Star of “Clay-Faced” Confirms Film Won’t Hold Back on Body-Horror Elements

An R-rated Batman spinoff will fuse superhero spectacle with body-horror elements.

Clayface, a film being developed as part of DC’s refreshed cinematic slate, could become one of the studio’s boldest and most unconventional offerings. Actor Max Minghella says the picture won’t shy away from visceral bodily horror and called the script remarkable.

He also praised director James Watkins as the ideal filmmaker for this material, highlighting Watkins’s meticulous, actor-focused approach — down to discussing even the smallest beats of a scene.

Production is currently underway in London. Alongside Max Minghella, who portrays a mysterious character named John, the lead is played by Tom Rhys Harries, who is believed to be portraying Matt Hagen — the second Clayface from the comics.

The story follows a man who injects himself with an experimental treatment to restore his disfigured face. He soon discovers he can reshape his body as if it were clay, but those powers come with a steep cost: a gradual loss of his humanity.

Although the film is officially a Batman spinoff, it is not connected to the continuity in which Robert Pattinson plays Bruce Wayne. Instead, Clayface will join DC’s new “Gods and Monsters” slate, which also includes a Superman project and the second season of Peacemaker.

Rumors suggest that another Clayface — Basil Karlo — could appear in the Robert Pattinson Batman sequel. The Penguin series, set in the same universe, has reportedly dropped hints toward that character.

Theatrical release of Clayface is scheduled for September 11, 2026.

Source: iXBT.games