- Clayface releases October 23, 2026 as an R rated DCU body horror film.
- Tom Rhys Harries stars as Matt Hagen, a tragic actor turned shapeshifting monster.
- The story draws inspiration from Feat of Clay and leans into psychological horror.
- The film may plant seeds for future Gotham and Batman related DCU projects.
Clayface is officially taking shape as one of the most intriguing entries in DC Studios’ Chapter One slate, Gods and Monsters. The film is now set to open on October 23, 2026, shifting from its earlier September slot to land squarely in Halloween season.
It is a smart move for a project being positioned as an R rated body horror story rather than a conventional superhero spectacle.
Production wrapped in October 2025, according to star Tom Rhys Harries, and the film is currently deep in post production. With nearly a full year between wrap and release, DC Studios appears confident in delivering a polished, effects heavy horror experience.
Considering the character’s shapeshifting abilities, visual effects will play a major role in bringing Clayface’s disturbing transformations to life.
There is no trailer yet, but if DC follows tradition, the first teaser could debut during summer convention season in 2026.
Clayface cast and characters
Tom Rhys Harries leads the film as Matt Hagen, the second major incarnation of Clayface from DC Comics lore. In the comics, Hagen debuted in Detective Comics issue 298 in 1961. Unlike Basil Karlo, the original Clayface introduced in 1940, Hagen’s powers stem from a transformative chemical substance rather than theatrical obsession.
The DCU version appears to be reworking Hagen’s origin. Instead of radioactive protoplasm discovered during treasure hunting, this Matt Hagen is reportedly an actor who undergoes an experimental medical procedure that goes horribly wrong. That shift aligns with the film’s horror tone and suggests a tragic fall rather than a purely villainous rise.
Naomi Ackie is expected to play a scientist named Caitlin Bates, who may be directly involved in Hagen’s transformation. Max Minghella is rumored to portray a detective investigating the chaos surrounding Hagen.
Eddie Marsan has been spotted filming in Liverpool, sparking speculation about whether he plays Hagen’s manager or perhaps one of Clayface’s human disguises. David Dencik is also reportedly part of the ensemble, though his role remains under wraps.
As for Batman, fans are understandably curious. Clayface is deeply rooted in Gotham’s rogues gallery, yet DC Studios has not officially cast its new Bruce Wayne. A cameo remains possible, but nothing concrete suggests the Dark Knight will appear in a significant capacity.
Plot details and horror inspiration
Plot specifics remain tightly guarded, but several intriguing hints have surfaced. DC Studios co chief James Gunn has described the project as an unexpected addition to the slate, fast tracked after reading a screenplay by Mike Flanagan. That endorsement alone raised expectations, especially among horror fans.
The film is being described as DC’s answer to The Fly, leaning heavily into psychological and physical transformation. This is not a glossy superhero origin story. Instead, it appears to be structured more like an indie horror drama with a reported budget of around 45 million dollars.
That modest scale could work in its favor, allowing the story to focus on character and tragedy rather than spectacle.
Inspiration reportedly comes from the acclaimed two part episode Feat of Clay from Batman The Animated Series. In that story, Hagen is a disfigured actor who turns to an experimental formula to restore his face, only to become something monstrous.
The DCU film is not expected to directly adapt that storyline, but the emotional core appears similar. Hagen may be positioned as a sympathetic figure, a man destroyed by desperation, vanity, or exploitation.
Rumors also suggest the film will include references to Gotham landmarks like Club Vesuvius, along with nods to characters such as Black Mask, Zatanna, and The Penguin. Whether these are simple Easter eggs or foundations for future DCU stories remains to be seen.
Will Clayface shape the wider DC Universe
Clayface is the third film greenlit under DCU Chapter One, but its larger franchise implications are still unclear. Current active DCU projects include Supergirl, Lanterns, Creature Commandos season two, and a Superman sequel titled Man of Tomorrow. None of those seem directly connected on the surface.
That said, Clayface could quietly lay groundwork for Gotham-based stories, including The Brave and the Bold, which will introduce the DCU’s Batman and Damian Wayne. Even subtle world-building such as mentions of crime families or theatrical circles could ripple into future projects.
For now, Clayface stands out as a bold tonal experiment. Rather than chasing shared universe spectacle, DC Studios appears willing to test genre boundaries. If successful, it could prove that the DCU has room for horror driven character studies alongside cosmic adventures and traditional superhero fare.
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