DC Studios defends 'Clayface' horror film amid fan skepticism

DC Studios is preparing the release of ‘Clayface’, a psychological and body horror film centered on the Batman villain Matt Hagen. Directed by James Watkins and written by Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini, the film follows a rising Hollywood actor whose life is destroyed by a criminal encounter, leading to a disfiguring accident and a subsequent experimental treatment that triggers a dark transformation.

James Gunn, co-CEO of DC Studios, has publicly defended the project following fan skepticism regarding the choice of a lesser-known character. Gunn emphasized the importance of creative risk-taking and artistic vision over simply following market trends or fan polls, noting that the film is a ‘very special story’ inspired by the character.

The production, which features Tom Rhys Harries in the lead role, aims to deviate from traditional superhero tropes by focusing on identity loss and psychological descent rather than large-scale battles. The film is scheduled for release in late October 2026.