EXCLUSIVE: What We Know About DC Studios’ ‘Clayface’

DC Studios’ Clayface is set to be the third feature film as part of the DC Universe. Described as an R-rated body horror, it’s set to explore the origins of the monstrous, shapeshifting Batman rogue.

Clayface was originally conceived by Mike Flanagan (The Haunting of Hill House, Doctor Sleep) who first expressed interest in the character in 2021 and over the years had pitched the idea to DC Films and later DC Studios in 2023. Flanagan had begun to develop the film as part of the Batman Epic Crime Saga. In December 2024, DC Studios had greenlit Flanagan’s script as part of the DCU with Matt Reeves attached to still produce the film along with DC Studios. Flanagan was originally attached to direct the film as well but was unable to due to his upcoming Carrie and The Exorcist projects. In February 2025, James Watkins (Speak No Evil) came on board to direct. Clayface is currently set to begin production in early September and continue through October in the UK.

Following a lengthy casting process, a short list of actors was assembled to screen test for the role of Matt Hagen. Tom Blyth, George Mackay, Jack O’Connell, Tom Rhys Harries, and Leo Woodall all tested for the role of Matt, with Rhys Harries winning the role. Rhys Harries (White Lines, Suspicion) was officially cast in June 2025. As announced by Flanagan, the script is inspired by the Batman: The Animated Series two part episode, “Feat of Clay.” Similar to the episode, the character of Clayface in the film will be named Matt Hagen as amalgamation of Hagen with Basil Karlo’s backstory. 

Sources tell Nexus Point News that Hagen is a handsome, up and coming actor who’s attacked and disfigured. Originally from Gotham, he moves to Hollywood to escape his troubled past and begin a career as an actor. With his disfigurement, his career and outlet as an actor is ruined and is eventually transformed into a shapeshifting monster. In the comics, Hagen debuted in Detective Comics #298 in 1961 and was created by Bill Finger and Sheldon Moldoff. Hagen was originally a treasure hunter who transformed into Clayface after an encounter with protoplasm. Karlo debuted in Detective Comics #40 in 1940 and was created by Bill Finger and Bob Kane. In the Golden Age, Karlo was a disgraced actor who donned the costume of a character he portrayed known as Clayface and sought to murder the crew and cast of the remake of a film he once starred in.

Hagen’s love interest and co-star in the film is scientist, Dr. Caitlin Bates, an original character created for the film. Bates is the CEO of a biotech startup seeking to create cutting edge medicine and medical technology. Bates sees Hagen as a way to grow her company and cure his condition. Throughout the process she falls in love with him while her fiance John grows suspicious of their relationship. John is a detective and committed to Caitlin and his job. The antagonist of the film is set to be a crime boss, who like Caitlin and John, is another original character. At the moment, the film is not set to feature any recognizable DC characters and will primarily consist of original characters in this character driven horror film. 

Clayface is set to release on September 11, 2026 as part of Chapter One: Gods and Monsters of the DCU.