In the wake of “Supergirl” flopping at the box office, DC Studios is reaching for a game-changer to rejuvenate its cinematic universe. Their ambitious next move? Launching an origin story focused on the Batman villain Clayface. Given the promise shown in its second trailer, this film might just be the turnaround they’ve been waiting for.
The debut “Clayface” trailer kept it short and mysterious, briefly highlighting the tragic catalyst that transforms Matt Hagen, portrayed by Tom Rhys Harries, into the shape-shifting villain. However, the second glimpse dives deeper into his narrative journey. Matt, once a shining star, becomes a victim of a criminal plot leading him to undergo a risky procedure to regain his lost glamour. Initially, all seems well, but it’s evident he is about to face some perilous repercussions.
A chilling highlight from the sneak peek is of Matt struggling with loose skin sliding over his eyes, symbolizing his body’s growing instability. Retreating to a bathroom with a pair of scissors, this moment shapes up to be a gut-wrenching display. “Clayface” is poised to embrace body horror wholeheartedly, which should help distinguish it within the jam-packed realm of superhero films.
The latest “Clayface” trailer is rife with disturbing scenes that depict Matt Hagen’s struggle as his face contorts and his efforts to harness his new abilities. In one striking sequence, his skin absorbs a punch, sagging and bending with the impact—a spectacle familiar to Clayface enthusiasts. The climax reveals Dr. Caitlin Corr, brought to life by Naomi Ackie, visibly horrified as she witnesses a monstrous transformation unfold before her.
We won’t see Clayface’s true form until the movie is out
Warner Bros.
The new “Clayface” trailer offers plenty of gruesome moments, from Matt Hagen’s face sagging to him trying to get his newfound powers under control. And in one shot, Matt gets punched in the face, only for his skin to droop them and absorb the impact. This is all par for the course for Clayface in the comics and extended media. The final shot sees Dr. Caitlin Corr (Naomi Ackie) looking on in horror as a monster takes shape before her.
This is undoubtedly Clayface’s true form — the giant mud monster he becomes when not trying to resemble a regular human. But we’ll have to wait until the movie comes out to see Clayface in all his glory. Director James Watkins confirmed as much speaking with Entertainment Weekly, saying, “I think people give away too much … I believe in the power of mystery and the power of suggestion and the power of people putting two and two together. I think it’s more fun.”
It’s still unclear whether the new DC Universe will have a unique Batman separate from the one in Matt Reeves’ “The Batman,” but for now, we’ll take introduction to Gotham. We called it back in 2025 that “Clayface” would blow everyone away this year, and the trailers make that prediction look accurate. Hopefully, “Clayface” shows the DCU can do more than fun comedic adventures with lots of needle drops.