‘Clayface’ Director James Watkins on the Tragic Ending, Joker Easter Eggs and His Star’s Secret Injury

James Watkins says *Clayface*’s strong audience response has made its difficult production worthwhile, while describing the film as a tragedy about actor Matt Hagen’s loss of identity and transformation into a Batman foe. He also credits DC Studios leaders James Gunn and Peter Safran for giving him time after his father died during post-production.

Tom Rhys Harries, who plays Hagen, kept a torn ACL secret until a scene involving a jump and fall; the crew then adjusted the stunt to protect him. The article reports a $46.5 million global opening against a $44 million production budget, a 94 per cent audience score and an A- CinemaScore, alongside a 75 per cent critics score.