Tom Rhys Harries stars as Matt Hagen in DC Studios' first R-rated villain origin story, arriving in cinemas on October 23 after strong early reactions.
The DC Universe’s next chapter lands in theaters this Friday, October 23, with Clayface — a bold, unapologetically R-rated dive into one of Batman’s most grotesque foes. Directed by James Watkins and written by Mike Flanagan, the film centers on Tom Rhys Harries as Matt Hagen, a man whose tragic transformation into the living clay monster is rendered with visceral intensity.
First reactions from critics and audiences are already heating up. ComicBook’s Chris Killian called it "incredible," highlighting the film’s blend of gory body horror and gothic romance. "It molds Matt Hagen’s backstory into a wildly gory spectacle," he wrote, adding that the movie could be a springboard for future clashes with Batman, though he warned not to expect the Caped Crusader.
@Conorville08 summed up the mood: "#clayface is everything you want from a villain led movie. No more anti hero Bs." Others echoed that sentiment. @TrickOrTravis said the screening ended in cheers, calling it "a straight-up body horror/monster movie that doesn’t hold back." Reel Movie Junkie’s @HeyChalice declared it "one of the best horrors of the year" and demanded a sequel.
Naomi Ackie co-stars, but the spotlight belongs to Harries, who delivers a performance described as "charismatic and chilling" by Multiverse of Color’s Breeze Riley. The Movie Podcast’s @shayhbaz noted the film’s narrative oddities but still called it "genuinely excellent" in execution.
This isn’t just another superhero flick. It’s a deliberate pivot. A horror-infused origin that leans into psychological torment as much as physical decay. As TheDailyKrypto put it: "It makes you feel for a villain and question whether psychological pain can be more devastating than physical pain."
With the DCU’s Chapter 1: "Gods and Monsters" slate nearing its end, Clayface arrives as the final 2026 release. Next up is Man of Tomorrow in July 2027, with David Corenswet’s Superman teaming up with Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor against Brainiac.
For now, the buzz is real. The film’s theatrical run begins Friday. And if the audience reactions are any indication, Gotham has never felt this dangerously exciting.
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