AceShowbiz - While the DC Comics cinematic universe prepares to release its first villain-focused movie centered on Clayface this fall, an intriguing new project featuring two of the publisher’s most notorious antagonists is quietly progressing behind the scenes. After over a year of silence regarding this film, new developments indicate that the production is moving forward, with director candidates now under consideration. Notably, one of the frontrunners has prior experience working within James Gunn’s expanding universe of characters and stories.

Reports reveal that Greg Mottola is currently a leading contender to direct the untitled film focusing on infamous villains Bane and Deathstroke. Best known for his breakout 2007 comedy hit Superbad, Mottola has directed a variety of films, including Adventureland, Keeping Up with the Joneses, and more recently, Confess, Fletch. His extensive television directing credits include episodes of Arrested Development, The Comeback, and Nobody Wants This. Additionally, he directed the pilot episode of NBC’s reboot of The Rockford Files starring David Boreanaz.

Most significantly in relation to the upcoming DC project, Mottola directed episodes two and three of season two of the HBO Max series Peacemaker, a spin-off from James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad. This series stars John Cena as the titular super-powered soldier wearing a distinctive chrome helmet. Mottola’s involvement in James Gunn’s world of "gods and monsters" through Peacemaker underscores his familiarity with the style and tone likely desired for the new Batman villain film.

Despite the excitement building around this potential project, concrete details remain scarce. The studio has yet to officially announce the film, but the screenplay is reportedly penned by Matthew Orton, known for writing Cleaner.

For context, the upcoming Clayface feature will serve as the first DC villain-centric film released within the current cinematic universe framework.

James Gunn has been steadily expanding the DC cinematic universe with a distinctive blend of dark humor, action, and complex character work, as seen in his direction of The Suicide Squad and the development of the Peacemaker series.

While the official announcement and further details about casting, plot, or release dates have not been revealed, the confirmation of strong directorial candidates is a significant step forward.

In summary, the Bane and Deathstroke film represents a bold new direction for the DC cinematic universe, targeting a mature and dedicated fanbase eager to see these characters brought to life on the big screen. With Greg Mottola potentially at the helm, supported by a script from Matthew Orton and the creative oversight of James Gunn, this project is poised to become a standout entry in the evolving DC film slate.

As the studio prepares to move from rumors to official announcements, anticipation will grow for what promises to be a dark, thrilling, and complex portrayal of some of Batman’s deadliest foes.