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Batman: The Animated Series introduced an entire generation of Batman fans to the Caped Crusader's rogues gallery. But beyond providing a launch point for young fans, Batman: The Animated Series reinvigorated classic Batman villains like Mr. Freeze and, of course, Clayface. It's an effect that has powered screenwriter Mike Flanagan's script for DC Studios' upcoming Clayface film. 

Speaking at a Motor City Comic Con panel, the Life of Chuck writer/director spoke about the influences behind his script's take on Clayface. "It went all the way back to [Batman: The Animated Series'] Feat of Clay, that incredible two-parter with Ron Perlman voicing the character, which was so formative for me as a kid," said Flanagan. 

The episodes of Batman: The Animated Series that Flanagan references are some of the show's most iconic. They depict Clayface's roots as a struggling actor left disfigured from a car accident, who uses a special face cream that transforms his features into leading man looks. In 'Feat of Clay,' Clayface becomes like so many other Batman villains: a tragic figure, whose morals aren't as clear-cut as you might expect. Not surprisingly, the story for Feat of Clay was devised by longtime comic book writer Marv Wolfman (working with series producer Michael Reaves). 

DC Studios's Clayface movie is directed by James Watkins, with James Gunn and Peter Safran producing. At the panel, Flanagan said that he wished he's been able to direct it himself: "It was one of the great kind of sadnesses of my career that I'm so sorry that when it came time to make it, and they wanted to make this movie right away, I wasn't available," he explained, adding, "I was like, 'I have to go make [upcoming Prime Video series] Carrie. There's nothing I can do.'"

Clayface will be released September 11, 2026. 

Enjoy our guides to how to watch the recent DCEU, the Arrowverse, and James Gunn's upcoming DCU. Oh, and don't forget our guide to what's coming up for DC projects on the big and small screens.