The Gentlemen star Tom Rhys Harries is set to take on the title role in Clayface, an upcoming DC horror film. Now, according to The Hollywood Reporter, Naomi Ackie (Blink Twice) is in talks to join the cast as well.

Reading sessions were held in England last week, and sources say Ackie emerged as the top choice. Formal negotiations are expected to begin this week.

Described as a “complete horror film” with strong inspiration from David Cronenberg’s 1986 remake of The Fly, Clayface promises a twisted and visceral reimagining of one of Batman’s most tragic villains. Production is currently in the pre-production phase, with filming expected to begin later this summer. Warner Bros. has set a theatrical release date for September 11, 2026.

James Watkins (The Woman in Black, Speak No Evil) is directing the film from a script by Mike Flanagan (The Haunting of Hill House, Doctor Sleep) and Hossein Amini (Drive).

The story follows an actor who, desperate to stay relevant, injects himself with a mysterious substance—only to discover it gives him the terrifying ability to reshape his face and body at will, turning him into a grotesque, living sculpture of clay.

Peter Safran, co-CEO of DC Studios, has described the project as “an incredible body horror film that reveals a compelling origin of a classic Batman villain.”

Stay tuned as Clayface continues to take shape.