CLAYFACE Interviews with Co-Stars Tom Rhys Harries and Naomi Ackie, and Director James Watkins

The glory of comic books as a medium is the vast array of genres any franchise can explore. Marvel Zombies exists, so why are modern spandex-and-cape flicks so entrenched in their formulas? It's a burning question I've had for a while, and James Watkins' Clayface finally offers a counterpoint. All it took was the right character, filmmaking team, and department head to make it all happen. [Editor's note: Read Matt's review]

DC's Clayface is directed by Watkins (Eden Lake, Speak No Evil), produced by James Gunn, and co-written by Mike Flanagan. I assure you, all that horror experience comes through in an origin story filled with tragedy and mucky body horror. I was lucky enough to sit down with Mr. Watkins, as well as Matt Hagen himself, leading man Tom Rhys Harries, and his incomparable co-star Naomi Ackie, who plays Dr. Caitlyn Corr. Hit the videos below to hear what they had to say about bringing horror to the comic book genre, including classic influences, and the work that went into that gnarliest special effects.

"DC Studios’ “Clayface” is a horror thriller from director James Watkins, starring Tom Rhys Harries in the title role of the cult favorite villain from Gotham’s Rogues’ Gallery.

Matt Hagen’s meteoric rise from Gotham street kid to Hollywood leading man is tragically cut short when a local crime boss’s actions leave him horribly disfigured. Abandoned by his team and with nothing left, Matt seeks out a cutting-edge treatment that miraculously returns him to his former self… but also unexpectedly affects his grip on reality, spiraling him down a destructive path of all-consuming revenge.

The film also stars Naomi Ackie, David Dencik, Max Minghella and Eddie Marsan, as well as Nancy Carroll and Joshua James.

James Watkins directs from a screenplay by Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini, story by Flanagan, based on characters from DC. The film is produced by Matt Reeves, Lynn Harris, James Gunn and Peter Safran, with Michael E. Uslan, Chantal Nong Vo, Lars P. Winther, Paul Ritchie, Rafi Crohn and Trevor Macy executive producing.

Watkins’ creative team includes director of photography Rob Hardy, production designer James Price, editor Jon Harris and costume designer Keith Madden. Music is by Volker Bertelmann.

DC Studios Presents a 6th & Idaho Production, a James Watkins Film, “Clayface.”  The film will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures and released only in theaters in North America on October 23, 2026, and internationally beginning 21 October 2026."