Filmmaker James Watkins says his upcoming DC Studios film Clayface is a story of human tragedy that traces an ordinary man's transformation into a monster, rather than a conventional Hollywood horror tale.
The latest instalment in the DC Universe (DCU) follows Matt Hagen, a rising Hollywood actor whose life changes after a crime boss leaves him horribly disfigured. An experimental treatment restores his appearance but affects his grip on reality, setting him on a path of revenge.
Watkins said he was drawn to the project after reading the screenplay by Mike Flanagan. “One of the things that most appealed to me was that notion of a tragic journey of this character. This understanding of him and his journey and how he goes from being Matt Hagen to Clayface,” Watkins told PTI in an interview.
The director said he wanted to explore the character’s emotional journey and make his story relatable despite its extreme circumstances.
“It’s set in Hollywood but I didn't want it to be a Hollywood story. I wanted it to be a story about just a regular guy that everyone can relate to,” he said.
Hagen (Tom Rhys Harries) comes from a difficult background and works hard to establish himself before violence destroys the life he has built. “I just thought that it was a really interesting way to take people on a really cool horror ride but at the same time ground it within the tragic dimension of this character”.
The film blends body horror with psychological drama and features Naomi Ackie, David Dencik, Max Minghella, Eddie Marsan, Nancy Carroll and Joshua James. Ackie plays scientist Caitlyn Corr.
Watkins said DC Studios gave him the creative freedom and support to pursue his vision. “From the first time I said, ‘This is the direction I think this story should go’, they agreed. The reason why they gave me the job was because they liked that direction.”
Clayface releases in Indian theatres on Friday.