Actress Naomi Ackie has spoken warmly about director James Watkins, crediting his collaborative style and steady leadership for creating an atmosphere on the set of Clayface that was, in her words, 'really open, enthusiastic and fun.' The upcoming Warner Bros. Pictures release is scheduled to hit cinemas across India on 23 October 2026 in both English and Hindi.

Ackie on finding the film's tone

Speaking about the tonal demands of the project, Ackie described tone as the central challenge — and Watkins's greatest strength. 'I think the tone and finding it is really what James is so amazing — for you want to be on the same alignment. You want to be able to find each other's rhythms and language when communicating on a set,' she said.

She elaborated on the layered register the film requires, noting the cast and crew had to navigate moments of levity, darkness, and somberness within individual scenes. 'How much can we pack into each scene, so the audience is getting as much information about these characters and feels as invested as we are about these characters as possible? Your understanding of the tone strengthens as time goes on,' she added.

A director who keeps the set grounded

Ackie pointed to Watkins's openness as key to keeping the shoot on an even keel. 'It comes from James's direction. It comes from him being a really good leader. And the great thing about James is he's really open to collaboration. He's open to suggestions. He's also open for a laugh, which really helps,' she said.

She stressed that comfort around the director is not incidental but fundamental to the craft. 'So much of this job is about feeling comfortable around people, especially the person that you listen to the most, which is the director,' Ackie explained, adding that Watkins's relaxed approach made those conditions possible.

About the characters and the story

Tom Rhys Harries plays Matt Hagen, a self-made actor from a difficult background whose rising career is violently derailed, pushing him toward morally questionable choices in order to reclaim his life. Ackie plays Dr. Caitlyn Corr, a character whose actions contribute to a significant turning point in Hagen's arc.

The ensemble also includes David Dencik, Max Minghella, Eddie Marsan, Nancy Carroll, and Joshua James.

Release and distribution

Clayface will be distributed in India by Warner Bros. Pictures and opens exclusively in cinemas on 23 October 2026 in English and Hindi. The film blends superhero mythology with horror and emotional drama, a combination Ackie suggests Watkins has calibrated with care throughout production.