‘Clayface’ Behind-the-Scenes Teaser Features James Gunn and Matt Reeves in Gotham
Superhero films are often characterized by their bright visuals and family-friendly appeal, but ‘Clayface’ is set to break that mold. This DC horror movie promises a chilling blend of gore and dread, featuring a villain who loses his face before he even acquires his powers.
The journey to bring this film to life has been anything but straightforward. Mike Flanagan initially pitched his tragic horror interpretation of the shape-shifting Batman antagonist long before James Gunn and Peter Safran took the reins at DC Studios. He later convinced them to pursue a standalone body-horror film reminiscent of classic David Cronenberg’s work.
Now, the first behind-the-scenes teaser for ‘Clayface’ has been released, showcasing insights from both Gunn and Matt Reeves. The film is set to hit theaters on October 23.
First behind the scenes teaser for DC’s ‘CLAYFACE’ — including insights from James Gunn and Matt Reeves.
In theaters on October 23. https://t.co/sUOU8uAPX0— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) October 7, 2026
Having both Gunn and Reeves featured in the same promotional material is fitting, as their influence is evident throughout the project. Reeves serves as a producer alongside Gunn, Safran, and Lynn Harris. He had previously contemplated using Clayface as an antagonist in his sequel to ‘The Batman’ and even considered a solo project akin to ‘The Penguin.’
Gunn has been careful to delineate between the two cinematic worlds, stating that ‘Clayface’ exists within the DC Universe, set prior to the events of his upcoming ‘Superman’ film, and offers the first glimpse of the new DCU’s Gotham City. He also clarified in a recent Threads post that the project was not developed with Reeves’ Batman universe in mind.
The studio has labeled the film a horror thriller directed by James Watkins, known for ‘Eden Lake’ and ‘Speak No Evil.’ The screenplay is penned by Flanagan and Hossein Amini, with Flanagan providing the story. The film has received an R-rating due to its strong bloody violence, gore, language, some nudity, and brief drug use.
Tom Rhys Harries stars as Matt Hagen, a Gotham street kid who rises to fame as a Hollywood leading man, only to be horrifically disfigured by a crime boss’s actions. The cast also includes Naomi Ackie as Caitlyn Corr, Max Minghella as John, along with David Dencik, Eddie Marsan, Nancy Carroll, and Joshua James. Gunn has mentioned that he and Reeves were impressed by Harries’ auditions after an extensive search for the right actor.
Earlier footage has already hinted at the film’s grisly tone. A teaser released in April depicted Hagen bandaged in a hospital bed, a masked figure, a syringe being used on his face, and flashes of his skin melting. Another scene showcased his silhouette against a brick wall as his arm transformed into a massive mace.
The release of this behind-the-scenes teaser comes at a crucial time. The film was initially slated for September 11 but was rescheduled to October 23, right in the midst of the Halloween season. It will compete that weekend with ‘Klara and the Sun,’ ‘Wildwood,’ and ‘Ali G: Who Iz I?’
Tracking has reportedly been modest, but the production budget offers some leeway. The film is estimated to have cost around $40 million, with projections suggesting it needs to gross approximately $100 million worldwide to break even. This target is realistic for a horror film released just before Halloween.
There’s also a creative risk involved. Gunn has indicated that the DCU will not adhere to a single style, and not every film will mirror ‘Superman.’ If ‘Clayface’ resonates with audiences, it could demonstrate that the new DC slate can accommodate authentic horror, a genre that has yet to be explored in any other DC Studios release.
For now, the new teaser serves as a reminder that the countdown has begun. Fans have just over two weeks to decide if they are ready to confront the horror of Matt Hagen’s transformation on the big screen.
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