‘Clayface’ Brings Gotham Villain into Horror Territory
- Horror News
Emily Bennett- 0
- 3 minutes read
A first look at Clayface has arrived, offering an early glimpse at DC Studios’ upcoming horror-led take on one of Batman’s most recognisable foes. Set for a UK and Ireland cinema release on 23 October 2026, the film marks a shift in tone for the studio as it leans into a more grounded and unsettling interpretation of the character.
Directed by James Watkins, whose previous credits include Eden Lake and The Woman in Black (2012), the film centres on Matt Hagen, played by Tom Rhys Harries. The story follows an actor whose career begins to unravel after a disfiguring incident, leading him to seek out experimental treatment. What follows sees his body transformed in unexpected ways, placing him on a path that connects personal desperation with escalating violence.
The newly released trailer introduces Harries in the title role, alongside Naomi Ackie, who plays the scientist linked to Hagen’s transformation. The cast also includes David Dencik, Max Minghella and Eddie Marsan, with Nancy Carroll and Joshua James appearing in supporting roles.
Clayface is written by Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini, based on a story by Flanagan. The project had been in development for several years, with Flanagan previously expressing interest in adapting the character as a standalone feature before the formation of DC Studios. James Gunn and Peter Safran later confirmed the film as part of the studio’s wider slate, with Matt Reeves and Lynn Harris also producing.
Filming took place across Liverpool and at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in England during late 2025, with locations across the city used to double for Gotham. The production was developed on a reported budget of around $40 million, positioning it as a more contained project compared to other DC releases.
The character of Clayface has appeared in various forms across DC media, often depicted as a shape-shifting antagonist. This version focuses on the Matt Hagen iteration, first introduced in the comics during the 1960s.
The trailer for Clayface is now available to watch below. What’s your take on this latest interesting horror twist to the DC universe?
Clayface trailer
