‘Clayface’ First Reactions Are In: DC’s Horror Film May Be Its Boldest Move Yet

Avatar photoRobert Milaković
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DC Studios has taken some bold risks in its new era, but few seem as daring as transforming a classic Batman villain into a full-fledged horror film. That’s precisely what ‘Clayface‘ represents, and until now, audiences have only had trailers to base their expectations on. With the release date drawing near, the first wave of reactions has finally begun to emerge.

The film marks the third installment in James Gunn and Peter Safran’s DC Universe, directed by James Watkins from a screenplay by Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini. Tom Rhys Harries stars as Matt Hagen, a rising Hollywood actor whose life is turned upside down when a crime boss leaves him severely disfigured. In his desperation to restore his appearance, he seeks an experimental treatment that leads him to a monstrous transformation and a quest for revenge.

Now that the initial impressions are in, early viewers have started sharing their enthusiastic reactions after screening the movie. One social media insider who attended described it as very good and surprisingly funnier than anticipated. They also noted its extreme gore, emphasizing that it fully embraces its R rating.

The comparisons have sparked considerable interest. Early viewers have drawn parallels between ‘Clayface’ and films like ‘Joker,’ ‘Vanilla Sky,’ ‘The Substance,’ and 2008’s ‘The Incredible Hulk.’ Others have suggested its potential success could mirror that of the horror hit ‘Obsession.’

These references suggest a narrative that intertwines body horror with emotional drama and a tragic character study. This aligns with how the studio has marketed it, presenting it as a genuine horror film set within the DC Universe. Earlier test screenings also indicated that audiences responded positively to the film.

One of the most significant takeaways is how self-contained the film appears to be. Reports suggest that Batman does not appear and is not even referenced, with no cameos, surprises, or post-credits scenes. This keeps the narrative focused entirely on Matt Hagen’s personal descent.

Aaron Paul is reportedly part of the cast in a minor role, alongside Naomi Ackie, Max Minghella, Eddie Marsan, and David Dencik. The film’s runtime is estimated to be around 1 hour and 50 minutes. For a studio that has typically relied on massive crossover events, a streamlined standalone story is a refreshing change.

However, not all reactions have been positive. Some viewers expressed concerns that the film might not showcase many full-body transformations for its titular character, despite being a body horror film. Reports indicate that fans should not expect the giant, shapeshifting creature often depicted in comics and animation.

Still, the released footage heavily leans into discomfort. A recent clip depicts Matt panicking as his face begins to transform mid-flight, with insiders describing a disturbing scene involving a pair of scissors during turbulence. This suggests the film may focus on more intimate, unsettling changes tied to Hagen’s emotional state.

The studio has been cautious about how much it reveals. One report noted that Warner Bros. withheld both first reactions and reviews until the last minute, which is not usually a promising sign. Official critic reactions have yet to arrive, so the early buzz should be approached with caution.

Gunn has been vocal in defending the project, responding to a fan who questioned who asked for a ‘Clayface’ movie by arguing that Hollywood should not only produce films based on familiar intellectual properties. Harries, who portrays the lead, has also addressed the pressure, telling Interview Magazine that “fear is a mark of caring about something” when it comes to their work.

The box office outlook appears promising. Early tracking from Boxoffice Pro estimates a domestic opening between $23 million and $33 million against a reported budget of $40 million, with the film set to release internationally on October 21 and in North America on October 23.

If the reactions hold and critics align, ‘Clayface’ could demonstrate that DC’s most unconventional gamble is also one of its smartest.

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