Naomi Ackie, the versatile actress who has left her mark in films like "Mickey 17" and "Blink Twice," is set to venture into the DC Universe with her role in "Clayface." Early discussions are underway for Ackie to join the talented Welsh actor, Tom Rhys Harries, who will portray the eponymous supervillain in the upcoming film helmed by "Speak No Evil" director James Watkins. Last week, England played host to reading sessions, with Ackie emerging victorious as the preferred choice for the role. Multiple sources confirm that formal negotiations are poised to commence this week.
Penned by Mike Flanagan, "Clayface" promises to be a chilling body-horror thriller centered around the infamous Batman adversary renowned for his shape-shifting abilities. This project bares resemblances to David Cronenberg's 1986 masterpiece "The Fly," which starred Jeff Goldblum and Geena Davis and revolved around the poignant tale of a scientist fused with fly DNA and the journalist documenting his groundbreaking – yet tragic – discovery.
Budgeted at around $40 million, "Clayface" revolves around an aspiring actor whose face is gruesomely disfigured by a ruthless gangster. Desperate for a solution, he seeks refuge in the hands of an eccentric scientist reminiscent of Elizabeth Holmes. Initially, the experimental treatment appears to be a resounding success, but as we all know, a horror narrative would lose its edge if it concluded so neatly.
Slated for release on September 11, 2026, "Clayface" stands out as one of the surprising early additions to the DC era spearheaded by James Gunn and Peter Safran, even preempting more established characters like Wonder Woman. Matt Reeves, director of "The Batman," will produce alongside Lynn Harris, Gunn, and Safran.
Ackie has previously captivated audiences with her portrayal of pop legend Whitney Houston in the 2022 biopic "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" and delivered a powerful performance alongside Channing Tatum in last year's horror thriller "Blink Twice." Currently gracing the silver screen in "Sorry, Baby," the festival darling acquired by A24, Ackie's upcoming credits include the Netflix mystery "The Thursday Murder Club," starring Helen Mirren and Pierce Brosnan, as well as Boots Riley's upcoming film "I Love Boosters."
