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DC Studios Clayface film release and box office performance

Overview

DC Studios is preparing for the release of ‘Clayface,’ an R-rated psychological body-horror film directed by James Watkins. The film stars Tom Rhys Harries as Matt Hagen, a Gotham City street youth who achieves Hollywood stardom before being brutally disfigured by a local crime boss, Markos Szabo (David Dencik). Following an experimental procedure involving nanotechnology and AI-guided nanobots administered by Dr. Caitlyn Corr (Naomi Ackie) to restore his appearance, Hagen’s perception of reality is altered, driving him toward a path of vengeance as his body undergoes grotesque, clay-like mutations. The screenplay was co-written by Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini.

Prior to its release, early premiere reactions were positive, with critics praising the film’s dark, visceral tone and practical effects. Ahead of the October 23, 2026, theatrical release, DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn ruled out a crossover between this version of Clayface and Robert Pattinson’s Batman, clarifying that the latter belongs to the separate ‘DC Elseworlds’ label. Lead actor Tom Rhys Harries noted the physical difficulty of the role, describing the intense challenges of performing with prosthetic makeup and contact lenses.

Upon its release, ‘Clayface’ debuted at the top of the North American box office. On its opening Friday, it earned approximately $10.4 million, with a projected weekend total between $24 million and $35 million. The film ultimately secured the number one spot for its opening weekend, grossing $24 million from 3,458 theaters. This brought its global total to $43 million, including $19 million from international markets. While the opening weekend fell slightly below initial studio projections, the film maintained an ‘A-’ CinemaScore and high audience ratings on Rotten Tomatoes. Given its $44 million budget, analysts suggest the film is well-positioned for profitability.

Entities

DC Studios · James Watkins · Tom Rhys Harries · James Gunn · Matt Hagen

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

Timeline

  1. [CULTURE] 30 sources
    Clayface debuts at number one with $43 million global opening

    DC Studios' “Clayface” topped the box office with a $43 million global opening, while A24's Elizabeth Holmes documentary “You Can See Everything” continued its massive success.

  2. [CULTURE] 3 sources
    Tom Rhys Harries discusses filming challenges for Clayface

    Actor Tom Rhys Harries discusses the physical demands and intense prosthetic makeup used during the filming of the upcoming DC horror project ‘Clayface’.

  3. [CULTURE] 85 sources
    Clayface tops North American box office with strong horror debut

    DC's horror film ‘Clayface’ topped the North American box office with a $10.4 million Friday, earning high audience marks and a projected $24 million opening weekend.

  4. [CULTURE] 2 sources
    DC Studios films face mixed reviews and strategic challenges

    The DC Studios film Clayface faces criticism for its production quality, while discussions continue regarding how the DCU might achieve a defining cinematic moment similar to Marvel's Avengers.

  5. [CULTURE] 7 sources
    Clayface stars Tom Rhys Harries and Naomi Ackie promote new DC horror film

    Tom Rhys Harries and Naomi Ackie are promoting the new DC Studios horror-thriller “Clayface,” directed by James Watkins and starring Harries as the titular villain.

  6. [CULTURE] 95 sources
    Clayface: DC Studios releases first horror film in new cinematic universe

    DC Studios debuts its first horror film, Clayface, a body-horror origin story following actor Matt Hagen’s descent into villainy.

  7. [CULTURE] 36 sources
    Clayface: DC Studios horror film explores origin of Gotham villain

    DC Studios' upcoming horror film Clayface, directed by James Watkins, follows the tragic transformation of actor Matt Hagen into a Gotham villain. It arrives in theaters in late October 2026.

  8. [CULTURE] 12 sources
    Clayface horror film targets DCU with lower $30M budget

    DC Studios' upcoming horror-superhero film ‘Clayface’ features a lower-than-expected $30 million budget and is set to explore darker, R-rated themes within the DC Universe.

  9. [CULTURE] 2 sources
    James Gunn rules out Clayface and Batman crossover

    DC Studios co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran have ruled out a crossover between the DCU’s Clayface and Robert Pattinson’s Batman while discussing the upcoming horror film ‘Clayface’.

  10. [CULTURE] 25 sources
    Clayface premiere receives positive early reactions

    Early reactions to DC Studios’ ‘Clayface’ are highly positive, praising its brutal body horror and dark tone. Co-CEO Peter Safran also confirmed that a ‘Swamp Thing’ film is currently in development.

