The newest instalment in James Gunn’s era of the DCU did not disappoint. The body horror that is Clayface (2026) bled both elements of the comics and a new organic story to Matt Hagan’s (played by Tom Rhys Harries) Clayface. The auteur’s behind Clayface, such as James Witkins, the director and Mike Flanagan, one of the writers are both renowned in their fields. From 2024’s Speak no Evil and The Woman in Black, to The Haunting of Hill House, Hush, and Doctor Sleep respectively- the porcelain villain was always in good hands.
Waitkins’ Clayface takes a different direction from the usual interpretation of the character, as we follow Matt Hagan’s Clayface, rather than Basil Karlo- the original. This shift from Karlo to Hagan however, allowed Watkins more freedom whilst creating the film. As Caitlyn Corr (played by Naomi Ackie), Matt Hagan’s saviour and love interest was created purposefully for the film.
The main plot of the thriller follows rising star Matt Hagan after a brutal encounter with crime boss Markos Szabo leaves him disfigured. In disgust with himself, Hagan takes a risk on Dr. Caitlyn Corr- a fellow outcast of society that had her work stolen from her. This work is an experimental AI treatment that can heal what is lost. But after an overdose on the treatment, Hagan slowly starts to lose his mind, as he melts into madness and accepts his new chameleon-like disposition.
Much like the other projects in James Gunn’s DCU, the attention to detail throughout the film is immaculate. Much like Superman (2025) and Lanterns (2026) there are a plethora of references and ‘blink and you’ll miss it’ details scattered throughout the film. One of the most notable are the many nods towards the clown prince of crime, The Joker. During one of the tensest moments of the film has Dr. Caitlyn Corr stalked through a neon illuminated alleyway of Gotham, the advertisement is for The Amusement Mile, the circus strip of Gotham that is home to the Joker and his harlequin, Harley Quinn. A more obvious easter egg is the name dropping of Batman’s alter ego- Bruce Wayne. As Wayne Community Center is mentioned by one of Hagan’s mentors. The Gotham setting for the film also allows for many iconic places to be seen, such as Ace Chemicals, the GCPD building, and Club Vesuvius.
*Spoilers ahead*
The film ends with the shocking reveal that the kill switch device did not kill Matt Hagan, but instead it completely corrupted his mind as he transforms into his disfigured kaiju form and lets out a monstrous wail. This ending allows for Clayface to make his return to the DCU more than likely to happen, or has it already?
James Gunn revealed recently that in the 2024 animated series Creature Commandos, was set after Clayface, Matt Hagan’s cinematic debut. As the Clayface in the animated series is the same gun-for-hire that we saw in the live action. His inclusion in the animated series only leaves even more hope for Tom Rhys Harries’ return to our screens in the future.
