The DCU's Clayface Horror-Thriller Just Wrapped Filming, What's Next?

Get ready for a super-creepy new take on a classic Batman villain! The DCU's R-rated Clayface movie has just finished shooting, promising a body horror ride unlike anything we've seen from DC before.

TL;DR: Quick Bites on Clayface

• Filming for the DCU's R-rated Clayface movie, starring Tom Rhys Harries, has officially wrapped after a speedy two-month production.
• Directed by James Watkins and written by Mike Flanagan, the film is described as a horror-thriller, focusing on Matt Hagen's tragic transformation into the shape-shifting villain.
• Fans can expect a dark, psychological, and physically unsettling origin story that deviates from traditional superhero fare, hitting theaters September 11, 2026.

Cameras Off: The Clayface Movie Has Finished Principal Photography!

Hold onto your hats, DC fans (especially the ones who love a good scare)! The highly anticipated, R-rated Clayface movie for James Gunn's Dcu has officially wrapped principal photography. Lead actor Tom Rhys Harries, who's bringing the titular villain to life, shared the news on his Instagram, signaling that the cameras have stopped rolling.

This is a pretty big deal, especially considering production kicked off relatively recently, around August 31, 2025. A two-month filming schedule for a superhero (or supervillain) movie is a surprisingly quick turnaround, hinting that the project might align with a lower budget strategy, allowing for more time in the extensive post-production phase needed for all that gooey, shape-shifting body horror we're expecting.

Diving Deep into the Cryptic Clues from Set and Instagram

If you've been following the breadcrumbs, you know this isn't going to be your typical spandex-clad superhero flick. Tom Rhys Harries' wrap photo on Instagram was more than just a selfie; it was a psychological roadmap, packed with eerie details that screamed "body horror." We're talking cryptic phrases scrawled on a mirror like "Want in one hand, shit in the other. See which gets full first," and a partial quote from Shel Silverstein's "Where the Sidewalk Ends."

Around the mirror, there were cutouts and images – a figure with a paper bag over its head, a disfigured silhouette, vintage Gotham street scenes (a nice nod to the broader Batman universe), and what looked like a shirtless, scarred man. All of it points to a deep, unsettling descent into madness and physical transformation, less superhero movie and more psychological thriller in the vein of a film like Se7en.

"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 on X (October 26, 2025)

Who's Behind This Unconventional DC Universe Story?

The vision for this unique Clayface film started with Mike Flanagan, the brilliant mind behind horror hits like The Haunting of Hill House. Flanagan has been vocal about wanting to explore the tragic side of this Batman foe, pitching a "horror-leaning" take to DC Studios. James Gunn himself admitted he didn't plan on a Clayface movie until Flanagan's "wonderful idea" and "great script" convinced him.

Flanagan's script draws heavily from the iconic "Feat of Clay" two-part episode of Batman: The Animated Series, which delved into the sorrowful origin of Matt Hagen. While Hossein Amini (known for Drive) came on for a rewrite, Gunn has assured fans that the core "Mike's story" remains intact. Directing this unsettling tale is James Watkins, whose resume includes the chilling Speak No Evil, making him a perfect fit for the movie's horror-thriller genre.

The Talented Cast Bringing Clayface to Life

The cast for Clayface is shaping up to be fantastic, with a mix of established and rising stars ready to dive into Gotham's darker corners:

• Tom Rhys Harries as Matt Hagen/Clayface: The washed-up B-movie actor whose desperate quest for relevance leads to a horrifying transformation.
• Naomi Ackie as Caitlin Bates: Matt Hagen's love interest and doctor, whose role is likely pivotal in his tragic journey.
• Max Minghella reportedly as John: A detective who is also Caitlin Bates' fiancé, adding another layer of conflict and suspicion to the story.
• Eddie Marsan also listed as a cast member.

James Gunn's description of Clayface as a "perennially misunderstood villain" hints that we'll be getting a nuanced portrayal, much like the acclaimed 2019 Joker film, rather than a one-dimensional monster. This aligns with Flanagan's desire to focus on the character's tragic origins, exploring his struggle with identity and loss of humanity.

What to Expect from This R-Rated Body Horror Entry in the DCU

This isn't just another superhero movie; it's a deep dive into psychological and physical horror. The film will explore Matt Hagen's desperate injection of a mysterious substance, leading to a slow, gruesome transformation. Given the R-rating and the "body horror" descriptions, expect visuals that are both disturbing and impactful, likely combining practical makeup effects with cutting-edge CGI to truly bring Clayface's malleable form to life.

While Batman hasn't been cast for the DCU yet, hints of his presence (like a "Wayne Community Center" sign) suggest a connection to the larger Gotham universe. This film is the third movie in the DCU's Chapter 1: "Gods and Monsters" slate, following 2025's Superman, and its success could set a precedent for other character-driven, mid-to-lower budget projects within the franchise.

The lengthy post-production period, nearly a year long, is a positive sign, allowing plenty of time for visual effects, editing, and potentially reshoots to perfect this ambitious vision. Fans who've hoped for a more unconventional, character-focused take on DC villains are in for a treat.

When Can We See This Unique Villain Origin Story?

Mark your calendars, because Clayface is set to unleash its horror on the big screen relatively soon!

• Theatrical Release Date: September 11, 2026

While streaming details aren't out yet, as a DCU film, it's safe to assume it will eventually find its home on HBO Max, which already streams a wealth of DC content.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Clayface Movie

What is the Clayface movie about?

The Clayface movie is described as an R-rated horror-thriller, focusing on Matt Hagen, a washed-up B-movie actor who injects himself with a mysterious substance to stay relevant, leading to a slow and horrific loss of his humanity as he transforms into the shape-shifting villain Clayface.

Who is directing and writing the Clayface film?

James Watkins, known for directing Speak No Evil, is at the helm. The script was initially written by Mike Flanagan (The Haunting of Hill House) and then further developed by Hossein Amini, with James Gunn ensuring Flanagan's core story remains intact.

Will Batman appear in the Clayface movie?

While Clayface is a classic Batman villain, there has been no formal announcement of Batman appearing or being cast for the DCU. However, set photos have hinted at Batman's presence in Gotham, suggesting that the Caped Crusader's world will definitely be felt, even if he doesn't physically show up.

What is the expected rating for the Clayface movie?

The Clayface movie is confirmed to be R-rated, aligning with its horror and body horror themes to deliver a truly unsettling and mature take on the character.

Sources

• Various News Outlets (via provided articles)