Clayface trailer reveals first 'super freaky' look at the Tom Rhys Harries-led DC comic book movie — and fans are 'honestly happy' with what little it tells us about its plot | Tech Radar

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Clayface trailer reveals first 'super freaky' look at the Tom Rhys Harries-led DC comic book movie — and fans are 'honestly happy' with what little it tells us about its plot

Clayface takes shape on the big screen this October

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Look fear in the face — if you have one, that is (Image credit: DC Studios/Warner Bros. Pictures)

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DC Studios has released the first trailer for Clayface

The upcoming body horror movie also has a new release date

DC comic book fans are impressed with their first glimpse at the DCU film

DC Studios has revealed the first trailer for Clayface — and, despite what little footage it actually shows, fans are nonetheless impressed by it.

The forthcoming DC Universe (DCU) movie, which will make its theatrical debut in time for Halloween 2026, will be the third big-screen project to come out as part of James Gunn and Peter Safran's rebooted cinematic franchise. And, just one week after its teaser trailer wowed Cinema Con attendees, it's drawn similarly positive reactions from viewers following its public unveiling.

Clayface wasn't part of Gunn and Safran's initial DCU Chapter One line-up. However, the low-budget film was officially announced in December 2024 after the pair were left impressed by horror auteur Mike Flanagan's pitch to make a Clayface film in the vein of a body horror.

Clayface: release date, cast, plot, and everything else we know about the DC Universe horror movie

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Six months later, Tom Rhys Harries was hired to play Clayface's lead character — real name Matt Hagen — with Gunn claiming he, Safran, Flanagan, and director James Watkins were "blown away" by Harries' numerous auditions.

What is Clayface about? Who else is part of the cast? And what is its release date?

Harries plays Matt Hagen, a talented actor whose world is turned upside down after he's attacked by criminals (Image credit: DC Studios/Warner Bros. Pictures)

The aforementioned reveals aside, little else was known about Clayface's story and cast. Following the teaser's public premiere, though, we finally have some answers on that front.

Per a plot synopsis released by DC's parent company Warner Bros. Pictures alongside teaser, Clayface will "unravel one man’s horrifying descent from rising Hollywood star to revenge-filled monster in a story that explores the loss of one’s identity and humanity, corrosive love, and the dark underbelly of scientific ambition."

Additionally, Warner Bros. also confirmed which actors will join lead star Harries in supporting roles:

None of the above stars' roles have been officially revealed, but the Clayface's new launch date has been.

Originally pencilled in to arrive on September 11, the first solo movie starring one of Batman's most iconic villains is now due out in cinemas worldwide on October 23. Given its body horror vibe and likely R-rated action, releasing as close to the spookiest holiday of the year feels more apt than its initial release date.

How have DC fans reacted to Clayface's first trailer?

Looks great. If it is a cinematic retelling of the BTAS story... I AM SO IN. BTAS is one of the most tragic animated stories in batman... no... animation history. I love it.

Looks great. If it is a cinematic retelling of the BTAS story... I AM SO IN. BTAS is one of the most tragic animated stories in batman... no... animation history. I love it.

As I alluded to in this article's introduction, very well.

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Threads on the DC_Cinematic Reddit page and Reset Era forums, as well as reactions on other social platforms like X/Twitter, are full of comments from comic book devotees waxing lyrical about the teaser's unsettling nature, dreary tonality, and ties to one of the most celebrated Clayface-centric stories of all-time. The tale in question? Feat of Clay, which is viewed as one of the best episodes of 90s animated show Batman: The Animated Series.

"I am physically uncomfortable [but] I love it," Redditor Colorblind Squid wrote. "Exactly the vibe I was hoping for. Looks like a proper horror movie," planemissediknow said, before adding: "Coupled with Flanagan writing, I can’t wait. If it hits even half as hard as Haunting of Hill House, it’s gonna be a banger."

"Budget for this was $40 million?" Reset Era user Zor asked, before writing: "I'm honestly happy with that. Smaller scale, smaller budgets, big potential to expand the DC stuff without everything feeling like it needs to be tentpole."

"That was super freaky," Everyday Math agreed, adding: "Really good teaser. I don't need to see anymore". Meanwhile, Soap opined: "Fair play, that looks genuinely terrifying and not sanitised at all for being in the DCU."

Of course, Clayface's teaser doesn't answer the two biggest questions that fans have about it: Will Batman show up? And, considering we've already seen a version of Clayface in season 1 of DCU adult animated series Creature Commandos, is Clayface a prequel to that show or does this mean that there are two Clayfaces running around in the DCU? I suspect we won't find out until Clayface is fully moulded on the big screen.

In the meantime, find out everything we know so far about Clayface. Then, get the full lowdown on Supergirl, aka the next DCU film that'll hit theaters, and learn more about Lanterns, which will officially air on HBO Max in August.

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As Tech Radar's senior entertainment reporter, Tom covers all of the latest movies, TV shows, and streaming service news that you need to know about. You'll regularly find him writing about the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Star Wars, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, and many other topics of interest.

An NCTJ-accredited journalist, Tom also writes reviews, analytical articles, opinion pieces, and interview-led features on the biggest franchises, actors, directors and other industry leaders. You may see his quotes pop up in the odd official Marvel Studios video, too, such as this Moon Knight TV spot.

Away from work, Tom can be found checking out the latest video games, immersing himself in his favorite sporting pastime of football, reading the many unread books on his shelf, staying fit at the gym, and petting every dog he comes across.

Got a scoop, interesting story, or an intriguing angle on the latest news in entertainment? Feel free to drop him a line.

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• News, deals, reviews, guides and more on the newest computing gadgets

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• Clayface trailer reveals first 'super freaky' look at the Tom Rhys Harries-led DC comic book movie — and fans are 'honestly happy' with what little it tells us about its plot

• Clayface takes shape on the big screen this October