Clayface begins to take form. Naomi Ackie, known for her roles in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker and Mickey 17, is in preliminary talks to lead the upcoming DCU film directed by James Watkins of Speak No Evil fame.

Per The Hollywood Reporter, Ackie took part in a reading session recently, emerging as the top contender for the part. Should she officially sign on—with negotiations reportedly starting shortly—she will appear alongside Tom Rhys Harries, the Welsh actor recognized for his British television roles, who has already been cast as the title character.

Mike Flanagan, a horror maestro celebrated for adapting classics like The Haunting of Hill House and crafting original stories for both film and television, wrote the screenplay.

The story centers on a rising actor whose face is brutally disfigured by gangsters. Desperate to restore his appearance, he turns to a dubious scientist—described by THR as an “Elizabeth Holmes-style” analyst, an amusing and intriguing detail—who appears to successfully treat him. However, as a body horror film, the story doesn’t end there. While Ackie’s potential role remains undisclosed, she may portray the scientist, which would be inspired casting.

The film is expected to evoke the tone of David Cronenberg’s acclaimed 1986 body horror masterpiece The Fly, featuring Jeff Goldblum and Geena Davis. The Batman director Matt Reeves is producing alongside Lynn Harris and DC Studios heads James Gunn and Peter Safran.

Clayface is scheduled to hit theaters on September 11, 2026, and anticipation is building for further casting announcements.