Entertainment · Film · 9 hrs ago
First reactions praise DC horror film Clayface as gory and inventive
Clayface has drawn enthusiastic early reactions after its world premiere and advance screenings.
The film is about Matt Hagen, a Gotham actor who becomes Batman villain Clayface, played by Tom Rhys Harries.
After a crime boss leaves him disfigured, Hagen seeks an experimental treatment from scientist Caitlyn Corr, played by Naomi Ackie.
The treatment changes his body and affects his grip on reality, setting him on a path of revenge.
Viewers praised its graphic body horror and inventive storytelling, though the early reactions are not full reviews.
The BBFC has given it an 18 rating in the UK for strong bloody violence and injury detail.
Clayface is due in cinemas on October 23 in the US and UK, while its French release is scheduled for October 21.
Early reactions to DC’s horror film Clayface have praised its body horror, violent scenes and performances.
The film stars Tom Rhys Harries as Matt Hagen, a disfigured actor who becomes the Batman villain Clayface.
James Watkins directed the film, with a script co-written by Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini.
The film received an 18 rating in the UK for strong bloody violence and injury detail.
It is scheduled to open in U.S. cinemas on October 23.
- Who
- DC Studios made the film, starring Tom Rhys Harries as Matt Hagen/Clayface.
- What
- First reactions praised the film’s body horror and brutal scenes.
- When
- Reactions were reported on October 14, 2026, after screenings and a premiere.
- Where
- The film had its world premiere in Los Angeles; U.S. screenings also took place.
- Why
- Matt Hagen seeks treatment after being disfigured, but it affects his grip on reality and sends him toward revenge.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
DC held screenings and a premiere, allowing brief social media reactions.
Outlets reported the first reactions to the film.
The critics’ review embargo is scheduled to lift.
The film’s French release is scheduled.
The film is scheduled to open in U.S. cinemas.
- Lead actor
- Tom Rhys Harries
- Director
- James Watkins
- Screenplay
- Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini
- UK classification
- 18, for strong bloody violence and injury detail
- U.S. release
- October 23, 2026
- French release
- October 21, 2026
4 sources
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DC Studios’ ‘Clayface’: First Reactions
What people are saying
An awesome addition to the DCU that doesn’t require any knowledge of DC to enjoy. It’s a hard R and loaded with brutal scenes that really surprised me.
Dark, violent, with little levity to offset the nastiness, this is an exciting addition to Gunn’s DCU.
freakishly awesome
CLAYFACE is incredible! It molds Matt Hagen’s tragic backstory into a wildly gory spectacle.
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Clayface was fantastic. An awesome addition to the DCU that doesn’t require any knowledge of DC to enjoy. It’s a hard R and loaded with brutal scenes that really surprised me. Audience freaked out a few times during my screening to what was being depicted on screen. Strong
CLAYFACE is incredible! It molds Matt Hagen’s tragic backstory into a wildly gory spectacle. There are some crazy unique body horror moments that’ll make you squirm, but what I loved most is it’s also a heartfelt throwback to a bygone era of classic gothic romance films. (1/2)
#Clayface has that comic book flair but that theatricality doesn’t diminish how BRUTAL it is! Dark, violent, with little levity to offset the nastiness, this is an exciting addition to Gunn’s DCU. Tom Rhys Harries brings equal boyish charm and quiet menace to the role.