DC is getting into the Halloween spirit with the release of Clayface, a body-horror take on Batman's shapeshifting villain. The film, starring Tom Rhys Harries as the disfigured actor Matt Hagen, hit theaters this weekend, and early box office numbers are in. While the movie's Thursday previews pulled in an estimated $3.5 million, that's a far cry from the $7.8 million that Supergirl earned in its previews earlier this summer. However, the comparison isn't entirely apples to apples—Supergirl's total included Wednesday fan screenings, while Clayface's figure is just from Thursday. Still, the gap is notable.
Directed by James Watkins and written by Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini, Clayface is a deliberate departure from the studio's previous superhero fare. It's a grimy, gruesome introduction to Gotham, leaning into horror rather than spectacle. That's a calculated bet by James Gunn and Peter Safran, who are hoping to attract both comic-book fans and horror audiences in the lead-up to Halloween. The question is whether that combination can sustain the film through its opening weekend, especially given Supergirl's struggles at the box office.
A Budget Advantage
While Clayface is trailing Supergirl in previews, its financial outlook is much healthier. The reported production budget for Clayface is just $44 million, compared to Supergirl's hefty $170 million. That's a $126 million difference before marketing costs, meaning Clayface needs to earn far less to break even. Early domestic projections put its opening weekend between $20 million and $25 million, which would be a solid start for a horror film with a modest budget.
The film's critical reception is also a point in its favor. Clayface currently holds a 75% Certified Fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes, while Supergirl sits at a lackluster 52%. That positive buzz could help drive word-of-mouth and attract viewers who might otherwise skip a superhero villain origin story.
A Horror Gamble That Pays Off?
At its core, Clayface is a story about desperation and transformation. Harries plays Matt Hagen, an actor whose attempt to fix his disfigured face goes horribly wrong, leaving him trapped in a monstrous body. The film's body horror is unflinching, but Harries brings a vulnerability to the role that makes Matt's plight feel tragically human. His chemistry with Naomi Ackie, who plays Dr. Caitlyn Corr, adds an emotional layer to the chaos, making their relationship as compelling as the grotesque visuals.
For fans of the DC Universe, Clayface also sets up a new Gotham, confirming that Batman is already active in this world. That connection could be a draw for those invested in the larger franchise, even if the film itself is a standalone horror story. If you're curious about how it fits into the bigger picture, check out our analysis of the Gotham setup.
What's Next for DC?
The success of Clayface could have implications for DC's future slate. If the film performs well, it might encourage the studio to take more risks with its lesser-known characters, especially in the horror genre. Mike Flanagan's involvement has already generated buzz, and the film's Rotten Tomatoes score suggests the gamble is paying off critically. Whether it pays off commercially remains to be seen, but the early numbers are promising given the budget.
As the weekend unfolds, all eyes will be on whether Clayface can maintain its momentum. The Thursday turnout is just the first piece of the puzzle, and horror audiences often show up later in the weekend. With Halloween just around the corner, the film has a chance to become a seasonal favorite—provided viewers are willing to spend part of their weekend watching Matt Hagen fall apart. Clayface is now playing in theaters.
