A recently surfaced photo from the set of James Gunn’s upcoming Clayface movie has revealed a significant plot twist, shedding light on the direction of the film. Scheduled for release in 2026, this DC Studios title will mark the studio’s first R-rated entry, focusing on the notorious Batman villain Clayface, also known as Matt Hagen. The Clayface movie promises to explore his origin in depth, and the new set image confirms a surprising development about Hagen’s fate soon after his transformation.
As one of the key projects in DC Studios’ Chapter 1 slate, Clayface follows the 2025 Superman release and the upcoming 2026 debut of Supergirl. While limited in-story details have been shared during production, the image posted by @DCUPRIMETV on X reveals an extra holding a newspaper with a front-page headline announcing “Actor Matt Hagen Dead!” alongside a photo of Tom Rhys Harries, who portrays Hagen. This spoil suggests that the public will be led to believe Matt Hagen has died early in the movie, though insiders hint that the truth of his condition will be more complicated.
How This Revelation Shapes the Storytelling of Clayface
This twist indicates that Matt Hagen’s character will initially be perceived as deceased by Gotham’s citizens and media, setting up an intriguing narrative dynamic where the villain operates mostly from the shadows. Reports have suggested Hagen’s transformation into Clayface results from a violent encounter with a gangster, leading to severe disfigurement. However, rather than immediately revealing his monstrous form to the world, the movie appears to position Hagen as a mysterious figure shrouded in rumors and misinformation.
As the first Gotham City-centered film in the new DC Universe, Clayface will build the groundwork for Batman’s iconic environment while focusing on this lesser-known antagonist. The decision to have Hagen presumed dead adds a layer of secrecy and suspense, signaling that he might quietly become a persistent threat to Gotham’s heroes over time before fully revealing his villainous identity.
Production Details and Creative Team Behind the Film
Clayface is directed by James Watkins and scripted by Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini, with Tom Rhys Harries starring as Matt Hagen/Clayface. Naomi Ackie also features in an undisclosed role, adding further curiosity to the cast lineup. The movie is slated for a September 11, 2026 release date, with a production budget estimated around $40 million. This moderate budget combined with the R-rating points to a darker, more horror-inspired tone than typically seen in DC films, aiming to deliver a gripping and unsettling cinematic experience.
The inclusion of horror elements suggests viewers will witness terrifying depictions of Clayface’s abilities and violent consequences in Gotham City, making this a unique addition to the superhero genre. The film’s focus on this eerie atmosphere, paired with suspenseful storytelling, aims to set it apart from previous DC projects and possibly become one of the most intense movies from the studio in 2026.
Implications of the Twist for the DC Universe’s Future
This Clayface movie marks an important chapter for DC Studios as it expands the DC Universe storylines by delving into Gotham City, a setting crucial to many superhero narratives. By introducing Matt Hagen’s story with the public misled about his death, the film sets a foundation for complex character arcs and future crossover appearances. Such an approach hints that Clayface could evolve into a formidable antagonist across the franchise’s evolving lineup.
Moreover, the unexpected twist enriches the film’s plot with mystery and tension, likely keeping audiences engaged and speculating about the true extent of Hagen’s transformation and objectives. Given the film’s R-rating and the creative team’s ambitions, Clayface is positioned to explore darker themes and mature content, potentially influencing the tone of upcoming DC Universe entries.
“Actor Matt Hagen Dead!” —Headline from set photo
