DC’s New R-Rated Villain Movie Reveals First Official Look At Clayface Pre-Transformation

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In 2026, DC Universe will explore the world of Batman with its first R-rated film, featuring one of Bruce Wayne’s most formidable enemies.

Okay, so I’m super excited about this new Batman horror movie, and they just launched the official Instagram page! They finally dropped a first look image, and it’s all about Clayface – he’s definitely taking center stage. You can check it out below, I’ve been waiting for this!

A recently released image appears to be a magazine cover featuring Matt Hagen, the actor playing Clayface in the DC Universe, and labels him a “rising star.” The story will follow his journey to fame before a disfiguring accident dramatically alters his life. This version of Clayface is a popular one, having been portrayed in many different animated shows and films over the years.

The latest issue, #317, featuring Hagen’s cover, contains some hidden references to DC Comics for dedicated fans. One notable detail is a list of names – including Sophie Powell, Ashes On Sunday, Blister Twister, Lucy Haley, and Deliana. ‘Blister Twister’ is actually a DC band created as a parody of the rock group Twisted Sister. This band first appeared in Batman #412 in 1988, which makes the photo of Clayface in this issue a clever connection.

Though not officially part of DC’s established story, “Future Of Music: Lora De Thesis” is a smart title referencing ‘lordosis,’ a spinal condition – a fitting choice for this body horror film written by Mike Flanagan. James Watkins directed the movie featuring Clayface, and a preview of the 2026 release was recently shown at CinemaCon, giving audiences a first look.

When DCU first announced its initial slate of films and TV shows in January 2023, a Clayface project wasn’t included. However, James Gunn shared with Gizmodo in 2024 that Mike Flanagan’s compelling pitch for a Batman spinoff changed his mind. Gunn admitted he hadn’t planned on making a Clayface movie, but Flanagan’s idea was so good, he was convinced to move forward. After reading the script, which Gunn described as excellent in both drafts, the project was officially greenlit, demonstrating the DCU’s willingness to incorporate high-quality ideas even if they weren’t originally planned.

Now that marketing is beginning, fans are guessing we might soon see a trailer for Clayface. The movie is scheduled to release in six months, and has been in editing since filming finished in November 2025. Supergirl will be the first DC Universe project released this year, debuting on June 26th, and the Lanterns series is aiming for an August premiere on HBO. This week, DC Studios also began filming Man of Tomorrow, which is planned for release in 2027.

Clayface is slated to open on October 23.

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2026-04-21 16:58