DCU’s CLAYFACE Is A “Complete Horror Film”, Promises James Gunn

The Mike Flanagan-penned R-rated body horror is set for release on September 11, 2026.

Last Updated on July 22, 2025 by Amber T

Flying high off the success of Superman, DC Studios Co-CEO James Gunn has given an update on the DCU's upcoming Clayface movie that teases a refreshing new direction for the superhero movie genre.

Speaking with CBS Mornings, Gunn expanded more on how the R-rated Clayface, which is penned by modern horror maestro Mike Flanagan and set to be directed by Speak No Evil and Eden Lake director James Watkins, is keen to keep comic book movie fans on their toes:

We've got Clayface, which is a totally different thing. Although it's in the same universe, it's a complete horror film. That's one of the things we want to do – there's not a company style. It's not like every movie is going to be like Superman. The artists – the directors and the writers – each one will bring their own sense to it… That's what we want to bring to the films because we don't want people to get bored. We want to invigorate people.

Based on the shapeshifting supervillain of the same name introduced back in Detective Comics #40 back in 1940, the Clayface movie stars Welsh actor Tom Rhys Harries (The Gentlemen) in the titular role, and follows:

… a Hollywood horror tale centering on a B-movie actor who injects himself with a substance to keep himself relevant, only to find out that he can reshape his face and form, becoming a walking piece of clay.

Scheduled for release on September 11, 2026 via Warner Bros., Clayface is produced by The Batman' s Matt Reeves, as well as DC Studios bosses Gunn and Peter Safran, and Lynn Harris.

Watch the new interview with Gunn below and look out for more on Clayface as we get it.