The first promotional image from DC Studios‘ Clayface movie has finally been revealed, featuring lead star Tom Rhys Harries as up-and-coming actor Matt Hagen.
The image gives fans a glimpse at the character’s promising career before the tragic event that disfigures his face. This comes ahead of the DC Universe body horror film’s highly anticipated theatrical release on October 23, 2026.
What does the Clayface photo tell us about the DCU movie’s themes?
The newly released image shows Matt Hagen on the front page cover of an entertainment magazine, calling him a “rising star.” This is reminiscent of the character’s backstory from Batman: The Animated Series, in which he was introduced as a once-famous actor. In the original show, Hellboy star Ron Perlman voiced Hagen, whose transformation into Clayface was triggered by a car accident that left him with a disfigured face. Fearing for his acting career, he grabbed the opportunity to work with corrupt businessman Roland Daggett, who gave him a beauty cream that could restore his face while also gaining the ability to transform into another person. In exchange for his cream supply, he must commit crimes on behalf of Daggett, including impersonating Bruce Wayne.
At the moment, it remains unknown if the upcoming Clayface movie will also be influenced by some parts of the character’s storyline in the animated show. However, with the magazine cover serving as the film’s first promo, it’s clear that the film’s themes will indeed lean on the character’s obsession with fame, vanity, and image as a celebrity. This makes it the perfect setup for the story’s dive into body horror. This is something that moviegoers have seen before with acclaimed movies like 2024’s The Substance. However, this kind of movie is definitely unique among superhero movies, making Clayface a standout.
The magazine cover of Matt Hagen also seemingly teased the creative team’s intention of holding off the character’s Clayface transformation reveal, building fans’ anticipation for the film. This is also a way for fans to connect with the character’s celebrity persona, making his horrific transformation more heartbreaking and terrifying.
Unlike most of the superhero movies that fans are used to getting, the live-action Clayface movie will tell a more grounded, human story by not relying on massive budgets and CGI effects. In a previous interview, DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn confirmed that the upcoming R-rated film will feature lots of practical effects as they aimed to replicate old-school body horror.
The new DCU film is directed by James Watkins, with horror filmmaker Mike Flanagan writing the screenplay. It is based on the fan-favorite villain created by writer Bill Finger and artist Sheldon Moldoff for DC Comics. The ensemble cast also includes Naomi Ackie, Max Minghella, Eddie Marsan, and David Dencik.
Originally reported by Maggie Dela Paz for SuperHeroHype.
