DC Studios is counting on the next horror experience involving Batman-related characters not striking a blow but smearing. It has just released the official trailer for Clayface, a horror thriller bringing one of the most beloved villain characters from the comics to the screen, helmed by James Watkins.
Tom Rhys Harries plays Matt Hagen, whose tragic past will make you think of him as perfect monster material. This man rises through the ranks of Gotham’s streets to become a Hollywood star but gets disfigured in the process of his struggle with a local crime boss. His fame becomes a nightmare, leaving him deserted by his associates and with nothing. Matt undergoes an advanced medical procedure that helps him regain his old face, but there is always a price to pay for miracles: in Hagen’s case, it leads him to lose control of his mind and take revenge.
Genre fans will shiver with fear at the thought of what is cooking in the writers’ room. Watkins directs the film written by horror mastermind Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini, with the original story created by Flanagan and featuring DC characters. Yes, that Flanagan – a horror filmmaker whose movies have fans hugging pillows because of their terrifying scenes – creates a body-horror movie about the man who can no longer recognize himself in the mirror. Expectations, meet yourselves.
Naomi Ackie, David Dencik, Max Minghella, and Eddie Marsan form the supporting cast, as well as Nancy Carroll and Joshua James.
There is a whole bunch of names behind the film’s production: Matt Reeves, Lynn Harris, James Gunn, and Peter Safran executive producing, and Michael E. Uslan, Chantal Nong Vo, Lars P. Winther, Rafi Crohn, and Paul Ritchie involved.
As far as the film’s technical team is concerned, Watkins has assembled the crew to make it look beautiful. Rob Hardy photographs the movie as director of photography; James Price constructs the film’s universe as a production designer; Jon Harris edits it; and Keith Madden costumes its characters. Volker Bertelmann writes the music, which will make your nerves scream in terror with each note played.
Clayface, a 6th & Idaho Production, a James Watkins Film, presented by DC Studios. Distribution by Warner Bros. Pictures.
Mark your calendars and take seats far from the very first row. The film will premiere exclusively in theaters, with no streaming options, and will open internationally on Oct. 21, 2026, followed by its American premiere on Oct. 23, 2026.
