The DC Universe is already stepping into the depths of its Batman lore forward of DC Studios’ upcoming reboot for the Caped Crusader. Whereas James Gunn has but to solid the brand new Bruce Wayne in his superhero reboot for The Courageous and The Daring film, one in every of his most distinguished villains is about to make his big-screen debut in 2026.
At present in manufacturing is the Clayface movie, which can convey Matt Hagen to life in live-action, performed by Tom Rhys Harries. Gunn took to X to rejoice the character’s comedian anniversary, whereas additionally teasing the DCU viewers what they’ll stay up for within the 2026 installment, sharing the next:
The DC Studios co-CEO commented, “Glad Anniversary to the perennially misunderstood villain, Clayface.” He completed the put up by including that he “can’t wait so that you can see @TomRhysHarries convey him to life on the massive display!” The quilt is of Matt’s first comedian look, whereas the anniversary is for Clayface as an entire.
Most iterations of Clayface have historically depicted the well-known foe as a harmful shapeshifter, because the character has been in a number of DC animated initiatives. Nonetheless, among the extra well-known depictions have tackled the Batman villain as a tragic determine, with him being an actor who turns into disfigured, and makes use of excessive strategies to attempt to save his profession, which turns him into the Gotham antagonist.
The R-rated body-horror movie in the DCU’s Chapter 1: “Gods and Monsters” can be going that route, as set images have seen hints of Matt’s tragic transformation. Mike Flanagan, who wrote the script, revealed in an interview with ComicBook on Might 31, 2025, that his screenplay was closely impressed by Batman: The Animated Sequence’ “Feat of Clay” two-part episode:
“After all it was. I imply that’s the excellent [story],” ‘‘Feat of Clay,’ Ron Perlman, to me, that’s it. That two-parter knocked me out. The brief reply is that’s completely what impressed my script. That’s the world I needed to stay in. Batman: The Animated Sequence once I was rising up was my Batman. As a lot as [Michael] Keaton was my Batman, The Animated Sequence actually was my Batman.”
Gunn’s “perennially misunderstood villain” feedback may additionally point out that the Clayface film can even take some cues from latest DC tales, the place he truly joined the Bat-Household as an ally throughout the DC Rebirth period. That alone would counsel that Harries’ 2026 debut won’t be the final time the viewers will see him within the franchise.
Principal images has been underway since August 31, 2025, with James Watkins directing the comedian ebook film entry for DC Studios. Naomi Ackie and Max Minghella have been solid within the movie, because the horror venture would be the third film from the DCU timeline.
Whereas DC Studios hasn’t revealed what’s subsequent for Matt after his solo movie, it is potential there can be clues alongside the way in which within the story. Clayface is about to open in theaters on September 11, 2026.
- Launch Date
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September 11, 2026
- Director
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James Watkins