DC Studios has released some footage of their upcoming Clayface. They have officially announced it as a horror entry for James Gunn’s DCU. The movie will be based on the classic Batman villain, who will have a new origin. Clayface will hit theaters on October 23, 2026.
DC Studios go body horror route with dark Clayface origin story
The screenplay was written by Mike Flanagan as a tribute to the 1992 animated storyline of the same name. Matt Hagen, an actor who is ruined because of a tragic accident that leaves him horribly disfigured, is the central figure of the story. He uses an experimental substance to make himself feel better and slowly starts to change physically and psychologically.
The clip showed some of those transformations in more detail. Instead of being an epic action movie, Clayface will be more focused on body horror. For example, one of the scenes features the lead character as his skin fuses with bandages. That makes the character suffer more and adds to the horror.
Tom Rhys Harries stars as Matt Hagen in the film. Another star is Naomi Ackie, who plays a scientist associated with Hagen. Max Minghella and Eddie Marsan will join the production too. Besides the original screenplay by Mike Flanagan, the movie also features a new script written by Hossein Amini, who improved its Hollywood setting.
The director of Clayface is going to be James Watkins. He is famous for his ability to create tension with the use of atmospheric techniques. As for the shooting location, the studio chose Liverpool and Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, where the movie will become Gotham-like.
James Gunn has stated that Clayface is part of the DCU timeline called “Gods and Monsters.” Moreover, according to the producer, Clayface will showcase the city as a harsher place compared to all other projects.
