James Watkins Tapped by DC Studios to Direct ‘Clayface’

DC Studios has finally found a director to mold Clayface.

After several months of searching, Speak No Evil helmer James Watkins has been chosen to direct the feature based on the Batman villain, which has a script from horror maestro Mike Flanagan.

Sources say that DC co-chief James Gunn met with Watkins Thursday for a final presentation that led to the nod of nabbing the gig. A deal will now be hammered out.

Clayface was first introduced in 1940 and known for his ability to shape-shift. Sources say the film is budgeted at $40 million and is a Hollywood horror tale centering on a B-movie actor who injects himself with a substance to keep himself relevant, only to find out that he can reshape his face and form, becoming a walking piece of clay.

The movie is due to shoot later this year and is meant to show the breadth of DC material, from big-budget superhero fare such as Superman on one side of the spectrum to lesser known characters in projects that are more modestly budgeted.

via The Hollywood Reporter