DC Studios has officially pulled back the curtain on its latest cinematic venture with the release of the first trailer for Clayface.
This upcoming feature is set to debut in theaters on October 23, marking a significant shift toward the horror genre for the franchise.
Directed by James Watkins, the film explores the visceral and tragic origins of one of Batman’s most enduring antagonists.
Actor Tom Rhys Harries takes on the lead role of Matt Hagen, a struggling performer whose life takes a dark turn.
Following a brutal knife attack that leaves his face disfigured, Hagen undergoes a highly experimental medical procedure.
While the treatment initially appears successful, the trailer reveals that the chemicals used have a horrifying side effect.
Hagen’s body begins to transform into a malleable, clay-like substance that allows him to mimic any appearance.
The footage showcases the psychological and physical toll of this transformation as Hagen struggles with his new identity.
One particularly haunting scene depicts the character in a bathtub, literally wiping away his own facial features.
The trailer also highlights the character's offensive capabilities, including a shot of his hand morphing into a massive mace.
This iteration of Clayface leans heavily into body horror, emphasizing the grotesque nature of his shape-shifting abilities.
First introduced in DC Comics in 1940, Clayface has seen many iterations across various media over the decades.
While previous versions have appeared in animated series and television shows, this film marks the character's first major solo big-screen outing.
Naomi Ackie joins the cast in a supporting role, adding further depth to the ensemble of this dark origin story.
The project is part of the broader DC Universe being spearheaded by James Gunn and Peter Safran.
It follows the momentum of other upcoming projects like Supergirl and the highly anticipated Superman sequel.
Fans of the Batman mythos will recognize Matt Hagen as a core version of the character from the silver age of comics.
The film's October release date positions it perfectly for the autumn horror season, appealing to both comic fans and genre enthusiasts.
James Watkins brings his experience in tension-building to ensure the film maintains a gritty and grounded atmosphere.
As the DC Universe continues to expand, Clayface represents a bold step into more specialized, mature storytelling.