‘Clayface’ First Reactions Are In, and DC’s Body Horror Gamble Is Winning Over Early Viewers
DC Studios has taken plenty of swings since launching its new universe, but few have been as daring as ‘Clayface’. The R-rated body horror film tells the origin story of the Batman villain through Matt Hagen, an actor whose disfigurement drives him toward an experimental treatment that transforms him into a monster as his sanity begins to slip.
Directed by James Watkins from a script by Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini, the film stars Welsh actor Tom Rhys Harries alongside Naomi Ackie. It’s the third film in the DCU and the final 2026 release in Chapter One, “Gods and Monsters.”
Following a world premiere and a series of screenings, the first reactions to ‘Clayface’ have officially landed online. The early consensus suggests horror fans have plenty to be excited about, with viewers praising its brutal tone, grotesque effects and standout lead performance.
Collider’s Steve Weintraub called the film fantastic, describing it as a hard R loaded with brutal scenes that surprised him. He singled out Harries for a performance that is both charismatic and chilling, predicting a major breakout for the actor while also praising Ackie.
Harries came up again and again in the early buzz. Presenter Brandon Davis described the film as freakishly awesome and called Harries a genuine star, while also praising Watkins’ unsettling vision of Gotham.
James Watkins was showing off in #Clayface, flexing some practical effects and brutal ideas. Big win for horror fans. It’s really visceral, both in violent/bloody sense but also mentally. It’s a mindfuck at times with some dark, true villain turns by the end. Whewwwww. https://t.co/cwYKVp4rdP
— Brandon Davis (@BrandonDavisBD) October 14, 2026
Others noted that the actor brings a mix of boyish charm and quiet menace to the role. Several viewers also highlighted the tragic and emotional angle running through Hagen’s story.
The film’s body horror is clearly not for the faint of heart. Critics described it as disgusting, brutal, and unsettling, with one calling it a shockingly gruesome horror movie that holds nothing back.
CLAYFACE is incredible! It molds Matt Hagen’s tragic backstory into a wildly gory spectacle. There are some crazy unique body horror moments that’ll make you squirm, but what I loved most is it’s also a heartfelt throwback to a bygone era of classic gothic romance films. (1/2) https://t.co/WrkuT2yzOs
— Chris Killian (@chriskillian) October 14, 2026
Film critic Peter Gray called it dark and violent with very little levity, but still an exciting addition to the DCU. Some early viewers compared it to classic creature features like ‘The Fly’ and ‘Darkman’.
Many reactions praised how well the film works on its own terms. Critic Edward Douglas noted that, despite his love for the character in the comics, the movie stands apart as a horror film that doesn’t require any prior DC knowledge.
Clayface is a thriller that blends a propulsive Gotham crime story with shockingly gruesome body horror. This movie sets a new standard for the comic book villain movie and will win over DC and horror fans alike. @ClayfaceMovieDC @dcofficial #clayfacemovie https://t.co/oj2Jb5wPfO
— Multiverse Of Color (@MultiverseColor) October 14, 2026
Phase Hero host Jenna Anderson said the film completely blew her away, describing it as inventive and surprisingly funny and earnest while still fitting neatly into the DCU. Journalist Chalice Williams went as far as calling it one of the best horror films of the year.
The response wasn’t universally glowing. One critic from The Movie Podcast praised the body horror and Harries’ performance but felt the story and some bizarre creative choices made it an odd third entry for a franchise still finding its identity.
Clayface is something special, original, and completely different from any comic book movie we’ve seen before! It makes you feel for a villain and question whether psychological pain can be more devastating than physical pain, and I couldn’t take my eyes off the screen for a second. Gotham has never felt this dangerously exciting… can’t wait to watch this PEAKface again!!
— The Daily Kryptonian (@TheDailyKrypto) October 14, 2026
ComicBookMovie also cautioned that this first wave of reactions came largely from fan-oriented outlets, with major trade critics yet to weigh in. Full reviews will offer a clearer picture of how the film lands.
Still, the excitement is hard to ignore. One early viewer said their theater cheered during the first-ever screening, and several others urged fans to see it with a packed crowd to feel the audience reactions.
Clayface was fantastic. An awesome addition to the DCU that doesn’t require any knowledge of DC to enjoy. It’s a hard R and loaded with brutal scenes that really surprised me. Audience freaked out a few times during my screening to what was being depicted on screen. Strong recommend.
— Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) October 14, 2026
DC boss James Gunn has also said this won’t be the last we see of the shapeshifting villain. If the early buzz holds, ‘Clayface’ could open the door to more genre-driven experiments within the DCU.
I can’t wait to share this wonderful movie so lovingly crafted by James Watkins in four short weeks. #ClayfaceMovie – only in theaters October 23. https://t.co/SPfo9nElnP
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) September 24, 2026
‘Clayface’ arrives in theaters on October 23, just in time for spooky season. With body horror fans already singing its praises, the film looks set to be one of the most talked-about genre releases of the fall.
Do the glowing first reactions make you more excited to watch DC’s Clayface?
Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!
