DC Studios Explores the Dark Side in Stand-Alone Feature on Classic Bat-Villain

DC Studios is taking a bold step into body horror with its upcoming standalone feature film Clayface, based on the classic Batman villain. The film, directed by James Watkins from a screenplay by Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini, will be the third installment in the DC Universe (DCU) and is scheduled for release on October 23, 2026.

The project stars Tom Rhys Harries as Matt Hagen, the actor who becomes the shape-shifting villain Clayface after his face is disfigured and he turns to a scientist, portrayed by Naomi Ackie, who transforms his body into clay. Additional cast members include Max Minghella, David Dencik, and Eddie Marsan.

Clayface is produced by Matt Reeves, Lynn Harris, James Gunn, and Peter Safran of DC Studios. Mike Flanagan, who initially expressed interest in a Clayface film during the DCEU era, pitched the project to DC Studios in March 2023. His involvement was confirmed in December 2024 as part of the DCU, though he stepped down as director due to scheduling conflicts, leading to Watkins being hired in February 2025.

The film draws heavy inspiration from the Batman: The Animated Series two-parter “Feat of Clay,” which explored Hagen’s tragic transformation into Clayface. Early footage debuted at CinemaCon in April 2026, showcasing a body horror approach that distinguishes the film from previous DC villain-centric projects like Joker and The Penguin.

With an estimated budget of approximately $40 million, Clayface is being positioned as a darker, more experimental entry in the DCU, emphasizing practical effects and psychological depth in its portrayal of one of Batman’s most visually striking adversaries.