DC Studios Unveils Teaser Trailer for Clayface

This week, DC Studios dropped a teaser trailer for Clayface, marking its entry into the horror/thriller genre.

Leading the project is horror filmmaker James Watkins, known for Speak No Evil and Woman in Black. Welsh actor Tom Rhys Harries stars as the titular Gotham City villain.

Set to premiere in theaters on October 22, the film is described as “the story of one man’s terrifying decline from a rising star in Hollywood to a vengeful monster, delving into themes of lost identity, corrosive love, and the darker aspects of scientific ambition.”

The teaser emphasizes the body horror found in Clayface’s backstory. He’s an aspiring actor whose face is horrifically disfigured by a gangster.

In a bid to regain his former looks, he turns to a scientist, who transforms his body into clay.

The brief trailer features multiple jump scares showcasing Clayface’s chilling appearance. Early reactions from DC fans indicate a sense of anticipation, as they appreciate the studio’s exploration of more gruesome body horror compared to recent superhero flicks.

“This is what DC needs,” one fan enthusiastically commented, noting that the teaser has already gained over 3 million views since its release yesterday.

Another viewer remarked, “There’s no need for another trailer after this one. The tone, fear, and atmosphere have already captured my full interest.”

Additionally, one commenter commended DC for “finally highlighting a Batman villain other than the Joker.”

Clayface is among several upcoming releases from DC Studios, including Supergirl set for June and a sequel to Superman: Tomorrow’s Man, scheduled for July next year.

DC’s recent film releases have had a mixed track record. Last year’s reboot of Superman was a commercial triumph, bringing in more than $600 million globally. In contrast, Joker: Folie à deux received poor critical reception and struggled to recoup its $200 million budget.

One film that remains unreleased is 2022’s Batgirl, which was among three projects that Warner Bros. decided to shelve for tax benefits.

Batgirl was already completed, even undergoing test screenings, before the cancellation was announced.

Fans are now left reflecting on that choice as another trailer has emerged this week for one of Warner Bros.’ previously shelved films.

The lively Coyote vs. Acme will finally come to theaters in September, three years past its intended release date, after Warner Bros. permitted filmmakers to pursue other distribution options.

The other two completed projects that remain shelved are Batgirl and an animated Scooby-Doo film, which haven’t been granted the same opportunity for release.