When DC Studios was first created, co-CEOs James Gunn and Pete Safran promised audiences that the new cinematic universe would be emboldened by a diverse set of movie and television titles. Instead of following the format of the MCU, which has largely kept a familiar tone and style throughout the years, the DCU would flourish in the opportunities to bring new flavors with each project. While Superman was well-received, the initial promise of the DCU has remained unkept until now. The studio is diving into the body horror genre to bring iconic Batman villains of all time to the big screen, and it looks every bit as terrifying as it sounds.
DC Studios has released the first teaser for Clayface, which is set to hit theaters later this year on Oct. 23. As the footage teases, the film follows Tom Rhys Harries (Doctor Who) as Matt Hagen, a rising actor whose face becomes heavily disfigured after an attack. In a bid to heal his injuries and potentially save his career, he undergoes an experimental procedure that ends up giving him a clay-like body. But he’s no giant, brooding comic book supervillain here. His transformation is shown off in grotesque ways, with director James Watkins honing in on the body horror elements of the script, written by Mike Flanagan.
Joining Rhys Harris is Naomi Ackie (Mickey 17) as Caitlin Bates, the scientist who gives Matt Hagen the cure that turns him into a clay-like monster. The rest of the cast includes Max Minghella (Industry) and Eddie Marsan (Fair Play) in undisclosed roles, both of whom were seen on the set of the upcoming DC Studios production. While the new teaser keeps plot details scarce, it is known that Clayface is a mostly self-contained adaptation set within the DC Universe. In that spirit, it would be unwise to expect an appearance from a major hero like Batman, though he is Clayface’s eventual nemesis. Watch the trailer below:
Clayface was not a part of the initial slate announcement for DC Studios from January 2023. Instead, it was a pitch made by horror maestro Mike Flanagan, who was inspired by the Batman: The Animated Series episode “Feat of Clay.” He ended up writing the screenplay, which was so strong that it was promptly picked up by DC Studios and given the green light by James Gunn and Peter Safran. However, with Flanagan busy with his own directorial projects, which include The Exorcist and a Carrie TV adaptation, the studio moved quickly to hire James Watkins, the director behind the 2024 thriller remake Speak No Evil.
With a killer cast and teaser trailer in tow, DC Studios could have a hit on their hands, especially since the budget for Clayface is said to have been less than $50 million. It is a far cry from the only other DCU title heading to theaters this year, Supergirl. The superhero film picks up where 2025’s Superman left off, with Milly Aclock reprising her cameo role as Kara Zor-El for a new standalone adventure. Described as a sci-fi space film, Supergirl is certainly another example of the DCU diversifying its titles, while Clayface is the ultimate indicator that the studio is keeping its promise.
- Release Date
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October 23, 2026
- Director
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James Watkins
