DC Studios is taking a sharp turn with its next film, and it is not subtle. The studio released the first teaser for Clayface, a horror-driven entry set to hit theaters on Oct. 23, 2026. The footage signals a clear shift away from the safer tone seen in Superman, leaning into graphic body horror tied to one of Batman’s most known villains.
The film stars Tom Rhys Harries, known for Doctor Who, as Matt Hagen, an actor whose face is badly damaged in an attack. He turns to an experimental treatment to save his career. The procedure works, but it leaves him with a deforming, clay-like body. Director James Watkins focuses on the physical breakdown of the character, bringing a darker edge that stands apart from recent DC releases.
Clayface | Official Teaser
Naomi Ackie, who appeared in Mickey 17, plays scientist Caitlin Bates, the person behind the treatment. Max Minghella from Industry and Eddie Marsan from Fair Play also appear, though their roles have not been confirmed. Early footage keeps the plot tight, but the tone is clear. This is not a traditional superhero story.
DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn confirmed online that Clayface will break a pattern for the franchise. He said it is the first DCU film released out of timeline order. The story takes place before Superman and Supergirl, marking a shift in how the studio builds its shared universe.
The timeline change also connects the film to Creature Commandos. Gunn indicated that the Clayface seen in that series is the same character featured here. That move ties the project into the broader DCU while still keeping it mostly self-contained.
Gunn stressed that the film stands on its own. He said, “It’s very connected, but as always, the standalone story is what’s most important.” That approach could shape how the character links to future projects like The Brave and the Bold, which will introduce a new Batman.
The teaser also gives another look at Gotham City, following earlier glimpses in Creature Commandos. The setting appears darker and more grounded, which may set expectations for future Batman films. That tone may raise questions about how far DC plans to push mature content in a franchise that has also targeted younger viewers.
Unlike Superman, Supergirl, Lanterns, and Peacemaker, this film does not try to blend genres. Gunn made that clear, stating that Clayface is a horror film set inside a superhero universe. That distinction matters as DC attempts to separate itself from Marvel’s more uniform style.
The project did not exist in DC’s original 2023 slate. It came from writer Mike Flanagan, who drew inspiration from the Batman: The Animated Series episode “Feat of Clay.” His script moved quickly through development, though he did not direct due to other commitments, including work on The Exorcist and a Carrie series. Watkins, who directed Speak No Evil, stepped in to lead the film.
With a reported budget under $50 million, Clayface stands in contrast to bigger DC projects like Supergirl. That lower cost could reduce risk while testing whether darker, niche stories can succeed at the box office.
Questions remain about where the film sits in the larger timeline. Superman established that Clark Kent revealed himself three years before its events. It is unclear if Clayface takes place during that window or even earlier, possibly before Batman begins operating in Gotham.
DC appears to be betting that audiences are ready for something different. Whether that gamble pays off may become clear when Clayface arrives in theaters this fall.
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English (US) · 