The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 27, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Entertainment›Film›Clayface (film)
Entertainment • Film

Clayface (film)

Clayface is an upcoming American superhero body horror film based on the DC Comics character Clayface.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Clayface is an upcoming American superhero body horror film based on the DC Comics character Clayface. Directed by James Watkins, it stars Tom Rhys Harries as Matt Hagen / Clayface and is scheduled for theatrical release in 2026. It is planned as the third film in the DC Universe (DCU).

Premise

The film follows actor Matt Hagen, whose face is disfigured and who seeks help from a scientist. The procedure transforms his body into clay, turning him into the shape-shifting villain Clayface.

Cast

Tom Rhys Harries stars as Matt Hagen / Clayface. The supporting cast includes Naomi Ackie, David Dencik, Max Minghella, Eddie Marsan, Nancy Carroll, and Joshua James.

Production

Clayface is directed by James Watkins and written by Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini, with a story by Flanagan. It is produced by DC Studios alongside Matt Reeves and Lynn Harris, with James Gunn and Peter Safran involved through DC Studios.

Release

Warner Bros. Pictures is set to release the film theatrically in the United States on October 23, 2026. Promotional materials describe it as a DC Studios horror-thriller release.

Key facts

  • Based on the DC Comics character Clayface.
  • Tom Rhys Harries plays Matt Hagen / Clayface.
  • The film is described as a body horror story involving disfigurement and transformation into clay.
  • James Watkins directs from a screenplay by Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini.
  • It is produced by DC Studios with Matt Reeves, Lynn Harris, James Gunn, and Peter Safran among the producers.
  • The film is scheduled for a theatrical release in the United States on October 23, 2026.
🍁
Canadian context

No specific Canadian production, distribution, or setting connection is clearly established in the provided sources.

Frequently asked questions

What is Clayface (film) about?
It follows actor Matt Hagen, whose facial disfigurement leads him to undergo an experimental procedure that turns his body into clay and creates the villain Clayface.
Who stars in Clayface?
Tom Rhys Harries stars as Matt Hagen / Clayface. Naomi Ackie, David Dencik, Max Minghella, and Eddie Marsan are also in the cast.
Who directed Clayface?
James Watkins directs the film.
When is Clayface scheduled to be released?
It is scheduled for theatrical release in the United States on October 23, 2026.
Is Clayface part of the DC Universe?
Yes. It is described as the third film in the DC Universe (DCU).
What genre is Clayface?
It is described as a superhero body horror film.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clayface_(film)
    Supports: Basic film identification, director, cast, plot premise, DCU placement, and release date.
  2. DC Studios / YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6IxPD-jNdwM
    Supports: Official teaser details on genre, plot premise, cast, director, writers, and release date.
  3. Variety — https://variety.com/2026/film/news/clayface-trailer-batman-villain-1236509500/
    Supports: Trailer coverage, plot details, character background, and release timing.
  4. The Hollywood Reporter — https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/clayface-first-footage-dc-studios-flanagan-1236178333/
    Supports: Production details, budget reporting, and creative team information.