Story perspectives

Clayface Film Unveils Graysons' Origins with Horror Twist

9/12/2025

Summary

Clayface Film Release

"Clayface," directed by James Watkins, will release on September 11, 2026, featuring Tom Rhys Harries as Matt Hagen, a disfigured actor.
Set photos hint at "The Flying Graysons," exploring Dick Grayson's origins as Batman's first sidekick.
The film blends body horror with DC Universe elements, with a screenplay by Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini.
James Gunn commends the horror aspects, while Naomi Ackie, Max Minghella, and Eddie Marsan join the cast in undisclosed roles.

Summary

Joker Leads Protest

New photos from "Clayface" show a wheatpaste poster for a Joker-led protest against the Gotham City Police, highlighting his influence before Batman.
Filming occurs in Liverpool, converting locations into Gotham's Amusement Mile, a key Batman setting.
Naomi Ackie's character, a biotech CEO, seeks to exploit Matt Hagen's condition for profit, suggesting a darker storyline.
James Gunn notes the film's emphasis on body horror, aiming for a "pure horror" experience and an R-rating.
Directed by James Watkins and written by Mike Flanagan, the film releases on September 11, 2026.

History

Historical Context

Tim Burton's "Batman," released in 1989, transformed the superhero genre by introducing darker themes and complex characters, notably the Joker. This shift paved the way for iconic villains in Gotham City. The upcoming film "Clayface," set for 2026, will explore body horror and corporate greed, continuing the trend of examining moral ambiguities in the DC Universe's storytelling.

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Clayface Film Release

"Clayface," directed by James Watkins, will release on September 11, 2026, featuring Tom Rhys Harries as Matt Hagen, a disfigured actor.
Set photos hint at "The Flying Graysons," exploring Dick Grayson's origins as Batman's first sidekick.
The film blends body horror with DC Universe elements, with a screenplay by Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini.
James Gunn commends the horror aspects, while Naomi Ackie, Max Minghella, and Eddie Marsan join the cast in undisclosed roles.

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