The DC Universe has never shied away from dark corners, but its latest villain is about to take things to a whole new level of grotesque. New TV spots for Clayface have surfaced, offering a chilling preview of Matt Hagen's horrifying transformation—and making it crystal clear why this movie is earning the DCU's first R-rating.
Directed by James Watkins and penned by Mike Flanagan, Clayface is shaping up to be less of a conventional superhero origin story and more of a visceral body-horror nightmare. The story follows Hagen, a rising actor whose career is shattered when a brutal attack leaves his face disfigured. Desperate to reclaim his looks, he turns to an experimental treatment that promises restoration—but instead, it warps his body into an unstable, ever-shifting mass, setting him on a path of violent revenge.
A Transformation That's Hard to Watch
The newly released TV spots give audiences their most graphic look yet at Hagen's metamorphosis. In one unsettling sequence, his eyes visibly bulge from his skull during a red-carpet event, while his face stretches and contorts beyond human limits. Another shot teases the massive, amorphous creature he's destined to become, though the full Clayface design remains under wraps. What's clear is that this transformation is agonizing—both physically and emotionally—and the footage doesn't shy away from the pain and loss of control that define it.
Tom Rhys Harries steps into the role of Hagen, bringing a tragic vulnerability to the character. Naomi Ackie co-stars as Dr. Caitlin Bates, a scientist who tries to make sense of his impossible condition. In one clip, Bates attempts to explain what's happening as Hagen pleads, 'What's happening to my body?' That exchange underscores the film's approach: Clayface is a victim before he's a monster, and the emotional fallout of his change is just as important as the gore.
Gotham Without Batman
The footage also expands our view of Gotham City, including a glimpse of Gotham Harbour, proving that this corner of the DCU can stand on its own without the Dark Knight looming over every frame. The supporting cast includes David Dencik, Max Minghella, Eddie Marsan, Nancy Carroll, and Joshua James, all of whom will help bring this twisted tale to life.
Watkins has cited Sam Raimi's unflinching horror style as a major influence, and the eye-popping transformation already suggests Clayface will push the DCU into territory it's never dared to explore. For fans of horror that lingers long after the credits roll, this is shaping up to be a must-see.
A Halloween Release That Fits
Clayface is set to hit theaters on October 23, making it a perfectly timed scare for the Halloween season. While the full creature design is being saved for the big screen, these latest spots offer the clearest indication yet of just how disturbing Hagen's journey will be. If you're looking for a superhero movie that trades capes for carnage, this one's got your number.
For more on the DCU's evolving slate, check out Chris Mundy's plans for HBO's gritty sci-fi detective series or Brad Bird's noir animated comeback for a different kind of dark storytelling.
