Is the DC Universe Embracing Horror? Discover the Dark Side of Clayface!

The DC Universe is set to embrace a darker tone with the upcoming film Clayface, featuring intense body horror elements. Directed by James Watkins and starring Tom Rhys Harries, the film explores the tragic transformation of Matt Hagen, a struggling actor whose life spirals into chaos. The first trailer, released at CinemaCon, showcases unsettling visuals and psychological depth, promising to captivate and disturb audiences. With a rich history in DC Comics, Clayface's cinematic portrayal is highly anticipated, especially with a screenplay by horror writer Mike Flanagan. Mark your calendars for the film's release on October 23!

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 23, 2026, 05:02 IST

A New Era for the DC Universe

The DC Universe is venturing into a more sinister territory, a shift that some believed would diminish with James Gunn's involvement. The release of the first trailer for Clayface showcases a film rich in body horror elements, raising the stakes for Gunn. This movie aims to deliver a haunting and intense portrayal of one of Batman’s most intriguing foes. Set to premiere on October 23, it marks the character’s first major origin story on the silver screen. With its unsettling body horror themes and psychological depth, the Clayface trailer is designed to both disturb and engage audiences.

Unveiling the Clayface Trailer

Clayface trailer OUT

Directed by James Watkins, the film tells the sorrowful tale of Matt Hagen, portrayed by Tom Rhys Harries. Once a struggling actor, Matt's life spirals into darkness after a violent event, leading him to undergo an experimental medical procedure aimed at restoring his disfigured face. While the treatment initially appears successful, it soon turns into a horrifying ordeal as his body begins to morph uncontrollably into a clay-like substance capable of taking on various shapes.

The trailer, which debuted at CinemaCon, quickly sets a chilling tone. It opens with Matt in a hospital bed, his face hidden beneath blood-soaked bandages. As mysterious substances are injected into him, viewers are treated to disturbing visual transformations. His face melts, reshapes, and at times disappears entirely, leaving behind a hollow, featureless visage. A particularly memorable scene shows him wiping away his own face while sitting in a bathtub.

Watch the complete trailer of this intense body horror here:

The Legacy of Clayface

More about Clayface

Clayface boasts a rich legacy within DC Comics, first introduced in 1940 as a washed-up actor who turned to crime using disguises inspired by his past roles. By 1961, the character evolved to possess shape-shifting abilities, making him one of Batman’s more unique adversaries. Although Clayface has appeared in various animated and live-action formats, this film represents his most extensive theatrical depiction to date. Given his popularity among comic book fans, expectations for the film are exceptionally high.

The screenplay is crafted by horror expert Mike Flanagan, in collaboration with Hossein Amini. Interestingly, James Gunn revealed that DC Studios initially had no plans for a Clayface film. However, Flanagan’s script was so impressive that it fast-tracked the project into production. This film will be part of the broader DC Universe and is expected to carry an R rating due to its graphic and mature content.

This release follows the introduction of Gunn’s DC Universe with Superman and precedes other major projects like Supergirl, Man of Tomorrow, and The Batman: Part II.