started · updated
Clayface tops North American box office with strong horror debut
DC Studios' horror film ‘Clayface’ has successfully debuted at the top of the North American box office, earning approximately $10.4 million on its opening Friday and projected to reach $24 million for its opening weekend. Directed by James Watkins, the film follows the origin story of Matt Hagen (played by Tom Rhys Harries), an actor who undergoes an experimental medical procedure to repair facial disfigurement, only to transform into a shapeshifting creature.
The production, which had a relatively modest budget of $44 million, has seen significant audience enthusiasm, earning an A- CinemaScore and a 94% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes. This high audience approval places it alongside other recent horror successes, despite a more mixed critical reception of around 75-76%.
Industry analysts note that the film's performance is a strategic departure from high-budget DC entries like ‘Superman’ and ‘Supergirl,’ focusing instead on the body-horror genre. The film faces competition from the Elizabeth Holmes documentary ‘You Can See Everything,’ which secured the second spot at the box office.
Entities
Batman · Clayface · DC Studios · Gotham City · James Gunn · James Watkins · Matt Hagen · Naomi Ackie · Peter Safran · Tom Rhys Harries · Warner Bros. · Warner Bros. Pictures