🎬 Clayface (2026) Review – James Gunn Praises a ‘Pure Fking Horror’ DCU Origin Story**
Genre: Horror, Thriller, Body Horror
Director: James Watkins (Speak No Evil, Eden Lake)
Writer: Mike Flanagan (Midnight Mass, Haunting of Hill House)
Lead Cast: Tom Rhys Harries as Basil Karlo
Release Date: September 11, 2026 (DCU Phase 1 “Gods & Monsters”)
Rating: R-rated — the first DCU film to embrace outright horror
---
🌟 Introduction
DC Studios co-head James Gunn and partner Peter Safran have greenlit Clayface after being blown away by Mike Flanagan’s script—which Gunn calls “one of the best scripts” they've received for the new DCU . It promises a “pure f**king horror” experience—a bold shocker within the superhero landscape .
---
🧟♂️ Plot & Tone
Clayface follows Basil Karlo, a struggling B-movie actor who ingests a mysterious substance to reclaim fame—but instead transforms into a grotesque, shape-shifting entity steeped in psychological and physical horror. Expect body horror elements, tragic descent, and an origin steeped in existential dread .
---
🎥 Direction & Build
James Watkins, known for unnerving tension in Speak No Evil and Eden Lake, takes the helm .
Mike Flanagan’s script delivers emotional harm and identity crisis within horror’s truest form — praised by both Gunn and Safran .
It's firmly set within the DCU proper (not Elseworlds), blending seamlessly with upcoming entries like Superman and Supergirl .
---
💀 Strengths
✅ Avenge the genre – DC’s first real horror entry, deviating from traditional capes-and-cowls.
✅ Gunn & Safran’s vision – Recalled their roots in Belko Experiment, embracing horror-driven storytelling .
✅ Body horror pedigree – Script praised as “real and psychological and gross,” capturing visceral dread fully .
✅ Talent synergy – Horror-savvy director, Ronin writer, and strong financial backing point to an intense product.
---
⚠️ Potential Challenges
❌ Niche appeal — R-rated horror diverges starkly from DC’s family-friendly lanes.
❌ Obscure leads — Clayface isn’t mainstream like Joker or Penguin; requires cinematic trust-building .
❌ Universe confusion — Multiple Batmen/DC worlds might muddy brand clarity—but Gunn emphasizes creative freedom across overlapping narratives .
---
🎯 SEO Keywords Targeted
DCU Clayface review 2026
James Gunn Clayface horror
Mike Flanagan body horror DC film
Tom Rhys Harries Clayface
DC Studios R-rated superhero movie
Clayface origin story film
Horror superhero movies
Gotham villain movies
---
✨ Final Verdict
Clayface is shaping up to be a game-changing entry in the DCU—an R-rated, body horror origin story that pushes boundaries. With Gunn and Safran’s personal investment and Flanagan’s horror pedigree, this could be DC’s boldest, most visceral film yet. Fans of psychological horror and DC’s darker lore, prepare to be terrified.
⭐ Predicted Rating: 8/10
Best For: Horror fans, DCU enthusiasts, adults ready for a dark thrill
Skip If: R-rated gore or
obscure villains aren’t your thing