  11. [CULTURE] 6 sources
    Clayface tracks for $30M+ domestic opening amid strong pre-sales

    DC Studios’ ‘Clayface’ is tracking for a domestic opening of over $30 million, signaling a strong start for the R-rated body horror film ahead of its October 2026 release.

  12. [CULTURE] 9 sources
    DC Studios defends 'Clayface' horror film amid fan skepticism

    DC Studios' upcoming film ‘Clayface’ is generating debate. Director James Watkins and producer James Gunn are leaning into a psychological body horror approach to redefine the superhero genre.

  13. [CULTURE] 11 sources
    DC Studios releases new details for horror film Clayface

    DC Studios' upcoming horror film “Clayface,” directed by James Watkins, is set for release on October 23, 2026, following the origin story of the iconic DC villain Matt Hagen.

  14. [CULTURE] 2 sources
    DC Studios releases final trailer for Clayface film

    Warner Bros. released the final trailer for “Clayface,” a dark DC Studios origin story starring Tom Rhys Harries, set for release in October 2026.

  15. [CULTURE] 10 sources
    Mike Flanagan distances himself from DC's Clayface film

    Writer Mike Flanagan has distanced himself from the upcoming DC film ‘Clayface’, calling it director James Watkins’ movie, as early box office projections suggest a modest $23–$33 million opening weekend.

  16. [CULTURE] 5 sources
    Clayface runtime confirmed for DC Studios horror film

    DC Studios’ upcoming R-rated horror film ‘Clayface’ has a confirmed runtime of 108 minutes and is set for release on October 23, 2026.

  17. [CULTURE] 26 sources
    DC Studios releases final trailer for horror film Clayface

    DC Studios has released the final trailer for ‘Clayface’, a body-horror thriller starring Tom Rhys Harries. The film follows the tragic transformation of Matt Hagen and arrives in theaters in October 2026.

  18. [CULTURE] 17 sources
    DC Studios reveals final trailer for horror film Clayface

    DC Studios has released the final trailer for ‘Clayface’, an R-rated body-horror film starring Tom Rhys Harries, set to hit theaters in October 2026.

  19. [CULTURE] 7 sources
    Clayface film releases new horror-themed imagery and poster

    New horror-themed imagery and a handcrafted poster have been released for the upcoming DCU film ‘Clayface’, scheduled for release on October 23.

  20. [CULTURE] 4 sources
    Clayface horror film receives R rating and runtime update

    DC Studios' upcoming horror film “Clayface” has received an R rating and a revised runtime of approximately 105 minutes ahead of its October 2026 release.

  21. [CULTURE] 5 sources
    DC Studios unveils new poster for horror film Clayface

    DC Studios unveiled a new poster for Clayface, an R-rated body-horror film starring Tom Rhys Harries, set for release on October 23, 2026.

  22. [CULTURE] 2 sources
    DC Comics retcons Clayface to align with upcoming film

    DC Comics is retconning the Clayface character to align with an upcoming R-rated horror film about Matt Hagen's transformation into a shapeshifting monster.

  23. [CULTURE] 4 sources
    DC Studios' Clayface releases set photos amid low awareness tracking

    New set photos from DC Studios’ “Clayface” offer a look at the upcoming horror film, though early box office tracking indicates lower-than-average audience awareness ahead of its October release.

Sources

20minutos.es · 24matins.es · 3djuegos.com · academyofinnovativelearning.com · actionfreunde.de · actuanews.fr · all4fun.gr · amigoearuba.com · artportal.hu · aullidos.com · awardsradar.com · banquo.it · batcave.com.pl · batman-univers.fr · begeek.fr · bestmovie.es · bigbangnews.com · bl-portal.com · blackgirlnerds.com · blogdecine.com · boas.pt · boundingintocomics.com · br.ign.com · brandonsun.com · canaltech.com.br · canberratimes.com.au · cenariomt.com.br · cervenykoberec.cz · cineargentinohoy.com.ar · cineblog.it · cinema.everyeye.it · cinemablend.com · cinemaeafins.com.br · cinemaniaci.it · cinemanoescurinho.com.br · cinemascomics.com · cinematoday.jp · cinemio.it · cinepop.com.br · cinesiageek.com.br · cinevisao.pt · cineytele.com · cinezapping.com · colombia.com · comicbasics.com · comicbook.com · comicbookmovie.com · comicsuniverse.it

This summary has been updated 69 times: see revision history