Clayface horror film targets DCU with lower $30M budget

DC Studios is releasing ‘Clayface’, a genre-blurring horror film directed by James Watkins and written by Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini. The project marks a darker, R-rated departure for the DC Universe (DCU), focusing on the psychological and physical transformation of the character Matt Hagen, played by Tom Rhys Harries.

Recent reports indicate the film’s production budget is approximately $30 million, lower than the previously cited $40 million. This lower cost may improve the film's financial outlook; despite tracking for a lower opening weekend than ‘Supergirl’, analysts suggest ‘Clayface’ could reach profitability quickly due to its modest scale.

The film has received an 18 rating in the UK due to graphic body horror elements. While James Gunn has indicated that a direct connection to Robert Pattinson’s Batman is unlikely in the near future, the film is confirmed to be part of the broader DCU expansion.