The latest trailer for DC Studios’ Clayface has arrived, taking fans from the shadowy streets of Gotham to the horrifying depths of Matt Hagen’s shocking transformation into one of Batman’s most tragic and terrifying villains.
Look out, Batman fans, because DC Studios has unleashed a new terrifying trailer for James Watkins’ Clayface. Based on a screenplay by Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini, the upcoming DC film takes one of Batman’s most tragic and terrifying villains into bold new territory, blending superhero mythology with spine-chilling body horror. The film follows struggling actor Matt Hagen, whose life is turned upside down after a horrific attack leaves his face disfigured. Desperate for a cure, he places his faith in an experimental treatment that promises a miracle. Instead, it transforms him into something far more horrifying—a shape-shifting monster consumed by his own powers.
Starring Tom Rhys Harries as Matt Hagen/Clayface, alongside Naomi Ackie and Max Minghella, the film looks unlike anything we’ve seen from DC Studios so far. Dark, disturbing, and dripping with psychological horror, Clayface could become one of the boldest entries in the fledgling DC Universe. But will Clayface prove to be the monster hit DC has been searching for? Hit play and judge for yourself.
SYNOPSIS
Matt Hagen’s meteoric rise from Gotham street kid to Hollywood leading man is tragically cut short when a local crime boss’s actions leave him horribly disfigured. Abandoned by his team and with nothing left, Matt seeks out a cutting edge treatment that miraculously returns him to his former self… but also unexpectedly affects his grip on reality, spiraling him down a destructive path of all-consuming revenge.
Alongside Tom Rhys Harries, the film also stars Naomi Ackie, David Dencik, Max Minghella and Eddie Marsan, as well as Nancy Carroll and Joshua James.
CREATIVES
Clayface is directed by James Watkins from a screenplay by Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini, based on a story by Flanagan and DC’s iconic characters. The film is produced by Matt Reeves, Lynn Harris, James Gunn, and Peter Safran, with Michael E. Uslan, Chantal Nong Vo, Lars P. Winther, Rafi Crohn, and Paul Ritchie serving as executive producers.
Behind the camera, Watkins has assembled an exceptional creative team, including acclaimed cinematographer Rob Hardy, production designer James Price, editor Jon Harris, and costume designer Keith Madden. Academy Award-winning composer Volker Bertelmann (All Quiet on the Western Front, Conclave) provides the film’s haunting score, helping bring this dark and unsettling vision of Gotham’s most tragic shapeshifter to life.
RELEASE
What a gloriously unsettling trailer. Bringing Clayface—particularly this iconic interpretation—to the big screen is no easy feat. Still, James Watkins appears to be embracing the character’s tragic origins while leaning fully into the body-horror elements that make him such a compelling villain. With horror maestro Mike Flanagan co-writing the screenplay, expectations are understandably sky-high, and if this latest trailer is any indication, DC Studios could have something truly special on its hands.
Whether the finished film can match the emotional weight and enduring legacy of Bruce Timm’s Batman: The Animated Series remains to be seen. But with an exceptional cast, a talented creative team, and a refreshingly bold vision, Clayface already looks poised to become one of the most unique entries in the DC Universe.
We’ll certainly be first in line when the lights go down.
DC’s Clayface will be unleashed in cinemas on October 23, 2026.
Meet Phil Roberts! He’s the dedicated owner, daily content manager, and editor-in-chief of The Future of the Force. Phil is a budding novelist who turned his passion toward writing about the franchises he loves back in 2016. He’s a huge fan of all things Star Wars, Batman, DC, Marvel, Star Trek, Indiana Jones, Ghostbusters, King Kong, and the Ray Harryhausen movies. Phil is a BFI-accredited journalist and a distinguished member of the Film Critics Association UK.
If he’s not catching a movie at the cinema, you can bet he’s streaming something just as awesome!
