gunn and Peter Safran.
Mark your calendars for September 11, 2026 - when DC's Clayface promises to deliver a terrifying new chapter in superhero horror cinema.
