New set images verify precisely why subsequent 12 months’s Batman villain film goes to be R-rated. Set to launch this time subsequent 12 months in 2026, Clayface is ready to be the primary main villain-centric film within the new DCU. Retaining that in thoughts, it is evident simply how darkish the film goes to get.
Starring actor Tom Rhys Harries as Matt Hagen/Clayface, the upcoming DC film will likely be directed by James Watkins and written by Mike Flanagan. Moderately than being linked to Matt Reeves’ The Batman franchise, Clayface is reportedly set within the new DCU continuity. Having simply begun manufacturing, new set images present why Clayface will be the DCU’s first R-rated film.
Clayface’s First Set Photographs Give an Early Look At How Darkish The DC Film Will Be
Clayface will reportedly see the DCU’s Matt Hagen as a struggling actor who agrees to an experimental process following a serious disfigurement to his face, seemingly merging the comedian guide origins of a number of variations of the villain seen on the web page.
This can end in Hagen’s disturbing evolution as his physique turns right into a malleable, clay-like substance, permitting him to shape-shift. Whereas the film will lean into the body-horror parts of the character, new images from the set of Clayface first present Harries bandaged and bloodied, most definitely filming a scene not lengthy after Hagen’s face is disfigured by a gangster.
Trying fairly ugly already, it’ll be fascinating to see what Hagen’s numerous transformations will seem like as soon as he inadvertently good points the ability to seem like whomever he needs, albeit his new pure state being a disturbing monster fabricated from clay.
Why Clayface Wanted To Be An R-Rated DC Film
Certainly, Clayface is well considered one of Batman’s extra fantastical foes within the unique DC Comics. As such, it does appear as if one of the simplest ways to adapt any model of the character is to make the most of the horror parts of the character and the way disturbing Clayface and his powers can actually be.
This explains the film’s R-rating to be able to actually seize what is going to doubtless be seen as one of many DC Universe’s extra unsettling cinematic superpowers. In the identical vein, the inciting violence and disfigurement seen in these new images will doubtless be totally depicted as nicely, pulling no punches.
It would not be shocking if Clayface finally ends up being in comparison with Demi Moore’s The Substance when it’s launched subsequent 12 months, carrying some very related ideas to the 2024 movie. At any fee, the truth that these new DCU set images are already fairly grisly (pre-body horror shapeshifting) bodes nicely for the DCU’s first R-rated film.
Clayface releases September eleventh, 2026 from DC Studios.
Clayface
- Launch Date
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September 11, 2026
- Director
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James Watkins

