Along with the new photos, DC Studios co-CEO Peter Safran also opened up about how Mike Flanagan's role in the project changed, while director James Watkins shed some light on the film's themes and one of its newest characters. Safran explained how much DC Studios hoped Flanagan could stay on as director, saying: "We really wanted him to direct it — I mean, really, really wanted him to direct it. Watkins directs from a screenplay by Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini, with a story by Flanagan based on DC characters. Everything we've seen so far makes Clayface look unlike anything else DC Studios has on its slate. Rather than chasing massive superhero spectacle, it appears to be embracing psychological horror, tragic character drama, and gruesome body horror.