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'Clayface' DC Horror Movie Debuts First Trailer Wednesday

By Judah Carroll Men's Journal

There are many villains among Batman's storied rogues' gallery that could warrant their own movie. It has already happened multiple times.

In 2019, Joaquin Phoenix starred as a different take on the Dark Knight's famous foe in Todd Phillips' Joker. The film crossed over a billion dollars at the box office, was the highest-grossing R-rated movie ever at the time, and Phoenix won the Oscar for his performance. The gritty, Martin Scorsese-inspired tale would go on to have a far less successful sequel in 2024.

Not a movie, but Colin Farrell's Penguin received a solo limited series on HBO as a spinoff to 2022's The Batman, starring Robert Pattinson. The show is considered one of the best comic book projects of the decade. There is a strong history of solo projects following the villains of Gotham City thriving. For the sake of this statement, we are going to classify Catwoman as an antihero and forget the Halle Berry-led movie.

Beyond many eccentric villains having the ability to carry their own narrative, in the Dark Knight's 87-year history, several would justify a true horror take on their story.

That is exactly what we are getting with DC Studios' Clayface, which hits theaters Oct. 23, 2026. Starring Tom Rhys Harries, the story will follow actor Matt Hagen who turns into the Batman villain after being disfigured. Click here for full details on the movie.

Absolutely nothing has been released to promote the film outside of three Gotham City magazine/newspaper covers posted Tuesday that could hint at our main character's story.

 

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It has been confirmed that the first teaser trailer for Clayface will drop on Wednesday, much to fan excitement. It is highly likely that this will be the same footage that attendees of CinemaCon got the first look at last week. Viewers praised the teaser for its extremely dark tone and use of body horror.

Wednesday, fans will be able to make their first predictions based on whether this will continue the success of Batman villain projects or not.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Apr 21, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

2026 The Arena Group Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.

This story was originally published April 21, 2026 at 3:07 PM.

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