By Clayface performer Max Minghella, who portrays a figure currently referred to simply as “John” in the DC Studios superhero horror flick, is presently shooting on the project in London. Staying true to the film’s comic book origins, Minghella informs Collider that Clayface is thoroughly embracing its body horror aspects.
“I believe I can confidently assert it’s heading there,” Minghella remarks. “It’s a genuine film. It’s a truly remarkable script.” Minghella continues to commend the film’s director James Watkins, noting he is particularly an admirer of Watkins’ 2008 horror film Eden Lake, which stars Michael Fassbender.
“I watched that film when it was released, and it profoundly impacted me, so I was thrilled to receive that call. I feel he’s honestly quite well-suited for it [Clayface],” Minghella clarifies. “If you review his entire portfolio, he’s worked in various genres that align with the film we’re creating, so I can’t picture anyone else taking it on.”
Clayface features actor Tom Rhys Harries in the titular part, reportedly as Matt Hagen, the second Clayface in comics, who is the initial version of the character endowed with the ability to reshape and convert into sentient mud – albeit at the expense of his humanity. Staying true to form, set images seem to depict Harries as Hagen enduring what appears to be a severe physical metamorphosis.
It is also speculated that another type of Clayface, Basil Karlo, the original, will be featured in The Batman 2. This iteration of the character is a former actor transformed into a masked murderer. Carmen Ejogo portrayed a character named Eve Karlo who assumes various disguises in The Penguin, possibly setting the stage for Basil Karlo’s introduction in the sequel.
Concurrently, DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn has minimized potential links between the Clayface film, which is situated in the new DCU, and The Batman 2, despite a similar bat-symbol being observed on the Clayface set.
Clayface is set for release on September 11, 2026. While we await, keep informed about all the forthcoming DC films and series.