DCU Stars From ‘Superman’ Attend ‘Clayface’ Premiere Sparking Fan Theories

Avatar photoHrvoje Milakovic
Maria Gabriela de Faria Eve Teschmacher
Share:

Superhero red carpets are always more than just fashion statements. At the ‘Clayface’ premiere in Los Angeles, every recognizable face in attendance sparked fan theories and speculation.

The timing of the event adds an intriguing layer. James Gunn has confirmed that ‘Clayface’ is the first film in the DCU’s chronological timeline, positioning it as a prequel to previous titles like ‘Superman’, ‘Supergirl’, ‘Peacemaker’, and ‘Creature Commandos’. This means that any crossover moment, even one on the red carpet, holds significant weight for fans eager to uncover connections.

At the premiere, two actresses from the DCU were spotted: María Gabriela de Faría and Sara Sampaio, who portray The Engineer and Eve Teschmacher in ‘Superman’. Photos of both actresses circulated widely online on Wednesday.

Sampaio, who plays Eve Teschmacher, Lex Luthor’s assistant and occasional love interest in the comics, is well-known for her work with Victoria’s Secret and in the rom-com ‘At Midnight’. The character was first introduced by Richard Donner and Mario Puzo in the 1978 film ‘Superman’, originally portrayed by Valerie Perrine.

De Faría, a Venezuelan actress recognized for her roles in ‘The Moodys’ and ‘Animal Control’, portrays The Engineer, also known as Angela Spica. This character possesses a liquid metal body due to nanites in her bloodstream and was created by Warren Ellis and Bryan Hitch for The Authority in 1999. De Faría has mentioned that the role is physically demanding, reflecting the character’s unique comic book design.

Both actresses are part of a film that opened to $125 million domestically, becoming the highest-grossing superhero movie of 2025 with a worldwide total of $618.7 million. This success is a key reason why fans are attentive whenever its cast appears at DCU events.

On paper, there may not be much to connect them to ‘Clayface’. Neither actress is listed in the official cast, which features Tom Rhys Harries, Naomi Ackie, David Dencik, Max Minghella, Eddie Marsan, Nancy Carroll, and Joshua James. Their presence at the premiere does not necessarily indicate a role in the film.

However, the DCU has trained its audience to look for hidden connections. Reports of set photos from the production hinted at references to The Joker, Black Canary, Zatanna, and Sionis Industries, which keeps the shared-universe theories alive and thriving.

The premiere also generated a wave of social media reactions. Early responses suggest that genre fans will be pleased, with viewers describing the R-rated body horror as brutal, gruesome, and unsettling. Harries received significant praise, although some viewers felt the story and certain creative choices made it a peculiar fit for a DCU still establishing its identity.

These reactions primarily came from fan-oriented outlets, as the official review embargo will not lift until October 21. The film is set to hit theaters on October 23, just ahead of the next major outing for the ‘Superman’ crowd.

Box office expectations are cautiously optimistic. Boxoffice Pro’s early tracking suggests a domestic opening between $23 million and $33 million against a reported budget of $40 million, compared to the $37.1 million domestic opening of ‘Supergirl’. As the final release in the DCU’s Gods and Monsters chapter for 2026, and the last DC film until ‘Man of Tomorrow’ next July, ‘Clayface’ is certainly under scrutiny.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!

Share: