If there was any uncertainty about the tone of DC’s upcoming Clayface film following Superman, James Gunn is here to set the record straight: this one’s diving deep into horror.

“Although it’s in the same universe, it’s a complete horror film,” Gunn told CBS Mornings, emphasizing the project’s distinct style.

He added, “There’s not a company style. It’s not like every movie is gonna be like Superman. The artists, directors, and writers on each project will bring their own voice to the table.”

Now in pre-production, Clayface is expected to begin filming later this summer. Warner Bros. has slated its theatrical release for September 11, 2026.

The horror-heavy reimagining will be directed by James Watkins (The Woman in Black, Speak No Evil), working from a script penned by genre veterans Mike Flanagan (The Haunting of Hill House, Doctor Sleep) and Hossein Amini (Drive, Snow White and the Huntsman).

The story centers on a washed-up B-movie actor who injects himself with an experimental substance to stay relevant—only to discover he can reshape his body and face, transforming into a grotesque, ever-shifting form of living clay.

Peter Safran, Gunn’s co-chair at DC Studios, previously described the film as “an incredible body horror film that reveals a compelling origin of a classic Batman villain.”

Tom Rhys Harries (The Gentlemen) is set to star as Clayface, a character originally created in 1940 by comic book icons Bill Finger and Bob Kane.

Clayface is part of the growing DC Universe lineup. Before its release, fans can expect Peacemaker Season 2 to premiere on HBO Max on August 21, followed by Lanterns in early 2026 and Supergirl in theaters on June 26, 2026.