Clayface’s Live-Action Design Went Through 17 Versions

Clayface director James Watkins says the film’s live-action design for the DC villain went through about 17 versions before the team settled on its final form.

In an interview with TechRadar, Watkins said the filmmakers looked at the character’s comic-book appearances, the animated series Batman: The Animated Series, the two-part story “Feat of Clay” and Creature Commandos. They wanted a design that worked in live action rather than one that looked as if it had been lifted from a comic.

Watkins said the team focused on showing emotion in the character, including “the pain in his eyes” and the “man trapped inside the monster.” They also wanted viewers to be able to identify Tom Rhys Harries as Matt Hagen within the transformed figure.

Asked whether the animated version of Clayface in Creature Commandos constrained the film’s design, Watkins said he had “free rein” and that the choice was “all on me.”

TechRadar reported that the film was expected to be released in late October. The source does not specify a year.