DCU's Clayface Movie: Get Ready for R-Rated Body Horror and a Tragic Villain Story

The DC Universe is about to get a whole lot darker and more visceral with the upcoming Clayface movie. This isn't your typical superhero flick; it's shaping up to be a genuinely unique entry in James Gunn's Dcu, promising an R-rated body horror experience and a fresh, tragic take on one of Batman's most iconic, yet often misunderstood, villains.

TL;DR: The Quick Scoop on DCU's Clayface Movie

• The DCU's Clayface movie is an R-rated body horror film, set to haunt theaters on September 11, 2026.
• Actor Tom Rhys Harries stars as Matt Hagen, portraying Clayface as a tragic figure, heavily inspired by the beloved Batman: The Animated Series episode "Feat of Clay."
• Originally conceived for Matt Reeves' Elseworlds, Clayface has officially been integrated into James Gunn's core DCU Chapter 1: "Gods and Monsters," promising a distinct tonal departure from other DCU projects.

The Dark, Gritty World of Clayface Takes Shape in the DCU

Forget the bright, optimistic tones of Superman for a moment, because the DCU is about to dive headfirst into something truly unsettling with Clayface. James Gunn, co-CEO of DC Studios, isn't just talking about variety in the DCU; he's actively delivering it. He's called Clayface a "complete horror film" and an "R-rated body-horror film," a bold move that promises a fresh, intense experience for audiences.

Behind the camera, we've got James Watkins, known for his work on horror and thrillers like Eden Lake and The Woman in Black, directing. But perhaps even more exciting for horror fans is the involvement of Mike Flanagan, the acclaimed writer and director behind spooky hits like The Haunting of Hill House and Midnight Mass. Flanagan penned the script, ensuring that the film will have a strong foundation in genuine horror storytelling.

Flanagan himself revealed that his screenplay was "heavily inspired" by the iconic two-part episode "Feat of Clay" from Batman: The Animated Series. For many, that Ron Perlman-voiced portrayal of Clayface was definitive, blending tragedy with monstrous transformation. Flanagan explicitly stated, "That two-parter knocked me out... that is absolutely what inspired my script. That is the world I wanted to live in. Batman: The Animated Series when I was growing up was my Batman." This deep respect for the source material, coupled with a horror master at the helm, is a fantastic sign for fans.

Tom Rhys Harries Brings Matt Hagen's Tragic Tale to Life on the Big Screen

At the heart of this body horror tale is Matt Hagen, the iteration of Clayface portrayed by British actor Tom Rhys Harries. Harries is set to bring this "perennially misunderstood villain" to life, as James Gunn himself teased on social media. This portrayal leans into the character's more tragic origins: an actor whose career desperation leads to a disfiguring transformation and extreme methods, ultimately turning him into a Gotham antagonist.

And here's some fresh news straight from the set: Tom Rhys Harries recently announced on his Instagram story that the film's principal photography is wrapping up this week! Filming began on August 31, 2025, meaning the cast and crew have been hard at work bringing this story to life. With such an early wrap (late October 2025) for a September 2026 release, the film has a generous post-production period of nearly a year, which is a great indicator, especially for a movie expected to be heavy on visual effects for Clayface's unique transformation.

Joining Rhys Harries in the cast are Naomi Ackie and Max Minghella, along with Eddie Marsan. While their roles haven't been fully detailed yet, their presence further deepens the ensemble for what promises to be an intense narrative.

"Happy Anniversary to the perennially misunderstood villain, Clayface. Can’t wait for you to see @TomRhysHarries bring him to life on the big screen!"

— James Gunn, DC Studios Co-CEO

Breaking the Mold: How Clayface Fits into James Gunn's Diverse DCU Vision

Clayface isn't just another villain origin story; it's a statement about the direction of the new DCU. James Gunn has made it clear he doesn't want a "company style" dictating the look and feel of his universe. Instead, he champions individual artists' visions, aiming to "invigorate people" by avoiding boredom and franchise fatigue. This means Clayface can fully embrace its horror roots, standing in stark contrast to the heroic optimism of films like Superman.

