Clayface trailer shows off classic Batman villain in dark new body horror starring memorable Doctor Who guest star

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The initial trailer for the upcoming Clayface movie is here, and it appears to be a truly frightening horror film.

Tom Rhys Harries stars in a new horror movie that tells the disturbing origin story of one of Batman’s most frightening villains. The film is a body horror experience, reminiscent of the movie The Substance.

Similar to the character played by Demi Moore in Disclosure, who desperately tried to regain her youth, actor Harries will portray Matt Hagen, a Hollywood star whose appearance is destroyed by the dangerous side of pursuing scientific advancement.

The teaser doesn’t reveal exactly how Matt changes, but the result is shocking: his face becomes incredibly flexible, almost like clay. This leaves him looking distorted and deeply troubled, a far cry from who he used to be.

The trailer is deliberately mysterious, but one striking image stands out: Harries’ character is shown with bloodied bandages covering his face, leaving only his deeply troubled eyes visible. The effect is incredibly unsettling.

Watch here, if you dare:

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Harries is known for playing charming and attractive characters, recently portraying popular influencer Ricky September in the satirical Doctor Who episode ‘Dot and Bubble’.

Naomi Ackie, known for her role in ‘I Wanna Dance with Somebody’, and Max Minghella, from ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’, are joining the cast of Clayface. They will play Dr. Caitlin Bates, an experimental scientist, and a Gotham City police detective, respectively. Eddie Marsan, who starred in ‘King & Conqueror’, will also appear in a currently secret role.

This new project marks DC Studios’ first dedicated horror movie. The screenplay is written by Mike Flanagan, known for his acclaimed horror series like ‘The Haunting of Hill House’ and ‘Midnight Mass’.

James Watkins is directing, bringing his experience with thrillers like “The Woman in Black” starring Daniel Radcliffe, and “Speak No Evil” featuring James McAvoy, to the project.

The introduction of Clayface happens as discussions continue about Batman’s future in movies. Robert Pattinson is set to return as Batman in ‘The Batman: Part II,’ but James Gunn is also developing his own take on the character, which will exist in the same universe as David Corenswet’s Superman.

According to reports, this project is set within the same DC Universe as shows and movies like Peacemaker, Supergirl, and the upcoming Lanterns. However, it appears to be heavily influenced by the look and feel of Matt Reeves’s The Batman and its spin-off, The Penguin.

The trailer for Clayface does suggest Matt Hagen will eventually become a major villain, even showing a moment directly from the comics where his arm turns into a massive weapon. However, Batman likely won’t be in the film.

This unsettling beginning could lead to a bigger conflict later on. Or, it might simply be a fun scare for Halloween, and honestly, we’re good with either possibility.

Clayface is headed to cinemas on 23 October 2026.

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Authors

David CraigSenior Drama Writer

David Craig writes about television and streaming drama and comedy for TopMob. Before that, he worked at Starburst Magazine and hosted The Winter King Podcast on ITVX. He’s a journalism graduate from the University of Sheffield.

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2026-04-23 13:37