James Thomas Watkins is a British filmmaker and screenwriter widely respected for his mastery of tension and the horror-thriller genre. He first gained international attention with his directorial debut "Eden Lake" (2008), a brutal survival thriller that launched the careers of Michael Fassbender and Jack O'Connell. He later directed the massive gothic horror hit "The Woman in Black" (2012), starring Daniel Radcliffe, which became the highest-grossing British horror film in 20 years. In 2026, Watkins is stepping into the superhero genre with a dark twist. Following the critical success of his 2024 psychological horror remake "Speak No Evil" (starring James McAvoy), he has been tapped to direct "Clayface" (September 11, 2026). Produced by Matt Reeves (director of The Batman), this film is described not as a typical superhero movie, but as a tragic "body horror" feature set within the DC Universe. It explores the origin of the classic Batman villain, capitalizing on Watkins' proven ability to blend psychological dread with visceral horror.
Primary craft
directing
Birth date
—
Latest project
Clayface
Awards
0 wins, 0 nominations
Credits
| Year | Title | Role | SpicyMeter | NollyCritic | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Clayface | crew |
0.0 |
| — |
| — |
