David A. Gross

“Audiences love this movie, but it needs a very long run to recoup its costs.”

David A. Gross · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-25

Gross noted that Wildwood's $100 million budget requires a long theatrical run to recoup costs.

“This picture was wisely conceived as something different, costing a fraction of what those films cost, and it should be profitable when it finishes all ancillary business.”

David A. Gross · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-25

Gross assessed Clayface's lower budget and expected profitability compared to other villain spinoffs.

“Over the years, there have been a dozen spinoffs of superhero villains and antiheroes, from ‘Joker’ to ‘Venom’ to ‘Kraven the Hunter,'”

David A. Gross · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-25

Gross contextualized Clayface within the history of superhero villain spinoff films.

“This is a very good opening for a new animated film from outside of the studio development and distribution system,”

David A. Gross · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-25

Gross commented on Wildwood's opening as a non-studio animated film.