DC Studios is pushing boundaries with Clayface, a body-horror origin story that's already shocking critics and audiences. Set in the DCU's first live-action Gotham City, the film introduces a Batman operating in the shadows, but the real buzz is around its unflinching gore. Collider's own Gabrielle Moss called it "absolutely something you haven't seen in a DC film before," and the early reactions suggest this is a bold new direction for the franchise.
For Max Minghella, who plays Gotham PD Officer John Borrelli, saying yes to Clayface was a no-brainer. From Mike Flanagan's original script to James Watkins' fearless direction, Minghella knew this story of Matt Hagen's (Tom Rhys Harries) tragic transformation would resonate. In a recent interview with Steve Weintraub, Minghella praised Harries' "very physically taxing and emotionally taxing" performance, crediting him as the glue that holds the film together.
Minghella also pulled back the curtain on how the film achieved its most grotesque effects. Rather than relying heavily on CGI, Watkins kept things practical and tactile, using "old-fashioned movie techniques" to make the horror feel visceral and real. This approach not only grounds the film in a gritty reality but also gives the actors something tangible to react to, enhancing their performances.
Beyond Clayface, Minghella is set to appear in the upcoming season of HBO's The White Lotus. While he couldn't reveal much about his character, he teased that he's "not a principal actor" but is coming in for "a little fun piece" that's "really special." He got the role through his friendship with producer Dave Bernad, and his admiration for creator Mike White made the opportunity even sweeter.
Minghella also opened up about directing two episodes of Ryan Murphy's The Shards, an adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis's novel. As a self-proclaimed "loud" fan of Ellis, Minghella called the experience "probably the most joyous experience of my professional career." He credited his connection to Kaia Gerber, whom he directed in his last film, and his previous conversations with Murphy's team for landing the gig.
During the interview, Minghella shared what it's like to learn from the directors he works with. He specifically highlighted Watkins' "incredible" manner with actors, saying he felt "so looked after and so seen" on the Clayface set. He also praised Chris Messina, his White Lotus co-star, for some "really amazing stuff" that he plans to steal for his own directing.
Minghella's enthusiasm for Clayface is palpable. He saw the film at a press screening and was thrilled to see it connect with the audience, even in that high-pressure environment. He's eager to experience it with a general crowd, and he believes the film's practical effects and Harries' committed performance will leave a lasting impression.
With Clayface already making waves at the box office, it's clear that DC is taking risks that are paying off. For more on the film's success, check out Clayface's strong opening day and its October 2026 release date. And if you're curious about other genre projects, don't miss LAIKA's Travis Knight teasing his new films.
