Finding out that Mike Flanagan will write a Clayface movie is the best news I heard all week. The writer of Fall of the House Usher and Doctor Sleep is the perfect person to make a, as he put it in a tweet, “horror/thriller/tragedy.” The only question now is who will play the Batman villain (and sometimes teammate).
It’s unfortunate that Lance Reddick and Tony Todd passed away. They would have been perfect picks to play Basil Karlo or Matthew Hagen. Their voices and acting skills would have sent chills down the spines of the audience. If this will be a horror film, that will be important. But there are other things to take into account when casting the lead and I have a list of performers who have everything needed.
Hugh Jackman
We all know what Hugh Jackman is capable of. He’s an Oscar away from being in the EGOT club and is beloved by fans worldwide. Now, imagine him playing an actor who was once the biggest star in the world and is now disgruntled and vengeful. He could put on a performance that would win him the Oscar he’s been missing.
Alan Tudyk
Yes, Alan Tudyk voices a goofier version of Clayface in Harley Quinn, but he’s a great actor. He also may be known for his comedic roles, but that’s not all he can do. There have been moments in Firefly and Serenity when he's shown some of his dramatic range. Plus, how amazing would it be to hear him use the Harley Quinn Clayface voice but slower and more terrifying?
Emma Stone
Clyaface isn’t a character that must be a certain gender. There’s even been one named Sondra Fuller. Fuller didn’t have the same backstory as the others, but adding this name to a familiar story works.
Emma Stone doesn’t miss. Even when a project is bad, she still rocks. It’s the trait of an amazing performer. Now, while she’s not old or look old, there’s something to be said about how women are treated in Hollywood. It would be a cool way to hint at that as she becomes the killer behind the clay.
Zachary Quinto
Zachary Quinto has gotten rid of some of the typecasting by playing Dr. Oliver Wolf in Brilliant Minds. However, it’s hard to find someone who plays a villain better than him. Whether it’s Heroes or American Horror Story, he was going to steal the scene. The anger he’s capable of showing what’s needed when he’s cast out as an actor or goes into a jealous rage.
Dave Bautista
Watching Dave Bautista continue to improve as an actor has been wonderful. The former WWE Champion was once an actor people thought would only be good in comedies and action flicks. Knock at the Cabin changed those thoughts for the better. He’s easily the best wrestler turned actor since Roddy Piper.
This writer would rather see Dave Bautista play this role like the original Clayface from Detective Comics No. 40 and Batman: Caped Crusader instead of the monster who transforms their arms into axes. He’s more than capable of being the envious actor out for revenge. It would also be a reminder that he’s more than the monster who can powerbomb people.
James McAvoy
No one plays a deranged person better than James McAvoy. His roles in Split and Mr. Glass are enough to prove that. But we can look at his recent role in Speak No Evil and see it again. He has an uncanny ability to make himself unlikeable, terrifying, and aggressive.
If Mike Flanagan’s Clayface movie is going to be a horror flick, there isn't a performer who will do a better job in the starring role. Well, no one except the person below.
Nicolas Cage
It won’t be hard to forget that no one plays a crazy person like Nicolas Cage. Sadly, people don’t remember that he won an Academy Award and Golden Globe for Leaving Las Vegas. There are also my personal favorites, Renfield, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, and Pig. Picture him bringing the insanity and comedy he’s known for with a terrifying twist. Can you think of anyone better?
Who would you cast to play Clayface in Mike Flanagan’s movie? Let us know on the Bam Smack Pow Bluesky, Instagram, and Twitter.