New Clayface Set Photo Gives Us the Best Look Yet at DC Villain

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DC Studios is currently working on over a dozen films for its new cinematic universe, but only two have definite release dates: Supergirl and Clayface. The latter is an intriguing project that was quickly moved into production after studio heads James Gunn and Peter Safran received a completed script from renowned horror director Mike Flanagan, which they couldn’t resist. With filming now underway, fans have been taking set photos that offer glimpses of the movie’s world, such as nods to the Joker and a new design for Gotham City Police Department vehicles. As production continues, a new image from the set provides the best close-up look yet at the main villain, portrayed by Tom Rhys Harries.

The circulating Reddit photo from the r/DCU_ community reveals Harries on set, partially concealed by bandages over his damaged face. His visible, distorted features seem precarious and fragile, suggesting they might break away at any instant. The meticulous and grim makeup hints that the movie will rely heavily on realistic effects to bring the terrifying Clayface character to the screen, a technique often praised in horror for its adherence to genre standards. This aligns with recent set photos showing a bruised and wounded Harries being escorted to a hospital, implying that the film will portray the gruesome accident responsible for his transformation.

New images of Tom Rhys Harries as Matt Hagen on the set of the Clayface movie
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In the world of DC Comics, the role of Clayface has been assumed by multiple characters, but Basil Karlo and Matt Hagen are the most prominent among them. Initially appearing in the Golden Age, Basil Karlo was a lesser-known actor who didn’t possess any superpowers. However, when he discovered that a remake of a classic horror movie he starred in was underway, he transformed into a villain in a costume. The Silver Age introduced Matt Hagen, an adventurer who acquired temporary shape-shifting abilities after being doused with a pool of radioactive protoplasm.

The movie heavily borrows elements from the renowned two-part episode “Feats of Clay” from Batman: The Animated Series, which creatively combined the characters’ origins. In this adaptation, the character, originally named Matt Hagen in the series, is reimagined as a successful actor similar to Basil Karlo. After suffering disfigurement in a car accident, he becomes dependent on a special cosmetic cream that temporarily enhances his looks. To keep the supply, he resorts to a life of crime. The narrative reaches its climax with a tragic incident where he is overdosed with the chemical, resulting in a permanent transformation into a grotesque, shape-shifting villain.

Clayface Is the DC Studios’ Most Ambitious Project Yet

As a movie enthusiast who’s deeply into the DC universe, I must admit that stepping into villain-centric storytelling is quite a bold move for DC Studios. It’s no secret that this approach has faced its fair share of challenges in recent comic book adaptations, with examples like Joker: Folie à Deux and Sony’s ventures into Spider-Man’s villains being cases in point. Joker: Folie à Deux and movies such as Morbius and Madame Web didn’t quite hit the mark, earning criticisms and failing to recover their substantial production costs.

However, DC Studios is taking a unique approach with Clayface by fully embracing its horror roots. This film promises to be an R-rated, body horror tale, offering a darker, more intense experience that sets it apart from previous attempts in the genre. Let’s hope this daring move pays off and gives us a fresh take on the DC villain universe.

At the heart of the new approach at DC Studios is a firm dedication to genre filmmaking. Co-CEO James Gunn underscores this commitment by stressing that each project will feature a distinct flavor and aesthetic. The creative liberty afforded by the DC Universe empowers filmmakers to narrate varied tales while maintaining consistency, a strategy aimed at keeping the universe vibrant and captivating. Moreover, the business model for Clayface makes it a more secure investment than its blockbuster counterparts due to its budget of $45 million. This lower cost means that the film doesn’t have to rake in huge box office earnings to turn a profit, offering potential for substantial financial rewards on a smaller scale. In essence, if a specialized, R-rated horror movie can be financially successful, it demonstrates that the DC Universe can thrive beyond its major tentpole productions alone.

Clayface is scheduled to be released in theaters on September 11, 2026.

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2025-09-03 08:40