Filming has officially started on the new Batman spinoff focusing on Clayface, marking the first installment within James Gunn’s Batman villain film slate set in the main DC Universe continuity. The production began in Liverpool, UK, as the DC Studios prepares this R-rated horror thriller for release on September 11, 2026.
Directed by James Watkins with a screenplay by Mike Flanagan, the film centers on Clayface, one of Bruce Wayne’s most monstrous adversaries, who is making his live-action debut. Tom Rhys Harries stars as the shapeshifting villain, potentially portraying the Matt Hagen incarnation, though DC Studios has not formally confirmed this detail. New set photos have emerged from sources like Just Jared and Daily Mail, providing early glimpses of the project’s tone and visual style.
Insights From Clayface Set Images
The initial photos suggest filming of Clayface’s origin story, likely showing the pivotal event that transforms him into a dangerous villain. Scenes appear to depict the character in distress, with significant bruising and bloody injuries, hinting at a tragic accident central to the narrative. One scene shows a patient, believed to be linked to a character named Harry, being rushed to the hospital, underscoring the film’s darker themes.
Set images from Just Jared include Tom Rhys Harries wearing a blue hoodie alongside another actor—possibly Eddie Marsan—clad in identical clothes. This visual points to a shapeshifting scene where the villain uses his powers to impersonate others, a classic aspect of Clayface’s abilities. However, Eddie Marsan’s involvement remains unconfirmed by the studio.
Significance of Details on Set and Its Connection to the DC Universe
Other elements spotted on set, such as branding for Jitters Coffee and logos representing Gotham City Police Department and Gotham City News 1, provide significant context. These visual details reinforce that the movie takes place separately from the Gotham universe crafted by Matt Reeves with Robert Pattinson as Batman. This delineation confirms that James Gunn’s Batman villain film exists within DC Studios’ main continuity rather than Reeves’ separate storyline.
This production is especially noteworthy for its unique focus on a Batman villain through the lens of an R-rated horror thriller—a rarity for DC Studios’ theatrical releases. As the filming progresses, fans and critics will likely gain a clearer understanding of how this darker, more intense take fits into the evolving DC Universe narrative.
Tom Rhys Harries Leading a Dark Exploration of Clayface
Tom Rhys Harries leads the cast as Clayface, portraying a character known for his shapeshifting abilities as well as tragic complexity. The film promises a blend of horror, thriller, and tragic elements, delving into the sinister dimensions of a character who has not yet been extensively explored on screen. This approach aims to broaden the DCU’s tone and storytelling scope under James Gunn’s involvement.
As a new entry scheduled for 2026, the Clayface movie represents one of the DC Universe’s boldest projects, combining the superhero genre with horror motifs. By focusing on the origin and psychological dimensions of a Batman villain, the film could reshape how these characters are depicted in future DC Studios releases.
