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Tom Rhys Harries has been cast as Clayface in DC Studios’ first horror film, with an official teaser trailer dropping today. The shape-shifting villain origin story arrives October 23, 2026.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Lead Star: Tom Rhys Harries plays struggling actor Matt Hagen who transforms into Clayface
- Release Date: October 23, 2026 in theaters and IMAX across North America
- Director: James Watkins, known for Speak No Evil
- Supporting Cast: Naomi Ackie, Max Minghella, Eddie Marsan, and David Dencik
A Shocking Casting for DC’s Darkest Project
Tom Rhys Harries brings intense credibility to the role of Matt Hagen. The British actor, known for roles in White Lines and The Gentlemen, transforms into the iconic Batman villain. The character begins as a struggling actor whose face undergoes a horrifying scientific transformation. His body becomes entirely made of clay, granting him shape-shifting powers.
This casting represents a bold choice by James Gunn’s DC Studios to ground the origin story in raw human drama. The material explores both the tragedy and horror of Hagen’s metamorphosis, making it far more than a typical superhero film.
Tom Rhys Harries cast as Clayface in DC Studios’ first horror film, new trailer drops
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DC Studios Takes a Dark Turn with Body Horror
Clayface marks a significant departure from standard superhero cinema. Director James Watkins, fresh off Speak No Evil, crafts this as an R-rated horror thriller. The film describes itself as DC’s version of The Fly, blending visceral body horror with emotional tragedy.
The teaser footage reveals Matt Hagen bandaged and bloodied in a hospital bed. The imagery leans heavily into grotesque transformation sequences. Screenwriter Mike Flanagan, known for Doctor Sleep, penned the script alongside Hossein Amini. This triple creative force signals serious artistic ambitions beyond typical superhero fare.
Full Cast and Production Details
| Detail | Information |
| Lead | Tom Rhys Harries as Matt Hagen/Clayface |
| Supporting Cast | Naomi Ackie, Max Minghella, Eddie Marsan, David Dencik |
| Release Date | October 23, 2026 |
| Rating | R-Rated |
Principal photography began on August 31, 2025 in Liverpool, England, under the working title Corinthians. The production recently wrapped filming this week, according to Harries himself. Rob Hardy served as cinematographer, returning from the upcoming DCU film Supergirl.
“A shape-shifting creature made of magical clay haunts Gotham City, alternating between villain and ally of Batman.”
— IMDb Description, Official Film Synopsis
The Trailer That Changes Everything
The official teaser dropped earlier today, unveiling Clayface’s horrific transformation for the first time publicly. The 1 minute, 8 second preview was first shown in-theater only at CinemaCon 2026 last week. The footage emphasizes body horror over action sequences, focusing on the emotional cost of metamorphosis.
Mike Flanagan, known for psychological horror, wanted this film to be thriller, tragedy, and horror simultaneously. He drew inspiration from Batman: The Animated Series episode Feat of Clay, reimagining the character for adult audiences. The result is grittier and far more unsettling than comic book adaptations typically allow.
Watch the Official Teaser
What Does This Mean for James Gunn’s DC Universe?
Clayface represents the third DCU film, following Superman and Supergirl. Unlike those entries, this project ventures into horror territory. The relatively modest budget of $40 million reflects Gunn’s confidence in different storytelling approaches. This isn’t a billion-dollar spectacle, it’s an intimate nightmare.
The success of Clayface could reshape how DC Studios approaches villain origin stories. Rather than comic book spectacle, the emphasis shifts to psychological breakdown and physical transformation. Tom Rhys Harries carries this burden entirely, making the entire film dependent on his performance commitment. Will audiences embrace such a dark interpretation of a Batman adversary?
