DC Studios is gearing up to send shivers down our spines with its upcoming project, Clayface. Warner Bros. just dropped the movie’s first official trailer and synopsis, and things look downright scary! Unlike traditional superhero narratives, this one will take a more horrific approach to explore the sinister tale of a Hollywood star whose life changes forever by one decision. Check out the full scoop below.
Clayface brings a dark twist to the DCU with its intense plot
Slated for an October 23 domestic release, Clayface stars Tom Rhys Harries as Matt Hagen, a Hollywood actor who eventually transforms into the titular villain. The movie’s recently released official poster featured Hagen’s melting face, aligning with the horrifying synopsis released by DC Studios around the same time.
As reported by DC Film News, the movie “tells the terrifying descent into hell of a promising Hollywood actor who has become a monster driven by revenge. An intense story that explores the loss of identity and humanity, the ravages of toxic love, and the dark side of scientific ambition.”
The trailer introduces Hagen as a rising actor who gets into a car accident, which leaves his face permanently disfigured. Desperate to restore his appearance, he undergoes medical treatment that backfired big time. And that’s how he becomes Clayface, a villain who later emerges as a major threat to Gotham City’s savior, Batman. However, this movie will focus on Hagen’s origin story and marks the character’s debut in DC movies.
Moreover, the trailer highlighted the character’s ability to turn its body parts into weapons. His arms transform into a spiked mace in one scene, while some show him reeling from his changing body and loss of identity. The movie is directed by James Watkins, whose notable work includes The Woman in Black and Speak No Evil.
Meanwhile, horror legend Mike Flanagan served as the movie’s screenplay writer. Flanagan previously wrote for projects including The Exorcist, The Haunting of Hill House, and Doctor Sleep. The movie will feature Naomi Ackie, David Dencik, Max Minghella, Eddie Marsan, Nancy Carroll, and Joshua James playing supporting roles.
In a 2025 interview with Entertainment Weekly, DC Studios CEO James Gunn revealed he didn’t plan to take on the project. But Flanagan’s chilling concept, followed by a “fantastic script,” prompted Gunn to change his mind. With Clayface, the DCU is clearly experimenting with horror. Do you think the gamble will pay off?
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