The DC Universe is officially leaning into darker territory, and the latest set photos from the upcoming ‘Clayface’ movie prove it. While Batman himself is still waiting in the shadows for his official debut in James Gunn’s DCU Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters, one of his most infamous enemies is already stepping into the spotlight first.
The shapeshifting terror known as Clayface is coming to life on the big screen, and thanks to new behind-the-scenes images, fans now know which version of the monstrous villain the movie will bring to life.
Set Photos Confirm Matt Hagen’s Role In The DCU
‘Clayface’, directed by James Watkins and written initially by Mike Flanagan, has been generating a lot of buzz. While the DCU’s initial announcement slate back in January 2023 didn’t include ‘Clayface’, the project quietly came together behind the scenes, and now it’s confirmed as one of the more daring entries in DC Studios’ 2026 lineup. The new reveal doesn’t just confirm details about the film’s story; it also sets the tone for how Gunn is approaching the rogues gallery of Gotham.
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Clayface, much like Joker or Two-Face, isn’t just another supervillain; he’s a tragic figure. Bringing him to the forefront before Batman himself arrives is both a bold and fascinating move. For months, fans speculated which version of Clayface would make his way to theaters. After all, multiple characters have carried the name over the decades in DC Comics. However, new set photos have finally confirmed it: the movie will follow the Matt Hagen iteration.
The evidence came in the form of a prop newspaper spotted on set, captured in a photo shared by Chimichangaprod. The front page headline read: “Actor Matt Hagen Dead”, accompanied by an image of Tom Rhys Harries, the actor now confirmed to be portraying Hagen. This detail is more than a casting confirmation; it’s a story clue. Hagen, traditionally depicted as a struggling or fading actor, suffers a tragic accident. This transforms him into a clay-like, shapeshifting monster.
The headline could appear early in the story, marking Hagen’s downfall after his accident. Gotham tabloids would naturally sensationalize the death of a well-known actor. Alternatively, this may foreshadow a later plot twist, Hagen staging his death to embrace his monstrous identity fully.
What We Know About ‘Clayface’s Release And Story
The wait isn’t short, but it’s already shaping up to be worth it. ‘Clayface’ is set to release in theaters on September 11, 2026, just a few months after ‘Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow’ hits the big screen in June. That scheduling shows how DC Studios is balancing cosmic heroes with Gotham’s street-level nightmares, ensuring the universe feels wide-ranging right from the start.
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As for the tone, James Gunn has described the project as “body horror,” which fits perfectly with Clayface’s grotesque transformations. Flanagan, whose fingerprints are still on the project even after screenwriter Hossein Amini was brought in for rewrites, has proven time and again that he can balance terror with emotional depth. If there’s one thing Clayface demands, it’s tragedy mixed with horror. Hagen isn’t just a monster; he’s a man destroyed by circumstance.
That’s where the movie’s emotional pull may lie. Unlike a villain born purely of malice, Clayface’s downfall is rooted in his dreams, his insecurities, and his desperate attempt to reclaim what he’s lost. Audiences won’t just see another foe for Batman to punch; they’ll witness a soul crushed under the weight of its own failures. For the DCU, choosing Clayface as a headliner is a statement. It proves Gunn and Peter Safran aren’t afraid to take risks.
