The feature about shape-shifting actor Matt Hagen is scheduled to open internationally on October 21, 2026, and in the United States and Canada on October 23. DC’s announced story does not include Batman.
DC’s first feature centred on Clayface follows Matt Hagen, a character who has usually appeared as one of Batman’s adversaries. British actor Tom Rhys Harries plays Hagen, a film star whose face is disfigured by a crime boss. An experimental treatment restores his appearance but gives him the ability to change faces, while leaving him increasingly unable to control his body. The story turns toward violence and revenge.
The film is scheduled for international release on October 21, 2026, followed by a US and Canadian release on October 23. DC’s official movie listing confirms the latter date. Batman is not part of the announced plot, which focuses on Hagen’s life before and after his transformation.
Clayface first appeared in Detective Comics in 1940 as Basil Karlo, an actor who wore a monster mask from one of his films and attacked people involved in a remake. Matt Hagen became the second character to use the name in 1961, gaining the ability to alter his face and body. Al Jazeera’s account says the new film combines elements of the two versions: Hagen’s name and powers with an actor’s backstory associated with Karlo.
The film belongs to DC’s main cinematic universe, overseen by James Gunn and Peter Safran. It has no announced story connection to Matt Reeves and Robert Pattinson’s separate Batman series; Reeves is attached as a producer. The Brave and the Bold is expected to introduce another Batman in DC’s main universe, but the studio has not announced its release date or cast.
James Watkins directs the film, based on a screenplay by Mike Flanagan, who developed the project but did not direct it. Naomi Ackie, David Dencik, Max Minghella and Eddie Marsan also appear. Filming took place in the United Kingdom from late August to early November 2025, including in Liverpool, Manchester and Stockport, as well as at Warner Bros. Leavesden.
The film received an R rating in the United States for violence, disturbing images, language and drug use. Its budget has been estimated at about $40 million, although DC has not announced an official figure. The filmmakers describe it as a horror story about losing control of one’s body and identity, rather than a conventional superhero battle.