James Gunn Defends Clayface Film in Threads Post
The DC Studios co-chair argued Hollywood should not only adapt characters the public already knows, citing Back to the Future and The Matrix.
James Gunn responded on Threads to the recurring question of why DC Studios is making a Clayface film, arguing that Hollywood should not limit itself to characters the public already knows. According to Bleeding Cool, Gunn pointed to films such as Back to the Future and The Matrix as examples of projects that were not built on widely recognized properties.
Gunn credited Mike Flanagan, then James Watkins and Hossein Amini, with being inspired by a relatively little known fictional character to craft the story.
Clayface is described as a horror thriller directed by James Watkins from a screenplay by Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini.
Tom Rhys Harries stars in the title role, alongside Naomi Ackie, David Dencik, Max Minghella, Eddie Marsan, Nancy Carroll and Joshua James.
The film is produced by Matt Reeves, Lynn Harris, James Gunn and Peter Safran. It will be released only in theaters and IMAX in North America on October 23, 2026, and internationally beginning October 21, 2026.
Earlier Franchise Casting Debates
The article notes that a similar debate occurred when Marvel announced Guardians of the Galaxy.
Quick answers
When does Clayface come out in theaters?
Clayface will be released only in theaters and IMAX in North America on October 23, 2026, and internationally beginning October 21, 2026.
Who stars in Clayface?
Tom Rhys Harries plays the title role, alongside Naomi Ackie, David Dencik, Max Minghella, Eddie Marsan, Nancy Carroll and Joshua James.
Who directed and wrote Clayface?
James Watkins directs from a screenplay by Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini.