The DC Universe is already getting into the depths of its Batman lore ahead of DC Studios’ upcoming reboot for the Caped Crusader. While James Gunn has yet to cast the new Bruce Wayne in his superhero reboot for The Brave and The Bold movie, one of his most prominent villains is set to make his big-screen debut in 2026.
Currently in production is the Clayface film, which will bring Matt Hagen to life in live-action, played by Tom Rhys Harries. Gunn took to X to celebrate the character’s comic anniversary, while also teasing the DCU audience what they can look forward to in the 2026 installment, sharing the following:
The DC Studios co-CEO commented, “Happy Anniversary to the perennially misunderstood villain, Clayface.” He finished ... by adding that he “can’t wait for you to see @TomRhysHarries bring him to life on the big screen!”
Most iterations of Clayface have traditionally depicted the famous foe as a dangerous shapeshifter, as the character has been in multiple DC animated projects. However, some of the more famous depictions have tackled the Batman villain as a tragic figure, with him being an actor who becomes disfigured, and uses extreme methods to try to save his career, which turns him into the Gotham antagonist.
The R-rated body-horror film in the DCU’s Chapter 1: “Gods and Monsters” will be going that route, as set photos have seen hints of Matt’s tragic transformation. Mike Flanagan, who wrote the script, revealed in an interview with ComicBook on May 31, 2025, that his screenplay was heavily inspired by Batman: The Animated Series’ “Feat of Clay” two-part episode:
“Of course it was. I mean that is the perfect [story],” ‘‘Feat of Clay,’ Ron Perlman, to me, that’s it. That two-parter knocked me out. The short answer is that is absolutely what inspired my script. That is the world I wanted to live in. Batman: The Animated Series when I was growing up was my Batman. As much as [Michael] Keaton was my Batman, The Animated Series really was my Batman.”
Gunn’s “perennially misunderstood villain” comments could also indicate that the Clayface movie will also take some cues from recent DC stories, where he actually joined the Bat-Family as an ally during the DC Rebirth era. That alone would suggest that Harries’ 2026 debut will not be the last time the audience will see him in the franchise.
Principal photography has been underway since August 31, 2025, with James Watkins directing the comic book movie entry for DC Studios. Naomi Ackie and Max Minghella have been cast in the film, as the horror project will be the third movie from the DCU timeline.
While DC Studios hasn’t revealed what is next for Matt after his solo film, it’s possible there will be clues along the way in the story. Clayface is set to open in theaters on September 11, 2026.
- Release Date
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September 11, 2026
- Director
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James Watkins