DC Studios is reportedly in early discussions with actress Naomi Ackie for the leading female role in the upcoming horror film “Clayface,” which is set to debut on September 11, 2026. This film, starring Tom Rhys Harries, marks a unique addition to DC’s film lineup as it ventures into the horror genre.
Directed by James Watkins and penned by Mike Flanagan, “Clayface” follows the story of the iconic Batman villain, originally an actor who undergoes a drastic transformation after a disfiguring event leads him to an experimental medical procedure. The plot reflects the common trope in comic book narratives where such experimental attempts go awry, resulting in the character morphing into a clay-like form, capable of replicating the appearance of others.
Naomi Ackie’s career has been on an upward trajectory, following notable performances in films like “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,” where she showcased her talent in a supporting role. She also starred as Whitney Houston in the biopic “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” and played a lead role in Zoë Kravitz’s directorial debut, “Blink Twice.” In her upcoming projects, she will share the screen with established actors such as Helen Mirren and Pierce Brosnan in Netflix’s “The Thursday Murder Club.”
“Clayface” signifies DC’s strategic shift as it aims to explore narratives outside the traditional superhero formula, showcasing smaller budgets and diverse genres in the cinematic universe. This ambitious project follows the release of other DC titles, including the highly anticipated “Superman” and “Supergirl,” highlighting a broader vision for the franchise’s future.
The partnership between acclaimed filmmaker Matt Reeves and Lynn Harris, producing through their company 6th & Idaho Productions, is expected to elevate this project and further redefine the boundaries of superhero storytelling in cinema.