Ackie eyed for DCU's Clayface thriller

The Clayface movie is gaining momentum. Naomi Ackie, known for her roles in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker and Mickey 17, is currently in discussions to lead the upcoming DC Universe film directed by James Watkins of Speak No Evil fame.

The Hollywood Reporter reveals Ackie recently participated in a script reading and emerged as the top contender for the role. Should negotiations proceed as expected (with talks reportedly beginning shortly), she'll star opposite Tom Rhys Harries, the Welsh actor celebrated for his British TV work, who's already locked in as the titular character.

Horror maestro Mike Flanagan, acclaimed for adapting classics like The Haunting of Hill House and creating original stories across film and television, wrote the screenplay.

The film centers on a promising actor whose face becomes horribly disfigured after a gangster attack. Desperate to restore his appearance, he seeks help from a dubious scientist (described by THR as an "Elizabeth Holmes-style" figure – an amusing yet intriguing comparison) who performs what initially seems like a successful procedure. But given this is a body horror story, complications inevitably arise. While Ackie's potential character remains undisclosed, speculation suggests she may portray the scientist – perfect casting if confirmed.

Reportedly drawing inspiration from David Cronenberg's 1986 masterpiece The Fly starring Jeff Goldblum and Geena Davis, the film boasts Matt Reeves (The Batman) as producer alongside Lynn Harris and DC Studios co-heads James Gunn and Peter Safran.

Mark your calendars: this chilling tale hits theaters September 11, 2026, with more casting announcements expected soon.