This film will be the third live-action movie in Gunn's new DCU timeline and a crucial part of Chapter 1: "Gods and Monsters." Its position as a villain-focused, R-rated horror project could highlight the "dichotomy" that Gunn is building in this inaugural phase, showing the breadth of storytelling possible within a shared universe. Plus, the official description hints that this Clayface will "haunt Gotham City, alternating between villain and ally of Batman." This aligns with James Gunn's "misunderstood villain" comments and even recent DC comics where Clayface briefly joined the Bat-Family during the DC Rebirth era, suggesting a complex character arc and potential for future appearances beyond his solo film.

Interestingly, this isn't the first time Clayface has appeared in the DCU – he was already introduced in animated form in Creature Commandos, voiced by Alan Tudyk. This live-action movie could very well serve as an origin story for that animated character, further establishing his place and history within the new canon. And while we don't have a new Batman officially cast for the DCU's The Brave and The Bold movie yet, set photos for Clayface have hinted at Bruce Wayne's presence in Gotham, with glimpses of a "Wayne Community Center." So, even if the Caped Crusader doesn't show up physically, his world will certainly be felt.

The Journey from Elseworlds to the Core DCU: A Surprising Shift for Clayface

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Clayface movie's development is its surprising journey. It was initially conceived by Mike Flanagan in 2023 as a project for Matt Reeves' Elseworlds universe – the same universe as Robert Pattinson's The Batman and its spin-off, The Penguin. This Batman Epic Crime Saga was meant to explore unique, self-contained stories.

However, when Clayface was officially greenlit in 2024, DC Studios made a significant pivot, moving the film into the core DCU under James Gunn and Peter Safran. Matt Reeves does remain a producer, but the move signifies a clear intent for the character to be part of the larger, interconnected universe. This shift likely grants the film more creative freedom to commit to its R-rated body horror tone, which might have conflicted with the "gritty noir" aesthetic of Reeves' Batman saga. While there were rumors in 2023 about Clayface potentially being a villain in The Batman - Part II, this shift to the DCU makes that scenario highly unlikely, especially given the recent script changes for Reeves' sequel.

Anticipating the Clayface Premiere: What to Expect and When to Watch

Mark your calendars, because Clayface is set to open in theaters on September 11, 2026. With principal photography having just wrapped, the nearly year-long post-production phase gives the filmmakers ample time to perfect the complex visual effects necessary for Clayface's transformations and body horror elements. It’s always a good sign when a movie has plenty of time in post, and it also leaves room for potential reshoots if needed in 2026, ensuring the best possible product.

This film is poised to be a pivotal, and perhaps shocking, entry in the burgeoning DCU. By embracing a distinct horror genre and a deeply tragic villain, James Gunn's vision for a diverse, artist-driven cinematic universe truly begins to take shape. Fans can look forward to a fresh, terrifying, and emotionally resonant take on a classic Batman foe that will redefine what a superhero movie can be.

Frequently Asked Questions About the DCU Clayface Movie

• When does the Clayface movie come out?

  The Clayface movie is scheduled to be released in theaters on September 11, 2026.

• What is the Clayface movie's rating and genre?

  It is confirmed to be an R-rated body-horror film, promising a complete horror experience within the DCU.

• Who is playing Clayface in the DCU?

  Tom Rhys Harries has been cast as Matt Hagen, who will become Clayface in the DCU film.

• Will Batman appear in the Clayface movie?

  No actor has been publicly cast as the DCU's Batman, and there's no formal announcement of Batman appearing. However, set photos have hinted at the Caped Crusader's presence in Gotham City.

Sources

• Content synthesized from various entertainment news outlets, including ScreenRant, ComicBook.com, The Direct, ComicBookMovie.com, FandomWire, The Hollywood Reporter, Variety Film + TV, TV Regular, and Slash Film.