Naomi Ackie Stuns at the ‘Clayface’ London Premiere with Gothic Fashion

voice film logo squareArthur S. Poe
Naomi Ackie 1
Share:

A horror premiere is one of the few red carpets where an all-black outfit feels like part of the marketing. With ‘Clayface‘ hitting theaters this week, DC Studios’ first horror movie has turned its premiere circuit into a moody, gothic showcase. Naomi Ackie’s appearance at the ‘Clayface’ premiere is the latest chapter in that campaign.

The film is directed by James Watkins, featuring a screenplay by Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini, with a story by Flanagan. Tom Rhys Harries stars as Matt Hagen, alongside a cast that includes David Dencik, Max Minghella, and Eddie Marsan. The film premiered in Los Angeles on Oct. 13 and will open in US theaters on Oct. 23.

On Tuesday night, Ackie brought the party to London. She posed in a stunning head-to-toe black ensemble, featuring a fitted corset-style top with a snakeskin-like texture, lace-up detailing, and sharply structured shoulders. She completed the look with a matching pencil skirt and black pumps, her braids cascading down. Behind her, the jagged crimson ‘Clayface’ lettering against a concrete-grey wall created a backdrop that perfectly complemented her outfit.

The styling aligns well with her character. Ackie portrays Dr. Caitlyn Corr, a scientist who offers a disfigured Hagen a revolutionary treatment that gradually transforms his body into living clay. Early reports on the casting described the role as a scientist reminiscent of Elizabeth Holmes, and the sleek, armored, slightly dangerous look matches that energy.

Ackie’s journey to this role was reported well before filming began. In 2025, The Hollywood Reporter noted that reading sessions had taken place in England, and she emerged as the top choice. The same report described the project as having elements and structure similar to ‘The Fly.’

She has also shared insights into what drives her character. In an interview with The AU Review’s Peter Gray, she and Harries discussed themes of ambition, self-worth, and the insecurities motivating Matt and Caitlyn. Ackie described Caitlyn as someone with a strong desire to prove herself and little patience for waiting on the right opportunities.

Fashion has played a significant role in Ackie’s ‘Clayface’ promotional tour. During this period, she attended the 2026 Academy Museum Gala in a bespoke purple Balenciaga ballgown, a stark contrast to the sleek black she donned in London. This versatility showcases her ability to shift moods from one carpet to another.

She has a history of memorable premiere outfits as well. For the London premiere of ‘I Wanna Dance with Somebody,’ Ackie wore a custom hooded Versace gown inspired by Whitney Houston’s iconic look in ‘The Bodyguard.’ At the film’s New York event, she dazzled in a crystal-covered Schiaparelli gown that reportedly took 4,900 hours to create.

Her career has been equally impressive. Ackie won a BAFTA TV Award for Best Supporting Actress for ‘The End of the F***ing World,’ portrayed Whitney Houston in ‘I Wanna Dance with Somebody,’ and starred in ‘Blink Twice.’ More recently, she appeared in ‘Mickey 17,’ ‘Sorry, Baby,’ and ‘The Thursday Murder Club,’ with ‘Clayface’ marking a significant role in the DC universe.

The buzz surrounding the film has been strong thus far. Early social media reactions have praised its brutal, gory body horror, drawing comparisons to ‘The Fly’ and ‘Darkman.’ The film carries an R rating in the US and an 18 certificate in the UK. The official review embargo is set to lift on Oct. 21, just one day before Thursday previews, so full critical verdicts are imminent.

The stakes are high for DC Studios, which is coming off a disappointing run with ‘Supergirl.’ ‘Clayface’ reportedly had a budget of around $40 million, a modest sum for the genre. A confident premiere circuit with its cast looking this sharp is certainly a promising way to build momentum.

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

Share: