DC Studios’ “Clayface” premiered on October 13, 2026, at Hollywood’s Legion Theater, drawing stars like Tom Rhys Harries, Naomi Ackie, and director James Watkins. Early reactions praise its brutal body horror, with critics calling it shockingly gruesome
and a standout entry in the DCU.
The R-rated horror film, directed by James Watkins and written by Mike Flanagan, debuted to a stoked crowd at the Hollywood Legion Theater on October 13, 2026. Stars Tom Rhys Harries, Naomi Ackie, and David Dencik were among those present, alongside DC Studios’ Peter Safran and Warner Bros. executives. The film, which follows the tragic origin of the Batman villain Clayface, arrives as DC continues to navigate challenges in its film releases.
Premiere and Cast Highlights
Deadline’s coverage of the premiere highlighted Harries’ transformation into the disfigured actor Matt Hagen, with the film’s $40 million budget noted in industry reports. The event also featured appearances from filmmakers, including James Watkins, and industry figures like David Ellison, who attended a private screening. Attendees included DC brass Peter Safran. Executive producer Michael Uslan, who wore a Thank you Bill Finger
pin, emphasized the film’s unique approach to villain storytelling, stating, There’s a way to do villains that Marvel hasn’t figured out.
CLAYFACE is the proof of concept of DC Studios: a movie that works on its own first, all shared universe considerations secondary. That it’s also a well-written, beautifully acted body horror/mad science/antihero monster movie à la THE FLY and DARKMAN is the bloody cherry on top. pic.twitter.com/e5j6O4wa8H
The cast included Tom Rhys Harries as Matt Hagen, Naomi Ackie, Max Minghella, David Dencik, Eddie Marsan, Nancy Carroll, and Joshua James. Additional supporting actors featured in the film were Francesca Corney, Ruby Sear, and Wil Coban. The premiere also saw appearances by filmmakers like James Watkins. The event was marked by enthusiastic reactions, with some attendees comparing the film’s impact to that of “Obsession.”
Critical Reception and Box Office Outlook
Early reactions, shared via social media and reviews, describe “Clayface” as a shockingly gruesome
blend of body horror and dark romance. The Hollywood Reporter cited critics calling it dark, violent, with little levity to offset the nastiness,
while JoBlo noted its grotesque imagery
and “absurd” tonal shifts. Some comparisons to classic horror films like The Fly and Darkman emerged, with critic Peter Gray noting its comic book flair
and “brutal” execution. Steven Weintraub praised the film as “fantastic,” emphasizing its “brutal scenes.”
Clayface was fantastic. An awesome addition to the DCU that doesn’t require any knowledge of DC to enjoy. It’s a hard R and loaded with brutal scenes that really surprised me. Audience freaked out a few times during my screening to what was being depicted on screen. Strong… pic.twitter.com/FcSmdPWZ0N
Social media reactions further amplified the film’s buzz. Brandon Davis of YouTube called it freakishly awesome,
praising Watkins’ unsettling Gotham
and Harries’ performance. Some viewers likened the film to “The Fly” and “The Substance”. The film’s R rating was justified by its strong bloody violence, gore, language, some nudity, and brief drug use, according to its official description.
Box office forecasts remain cautious. While the film’s $40 million production cost is modest, presales suggest an opening as low as $20 million, below estimates of $23–33 million. However, early screenings—attended by critics and fans—have generated obsession-level
buzz, with some calling it a “massive step” for DC’s horror ambitions. The film’s October 23 release date will test whether its R-rated intensity can attract broader audiences. Warner Bros. previously achieved success with Todd Phillips’ “Joker,” which grossed over a billion dollars, and “Clayface” is seen as a potential contender in that vein.
DCU’s New Direction
The project also aligns with DC Studios’ broader strategy under James Gunn and Peter Safran, who have sought to expand the DCU into diverse genres. “Clayface” is part of a slate including Man of Tomorrow
and “Swamp Thing,” with the latter’s script reportedly being written as we speak. The film’s success could influence future villain-centric projects, as executive producer Michael Uslan suggested DC’s approach breaks the mold
compared to Marvel’s.
An awesome addition to the DCU that doesn’t require any knowledge of DC to enjoy,
noted Steven Weintraub, while GamesRadar+ noted early reactions. With its October 23 premiere, “Clayface” could redefine DC’s approach to horror—or face the same scrutiny that plagued “Supergirl.” The film’s premiere marked an early screening ahead of its theatrical release, with Warner Bros. marketing executive Josh Goldstine also noted at the event. The event also highlighted the film’s potential to revitalize DC’s box office fortunes after “Supergirl’s” underperformance.
#Clayface has that comic book flair but that theatricality doesn’t diminish how BRUTAL it is! Dark, violent, with little levity to offset the nastiness, this is an exciting addition to Gunn’s DCU. Tom Rhys Harries brings equal boyish charm and quiet menace to the role. pic.twitter.com/dlBUKFORPL
More on Clayface
Oooweeeee I can finally get this off my chest! ‘Clayface’ is one of the best horrors of the year! Was not expecting it to perfectly mesh horror and romance! Warner Bros & DC cooked with this & Mike Flanagan does not miss with his scripts 🔥! Tom Rhys Harries shines in this gritty… pic.twitter.com/veu9aiowfZ
Clayface is something special, original, and completely different from any comic book movie we’ve seen before! It makes you feel for a villain and question whether psychological pain can be more devastating than physical pain, and I couldn’t take my eyes off the screen for a… pic.twitter.com/N0Qq7cXQYF
I love Clayface from the Batman comics, but James Watkins' movie does a good job of separating itself as a horror movie that doesn't require knowing anything beforehand. At its best, it reminded me of Sam Raimi's Darkman and Cronenberg's The Fly. Review and interview next week!
Clayface is a thriller that blends a propulsive Gotham crime story with shockingly gruesome body horror. This movie sets a new standard for the comic book villain movie and will win over DC and horror fans alike. @ClayfaceMovieDC @dcofficial #clayfacemovie pic.twitter.com/oj2Jb5wPfO
CLAYFACE is incredible! It molds Matt Hagen’s tragic backstory into a wildly gory spectacle. There are some crazy unique body horror moments that’ll make you squirm, but what I loved most is it’s also a heartfelt throwback to a bygone era of classic gothic romance films. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/WrkuT2yzOs
The hype for Clayface is REAL. Between Tom Rhys bringing the character to life and the promise of a darker, more psychological take on a comic book villain, we got something truly special. pic.twitter.com/O0tareBob3
This definitely felt like a VILLAIN movie and not an anti-hero ! Which makes it even better! I went in thinking it was going to be Venom and left excited it was a VILLAIN and dark movie! Clayface for the win!
James Watkins was showing off in #Clayface, flexing some practical effects and brutal ideas. Big win for horror fans.It’s really visceral, both in violent/bloody sense but also mentally. It’s a mindfuck at times with some dark, true villain turns by the end. Whewwwww. pic.twitter.com/cwYKVp4rdP
'CLAYFACE' is a shockingly gruesome horror that holds NOTHING back. It goes all the way with it’s grotesque imagery. Surprisingly, it’s also funny. The film goes from darkly depressing to wacky, colourful, and absurd. A welcome change of tone that proves the DCU can do it all. pic.twitter.com/xxtkodKwTN
#clayface is everything you want from a villain led movie. No more anti hero Bs, DC understands that tragic Villains can exist. I was harsh with Lanterns and Supergirl so I went into this movie excited, but nervous. This movie reminds you why Batman villains are different. pic.twitter.com/9ukhKhfGnj
#Clayface is one of the best DCU projects by a landslide. Brilliant story and character moments. This is made with love. It setups up for BIG things to come in the most exciting way I seen since 2025. Bring your tissues but not because it’s a sad movie. pic.twitter.com/brdFSEDgqG
#CLAYFACE: the body horror and Tom Rhys Harris's performance are genuinely excellent, but the story and some bizarre choices make this an odd third entry for a DCU still finding its identity. There's a lot to love here, even if not all of it works. pic.twitter.com/VsAFVn3j1w
#Clayface completely blew me away. It’s disgusting, inventive, and astonishingly funny and earnest. It slots into the DCU so effortlessly. You owe it to yourself to see it in a theater filled with other people’s reactions. pic.twitter.com/3K7oVrTscv
#Clayface rips! I attended the first-ever screening this past Sunday and my theater CHEERED. This is a straight-up body horror/monster movie that doesn’t hold back. It’s a special and GORY W for the DCU! You guys aren’t ready for this one!More to come! Follow me for more! pic.twitter.com/0x6Qzhcx5d
#CLAYFACE is so gross & yet you can’t look away. I’m not a fan of horror but this was a masterpiece.@TomRhysHarries delivers a star making performance that’s charismatic & horrifying. Naomi Ackie is equally as powerful.I watched the entire movie like this 🫣 I’m blown away. pic.twitter.com/NOKnzZpu61
#Clayface is a MASSIVE step for DC Studios. It’s gross, it’s scary, and it’s a FANTASTIC entry. Tom Rhys Harries is awesome as Clayface, and I hope we get to see more DC villains getting their spotlight in the future!!!
I don’t know what DC Studios was thinking. They sold this as a deep, tragic "body horror" movie, but it just felt like a cheap knockoff of The Fly and The Substance with a DC skin slapped on it.#Clayface ⭐⭐ pic.twitter.com/E5zqFksrnt
#Clayface is freakishly awesome.Watkins makes an unsettling Gotham and gets very creative with Clayface’s abilities. Gruesome, dark moments and twisted ideas at play.Tom Rhys Harries is a star, literally in the movie and for his performance. Dude kills it. Well done by all. pic.twitter.com/nkKXaDLzFH
New review for #Clayface on letterboxed pic.twitter.com/q3v4KaUenZ
The movie does such a fantastic job introducing us to Clayface, it’ll be an absolute shame if we don’t see him go toe-to-toe with Batman in the future. However, don’t go hoping for Bats. Just go see Clayface because it’s an unsettling and viscerally grotesque monster movie.
CLAYFACE – "Joker" meets "The Substance" in Gotham City. DC goes for dark and tragic body-horror this spooky season. A bit silly at times but lots of gore. Some scenes were so intense I couldn't watch. #clayface #firstreactions pic.twitter.com/zErQGB50tv
Clayface is a gritty throwback to not only the hardboiled revenge thrillers and low-budget horror flicks of the ‘50s and ‘60s but also to the cult classics of the ‘80s and ‘90s that paid homage to them. A fun time.
Saw Clayface last night. It’s so much fun. A tribute to the silly, gory horror B movie where barely anyone talks like a real person. Review coming to @DiscussingFilm