"It's Not My Movie": Mike Flanagan Explains His Role in the Production of "Clayface"
The author was unable to fully work on the horror film due to commitments to other projects.
Mike Flanagan revealed that after submitting the script for “Clayface,” he was no longer involved in the film's production. In an interview with ComicBookMovie, the author emphasized that he was so far removed from the production that he considers the film entirely the work of director James Watkins:
“‘Clayface’ is not my movie at all. It’s James Watkins’ movie. I wrote a script that I really liked, submitted it — and that was it… I haven’t even seen the movie yet. I’m really looking forward to seeing what James did with it.”
Flanagan had long wanted to make a horror film about the DC Comics villain and originally developed the idea with Matt Reeves, and then with James Gunn and Peter Safran. However, due to commitments to other projects, including the series “Carrie” and the adaptation of “The Dark Tower,” Watkins ultimately took over the direction. After Flanagan's departure, Hossein Amini, the author of “Drive,” was brought in to work on the script. What exact changes he made and how much of the original material remained in the finished film has not been disclosed.
Tom Rhys Harries played the main role in “Clayface.” His character, a young and promising actor Matt Hagen, is attacked, after which his face is disfigured. To regain his face and career, the actor agrees to an experimental procedure — it helps, but leads to terrible consequences.
“Clayface” will be released on October 23, 2026.
