Clayface (the DC Studios film) is the main subject of recent news. It opens in U.S. theaters on October 23, 2026 (premiering October 13 in Los Angeles).
It is an R-rated body-horror/psychological thriller directed by James Watkins (Speak No Evil), with a screenplay by Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini (story by Flanagan).
It is part of the DCU’s Chapter One: Gods and Monsters. Tom Rhys Harries stars as Matt Hagen/Clayface, with Naomi Ackie, Max Minghella, Eddie Marsan, and others.
The story follows a rising Gotham actor whose face is disfigured by a mob boss; he turns to an experimental treatment from a scientist (Ackie) that restores him but spirals into clay-like transformation, loss of identity, and revenge.
Early reactions (from the premiere and screenings) have been strongly positive.
Critics and attendees have called it “freakishly awesome,” a hard-R “loaded with brutal scenes,” inventive with body horror, and a strong addition to the DCU that works without prior DC knowledge.
Tom Rhys Harries’s performance is frequently praised as a breakout.
Comparisons include The Fly, Darkman, The Substance, and classic gothic/body-horror tones.
Some note little comic relief and a grim, violent tone. Full reviews are expected around October 21 as the embargo lifts.
Box-office outlook: Tracking points to a modest domestic opening in the roughly $23–33 million range (some updates around the low-to-mid $20s, with presales activity noted).
The reported budget is low for a comic-book film (~$30–40 million range), so it does not need blockbuster numbers to succeed.
It faces competition that weekend (including other genre/holiday releases).
Other recent notes:
- The full “final form” of Clayface has largely been kept out of trailers for the theatrical reveal (actor Tom Rhys Harries has called it “f***ing sick”). Promo merch, standees, and limited screening glimpses show a melty/muddy, monstrous design; some of Matt Hagen’s appearance remains in the on-screen version according to those who have seen it. A version of the character previously appeared in the animated Creature Commandos.
- James Gunn has indicated the character will return in future DCU projects.
- Cast/crew interviews highlight themes of identity, vanity, Hollywood’s beauty industry, scientific hubris, and the horror of no longer recognizing yourself. Practical prosthetics and effects play a big role.
The film is positioned as a Halloween-timed event release.
For the absolute latest (including full reviews once available), check major outlets like Variety, Deadline, or the official site.
