Warner Bros. Releases First Trailer for Clayface Movie, Teasing the DCU’s First Body Horror Movie
Warner Bros. has unveiled the first trailer for Clayface, an R-rated body horror film set in James Gunn’s revitalized DC Universe. Directed by James Watkins and starring Tom Rhys Harries as the titular villain and Naomi Ackie as Dr. Caitlyn Corr, the movie represents a notably darker and more mature direction for the DCU compared to previous projects like Superman and Creature Commandos.
The trailer reveals the origin story of Matt Hagen, a promising young actor whose career is abruptly derailed when a mobster brutally scars his face as apparent retribution. Desperate to restore his appearance and salvage his life in showbiz, Hagen turns to Dr. Corr, who offers an experimental procedure. However, the trailer suggests the procedure doesn’t unfold as planned, hinting at disturbing body horror elements.
As part of DC Studios’ “Chapter One: Gods and Monsters” initiative, Clayface marks a significant tonal shift for the DCU. While earlier DCU entries embraced conventional superhero fare, this film leans heavily into horror and body transformation, positioning the iconic villain for his eventual confrontation with Batman in future DCU projects. The one-minute trailer deliberately keeps plot details minimal, focusing instead on atmosphere and visual storytelling to establish the film’s macabre tone.