Comic Movie DB

Clayface

Name: Clayface
Director: James Watkins
Genre: fantasy, horror
Released: 2025-08-04
Duration: 2 hr 04 min
Rating: 1
Cast: Clayface, Eddie Marsan, Max Minghella, Naomi Ackie, Tom Rhys Harries

2026 2 hr 04 min 15 DC Comics Extended Universe

1/10 CMDB Rating

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Clayface Storyline

Clayface (2026) is DC Studios’ upcoming body-horror thriller based on one of Batman’s most unsettling villains from DC Comics.

Rather than a traditional superhero film, this version leans hard into psychological horror and grotesque transformation. The story follows Matt Hagen, a rising Hollywood actor whose life spirals after he is horribly disfigured by a gangster. Desperate to restore both his face and his fading career, he turns to an unconventional scientist for help—because in Gotham, “experimental treatment” is usually code for “this will absolutely ruin your life.”

Played by Tom Rhys Harries, Hagen undergoes a terrifying procedure that transforms him into Clayface, a shape-shifting monster made of living clay. Directed by James Watkins with a screenplay from horror master Mike Flanagan, the film promises a much darker tone than typical DC releases.

Set for release on October 23, 2026, Clayface is designed as a Halloween-season event film and forms part of DCU Chapter One: Gods and Monsters. Early footage has already been described as violent, disturbing, and full-on horror rather than standard comic-book action.

Clayface Director James Watkins

Clayface Release date November 9, 2026

Genres

fantasy horror

Clayface Content rating 15

Clayface Duration 2 hr 04 min

Last Updated 23/04/2026

Cast

Clayface Eddie Marsan Max Minghella Naomi Ackie Tom Rhys Harries

Cast of Clayface

Clayface

Eddie Marsan

Max Minghella

Naomi Ackie

Tom Rhys Harries

Clayface Review - 1/10 Rating

Clayface is one of those comic book adaptations that reminds you the genre has never been one simple thing. Directed by James Watkins, it brings its own mix of spectacle, character drama, questionable choices and moments that make fans either cheer, groan, or quietly check whether the sequel did it better.

The strongest parts usually come when the film commits to its central idea instead of apologising for being based on comics. When the characters feel bold, strange or sincere, the material works. When it gets too tangled in studio notes, tonal whiplash or franchise homework, you can practically hear the spreadsheet breathing behind the camera.

Still, that is part of the fun. Comic book movies are messy little beasts, and Clayface has enough personality, legacy or pure oddball energy to deserve a proper spot in the database. It may not be perfect, but perfection is overrated. Capes are already ridiculous. We signed the waiver years ago.

Clayface Trivia

Did You Know?

Clayface is one of Batman’s oldest villains, first appearing in DC Comics in 1940.
Several different characters have used the Clayface name over the years, but the 2026 film focuses on Matt Hagen.
Unlike many Batman villains, Clayface’s powers are full body horror—his entire body can melt, reshape, and mimic other people.
The film is being described more like The Fly than a traditional superhero movie, with heavy body-horror inspiration.
Mike Flanagan, known for horror projects like Doctor Sleep and The Haunting of Hill House, wrote the original story pitch.
James Watkins, director of Speak No Evil, is directing the film after Flanagan stepped away due to scheduling conflicts.
The movie is reportedly the first true horror-focused film inside the new DC Universe.
Gotham City remains central to the story, with filming taking place in Liverpool dressed as Gotham locations.
The film reportedly carries a smaller budget (around $40 million), proving DC is experimenting beyond giant CGI sky-beam budgets.
The release date was moved to October specifically to make it a Halloween event movie—because nothing says spooky season like your own face melting off.