Clayface
Clayface is scheduled to open in U.S. theaters on October 23, 2026. James Watkins directs DC Studios’ first horror film, with Tom Rhys Harries as Matt Hagen, a rising Hollywood star whose story becomes a descent into a revenge-filled monster.
- Release date
- October 23, 2026 in North America (October 21 internationally)
- Director
- James Watkins
- Writers
- Screenplay by Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini, story by Flanagan
- Studio
- DC Studios, distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures
- Producers
- Matt Reeves, Lynn Harris, James Gunn, and Peter Safran
- Next in the DCU
- Man of Tomorrow
What is Clayface about?
Clayface follows Matt Hagen, a rising Hollywood star who becomes a revenge-filled monster, in a story about lost identity and humanity, corrosive love, and the dark side of scientific ambition. It is a body horror film set in the DC Universe, and it is partly inspired by the Batman: The Animated Series two-parter “Feat of Clay.”
The character first appeared in Detective Comics #40 in June 1940, created by Bill Finger and Bob Kane.
Clayface cast
Tom Rhys Harries stars in the title role, with these actors in the cast.
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Tom Rhys Harries | Matt Hagen / Clayface |
| Naomi Ackie | Role not announced |
| David Dencik | Role not announced |
| Max Minghella | Role not announced |
| Eddie Marsan | Role not announced |
| Nancy Carroll | Role not announced |
| Joshua James | Role not announced |
Production details
- Based on
- Characters from DC
- Music
- Volker Bertelmann
- Cinematography
- Rob Hardy
- Production design
- James Price
- Editor
- Jon Harris
- Costume design
- Keith Madden
- Origins
- Mike Flanagan pitched the film to DC Studios in March 2023. It was greenlit in December 2024, and James Watkins was hired as director in February 2025.
- Filming
- Began in late summer 2025 in England, including Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden
Trailers and teasers
DC Studios released the first teaser on April 22, 2026, after a first look at CinemaCon. Later trailers followed, including the final trailer above.
Release date history
Clayface was first dated for September 11, 2026 and moved to October 23, 2026 in February 2026.
Clayface FAQ
When does Clayface come out?
October 23, 2026 in North America, and October 21, 2026 in international markets.
Who is directing Clayface?
James Watkins, who also directed Speak No Evil (2024). The screenplay is by Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini.
Who plays Clayface?
Tom Rhys Harries plays Matt Hagen / Clayface.
Is Clayface part of Matt Reeves’ Batman movies?
No. Clayface belongs to the DC Universe. Matt Reeves is a producer on the film, but his own Batman saga, including The Batman Part II, is separate.
Is Clayface a horror movie?
Yes. It is DC Studios’ first horror film.
What movie comes after Clayface?
Man of Tomorrow, scheduled for July 9, 2027.
Hear Chris and Mike talk about it: every Superhero Slate episode that covers Clayface. See every upcoming release on our release calendar.
