Movie Story, Cast, Release Date and Overview
About the Movie
Clayface is an upcoming American body horror and psychological thriller based on the DC Comics character of the same name. Produced by DC Studios, the film is directed by James Watkins, with a screenplay by Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini. It is part of the DC Universe (DCU) and takes a darker approach to superhero storytelling by exploring transformation, identity, revenge and the frightening consequences of scientific experimentation.
The film stars Tom Rhys Harries as Matt Hagen, a rising Hollywood actor whose promising career is destroyed after a brutal encounter with a local crime boss leaves him severely disfigured. Desperate to restore his appearance, Hagen turns to an experimental medical treatment that promises to bring back his former face. However, the procedure has terrifying consequences, transforming his body into living clay and gradually damaging his grip on reality.
As his physical transformation progresses, Hagen struggles to recognise himself and begins a destructive journey driven by anger and revenge. The film explores the frightening boundary between human identity and monstrosity.
Clayface is scheduled to arrive in theatres on October 23, 2026, with select international releases reportedly beginning earlier.
Movie Story and Synopsis
The story follows Matt Hagen, a young man who rises from the streets of Gotham to become a successful Hollywood actor. His growing fame and promising future come to a sudden end when a local crime boss brutally disfigures him, leaving him desperate to recover his former appearance.
Abandoned by those around him, Hagen seeks help through an experimental scientific treatment designed to repair his damaged face. The procedure initially appears miraculous, offering him the chance to reclaim his identity and return to the life he once knew.
However, the treatment comes with horrifying side effects. Hagen’s biology begins to change, turning his body into a malleable, clay-like substance. As he struggles to control his transformation, his mental state deteriorates and his sense of self begins to disappear.
Consumed by anger and a desire for revenge, Hagen descends into a terrifying transformation from a rising Hollywood star into a dangerous monster. His journey raises disturbing questions about identity, obsession and the price of scientific ambition.
With its focus on body horror, psychological tension and revenge, Clayface presents a chilling story about a man who risks losing his humanity in his attempt to regain his face.
Movie Cast and Characters
The film features an ensemble cast led by Tom Rhys Harries.
- Tom Rhys Harries as Matt Hagen / Clayface
- Naomi Ackie as Dr. Caitlyn Corr
- Max Minghella
- Eddie Marsan
- David Dencik
- Joshua James
Movie Crew and Production Details
- Movie Title: Clayface
- Release Year: 2026
- Director: James Watkins
- Screenplay: Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini
- Production Companies: DC Studios
- Producers: Matt Reeves, Lynn Harris, James Gunn and Peter Safran
- Genre: Body Horror, Psychological Thriller
- Based On: The Clayface character from DC Comics
- Franchise: DC Universe (DCU)
- Theatrical Release Date: October 23, 2026
Release Date
Clayface is scheduled for a theatrical release on October 23, 2026. Select international and regional screenings are reportedly planned to begin between October 21 and October 22, 2026.
Unlike a conventional superhero film focused on action and large-scale battles, Clayface explores the darker side of the DC Universe through psychological suspense and body horror. Its central transformation story places Matt Hagen’s identity and humanity at the heart of the narrative.
What Makes Clayface Different?
Clayface takes inspiration from DC Comics while presenting a disturbing story centred on physical transformation and psychological collapse. The living-clay concept provides opportunities for unsettling body-horror sequences, while Hagen’s struggle to recognise himself adds an emotional dimension to the film.
The story also explores the consequences of scientific ambition and the dangers of pursuing physical perfection at any cost. As Hagen’s transformation intensifies, the distinction between victim and monster becomes increasingly complicated.
Directed by James Watkins, the film aims to bring a horror-driven perspective to the DC Universe, combining revenge, mystery and psychological tension.
Conclusion
Clayface is an upcoming DC Studios body-horror thriller starring Tom Rhys Harries as Matt Hagen, a Hollywood actor whose attempt to restore his disfigured face turns him into a living-clay creature. Directed by James Watkins and written by Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini, the film explores revenge, identity and the terrifying consequences of experimental science.
With its darker tone and psychological focus, Clayface is scheduled to release in theatres on October 23, 2026.

