‘Clayface’ Final Trailer Unleashes the Full Body Horror of DC’s Shape-Shifter

Part classic movie monster, part body horror nightmare, and part cautionary tale about fame and identity, Clayface has been one of DC’s most fascinating villains for decades.

Now, the final trailer offers the best look yet at the shape-shifting villain’s gruesome transformation and the body horror at the center of his story. With James Gunn steering the DC Universe, the shape-shifting villain is getting a new story, a new look, and a full-fledged horror reimagining.

With DC Studios bringing a new version of the shape-shifting character to the big screen, here’s everything you need to know before he oozes into theaters.

When will Clayface premiere?

The movie is set to release in theaters on October 23, 2026.

Who is Clayface in the comics?

Created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger in 1940’s Detective Comics #40, Clayface was a villain who got his start as deranged actor Basil Karlo, who killed the cast and crew of the remake of “his greatest movie.”

The shapeshifting abilities most associated with the character originated with the second Clayface, Matt Hagen. Hagen became a shapeshifting metahuman after diving into an underwater grotto and being exposed to a pool of radioactive goo (protoplasm).

A third Clayface was Preston Payne, a scientist who gave himself a variant of the Clayface formula to cure a medical condition, as well as Lady Clayface (Sondra Fuller) and Cassius Payne, the son of  Clayface III and Lady Clayface. But the main Clayfaces were Karlo and Hagan.

Who is Clayface in this film?

Clayface in the upcoming DC Studios film is a new version of Matt Hagen, now an up-and-coming actor. After a vicious local gangster disfigures him, he volunteers for an experimental medical treatment that transforms him into a shape-shifting, living-clay monster. He is played by actor Tom Rhys Harries.

Is this Clayface part of the Batman universe?

Clayface is part of Batman’s infamous Rogues’ Gallery, alongside the Riddler, the Joker, and Catwoman. So, where does this movie stand?

This version of Clayface is featured in both this body-horror film and in Creature Commandos, which is part of the DC Universe. This incarnation acts as a prequel to the broader DCU franchise. However, as far as we know, it is separate from Matt Reeves‘ The Batman universe.

When the film was announced in Variety back in 2024, it stated that Matt Reeves was producing the film, which implied it was part of The Batman franchise. However, DC head honcho Gunn has since made it clear that “Clayface is in the DCU” (per Gizmodo), meaning the film is in the same universe as the Superman films, but not The Batman films, as those films are considered “DC Elseworlds.”

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Who stars in Clayface?

Tom Rhys Harries stars as actor Matt Hagen, Naomi Ackie as Caitlyn Corr, and Max Minghella as John. The film aslo stars Nancy Carroll, Tanya Moodie, Eddie Marsan, David Dencik, Sonita Henry, and Ruby Sear.

Who is behind Clayface?

Clayface is directed by James Watkins, who is best known for his disturbing horror films Eden Lake and Speak No Evil. The script is by Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini.

Clayface is based on characters from DC. The film is produced by Matt Reeves, Lynn Harris, James Gunn, and Peter Safran, with Michael E. Uslan, Rafi Crohn, Paul Ritchie, Chantal Nong Vo, and Lars P. Winther executive producing.

Is there a trailer?

Indeed. Behold its body-horror majesty above.