Clayface (2026): Release Date, Cast, Trailer, and Everything We Know So Far

The upcoming Clayface movie seems like the boldest entry in James Gunn’s DCU. It’s not a traditional superhero spectacle; instead, it leans into psychological and body horror. This genre shift suggests the franchise is experimenting with darker narratives.  

Directed by James Watkins, Clayface is Matt Hagen’s origin story as a villain, aiming to stand out through character-driven storytelling. As anticipation builds, fans are eager to know what will happen in DCU’s eerie new chapter. And if you happen to be one of them, here’s all we can tell you about the movie’s release date, plot, cast, and more! 

Here’s an overview of the feature:

Title	Clayface
Director	James Watkins
Cast	Tom Rhys Harries, Naomi Ackie
Budget	$40 million (via The Hollywood Reporter)
Production Company	DC Studios, 6th & Idaho Production

Clayface Release Date: When Will the DCU Villain Arrive?

Clayface has been officially set for an October 23, 2026, release, which positions it perfectly in the Halloween season. This strategic move aligns with the horror tone, as the late-October slot is traditionally reserved for such titles. 

The movie will be DCU’s third theatrical installment, following the success of Superman and the upcoming Supergirl. If Clayface does well, we will hopefully see more villain-centric stories in the DCU, with dark characters leading the ensemble. 

Who Stars in Clayface? Tom Rhys Harries and More! 

Tom Rhys Harries stars as Matt Hagen, the man destined to become Clayface. You might recognize him from White Lines and The Gentlemen, though he’s a relatively fresh face in the industry. With his casting, DCU has stuck to its strategy of avoiding extremely renowned names, instead opting for young, competent talent who could become the face of the franchise. 

Joining him is Naomi Ackie, who will play Dr. Caitlin Bates, a controversial scientist whose experiments are crucial to Hagen’s transformation. Max Minghella is set to portray a Gotham City police detective, and we also have Eddie Marsan and David Dencik in undisclosed roles. 

What Is the Plot of James Watkins’ Clayface? 

Clayface follows Matt Hagen, an ambitious actor whose life changes after a violent attack, leaving him disfigured. He turns to a radical scientist for a solution, but the treatment turns him into a shape-shifting creature made of living clay. 

So, instead of healing him, this procedure takes away his humanity, and you could imagine how that would push one into isolation and instability. Unlike traditional superhero origin stories, this one’s about how transformation becomes a curse rather than a gift. 

Has DC Studios Released a Clayface Trailer? 

Yes, DC Studios has officially unveiled the first trailer for Clayface during the industry showcase at CinemaCon in Las Vegas. The preview opens with visuals of Matt Hagen lying in bed, his face heavily damaged, and him being all bloodied from the attack. 

We see glimpses of his face from the past (or maybe even imagination) before destruction, and possibly the future, where he seems to be undergoing a mysterious treatment. There are also scenes of his face turning into clay and a montage of other characters in the movie. 

Where to watch Clayface?

Clayface is set to release in theaters, and since it’s a DCU movie, its streaming home could be HBO Max. Superman and Peacemaker are already on the platform, plus Clayface is being distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, so there’s a high chance that you will likely see it on HBO Max after its theatrical run.

Here are a few questions that readers might have:

So, what did you think about this trailer? Do you think it’s well-made? And are you excited to watch Clayface? 

Clayface will release in theaters on October 23, 2026 (USA).