Mike Flanagan Hasn't Seen Clayface: 'It's James Watkins' Movie'
Mike Flanagan says he's no longer involved with DC Studios' Clayface since turning in his script, and hasn't seen James Watkins' film.
Mike Flanagan has clarified his role in DC Studios' Clayface, telling fans he has not seen the film and is no longer involved with it. The writer said his involvement ended once he submitted his screenplay.
"It's James Watkins' movie," Flanagan said, adding that he is excited to see what Watkins did with it. The comments were reported by slashfilm.com.
Flanagan's exit from day-to-day work on the project follows a long development history. In 2023, Deadline reported that he had pitched his idea for a Clayface movie to James Gunn and Peter Safran. A year later, in 2024, it was announced that Flanagan would join Gunn's DC Universe with the film.
Gunn previously told io9 that Flanagan pitched the idea and that he found a place for it in the "Gods and Monsters" slate. Flanagan's own interest in the character goes back further: in 2021, he tweeted that he wanted to oversee a standalone Clayface movie as a horror/thriller/tragedy.
Flanagan was ultimately unable to direct due to commitments to a new Exorcist movie and the Carrie series, which is why James Watkins was brought in. Clayface is set to hit theaters on October 23, 2026.
Quick answers
Is Mike Flanagan still involved with the Clayface movie?
No. Flanagan said he has not been involved since he submitted his screenplay, and he has not seen the film.
Who directed the Clayface movie?
James Watkins directed the film. Flanagan called it "James Watkins' movie" and said he is excited to see what Watkins did with it.
When does Clayface come out?
Clayface is set to hit theaters on October 23, 2026.