DC’s ‘Clayface’ Final Runtime Confirmed at 1 Hour and 48 Minutes

Avatar photoRobert Milaković
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DC Studios is venturing into new territory with ‘Clayface’, its first full-fledged horror film, and the confirmed runtime gives us insight into what to expect. Director James Watkins, known for his gripping films like ‘Eden Lake’ and ‘Speak No Evil’, is likely to favor a concise cut that aligns with his style.

Discussions about the runtime have been ongoing for months. In June, a scooper estimated the film at around 1 hour and 50 minutes, while another source suggested it would be 110 minutes. More recently, rumors indicated a runtime of approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. A listing from a Czech distributor claimed the film would run for 108 minutes, but this was not officially confirmed by the studio.

Now, the runtime appears to be official. An AMC theater listing has verified that ‘Clayface’ will have a final runtime of 1 hour and 48 minutes, slightly shorter than the previously mentioned 1 hour and 53 minutes. The film is set to hit North American theaters on October 23.

Interestingly, this runtime coincides with that of ‘Supergirl’, which also runs for 108 minutes, making them the same length. Many fans are hoping that ‘Clayface’ will differ significantly from ‘Supergirl’, which has received mixed reviews.

This runtime ties ‘Clayface’ for the shortest film in the new DC Universe created by James Gunn and Peter Safran. However, this numerical similarity holds little significance beyond being a curious fact.

At 108 minutes, ‘Clayface’ will be just under ‘Birds of Prey’, which has a runtime of 109 minutes. It is also considerably shorter than Todd Phillips’ ‘Joker’, which runs for 2 hours and 2 minutes, and its sequel ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’, which lasts 2 hours and 18 minutes.

Only a few DC films have had shorter runtimes, including ‘Jonah Hex’ at 81 minutes and the 1951 classic ‘Superman and the Mole Men’ at 58 minutes. This positions ‘Clayface’ among the leanest theatrical releases in DC history.

A tighter runtime could benefit the film. Watkins has built his reputation on concise, unsettling narratives, and a shorter runtime allows for a sharper focus on Matt Hagen’s physical and emotional transformation.

This runtime also aligns well with the film’s reported budget of around $40 million. Managing extensive CGI for a shapeshifting villain is more feasible within 108 minutes than in a longer, more drawn-out version.

‘Clayface’ centers on Matt Hagen, portrayed by Tom Rhys Harries, whose rise from a Gotham street kid to a Hollywood star is abruptly halted when a crime boss disfigures him. Abandoned by his team, he seeks a groundbreaking treatment that restores his appearance but also distorts his grasp on reality, leading him down a path of vengeance.

Naomi Ackie plays the doctor responsible for his transformation, alongside a cast that includes David Dencik, Max Minghella, Eddie Marsan, Nancy Carroll, and Joshua James. The screenplay is penned by Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini, with a story from Flanagan, while Matt Reeves, Lynn Harris, James Gunn, and Peter Safran take on production duties.

Watkins has indicated that the film’s final form, featuring a gaping mouth and deep-set eyes, will not be revealed in any official marketing for this first DCU horror film.

Early reports suggest that test screenings have been well-received, drawing comparisons to ‘Joker’, ‘Vanilla Sky’, ‘The Substance’, and ‘The Incredible Hulk’. Initial screenings have also indicated a more grounded portrayal of the character’s powers, with Hagen undergoing unsettling mutations rather than transforming into a giant CGI creature.

The film is rated R and reportedly steers clear of major crossover elements, including any appearances by Batman. While it exists outside of Reeves’ Batman franchise, it remains part of the broader DC Universe as the third film in Gunn and Safran’s new lineup.

‘Clayface’ is set to premiere in North American theaters on October 23, with international releases commencing on October 21.

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