Naomi Ackie Brings Dark Gotham Glamour to the ‘Clayface’ London Premiere
It’s been a whirlwind month for Naomi Ackie, and her look at the ‘Clayface’ London premiere might be her boldest statement yet. The British actress has been on a near-nonstop press tour, promoting ‘I Love Boosters’ in London before heading to Hollywood for the ‘Clayface’ world premiere.
That Los Angeles event set a high bar. At the October 13 world premiere at the Hollywood Legion Theater, Ackie wore a black Gucci Pre-Fall 2026 one-shoulder gown with a thigh-high slit, styled with knee-high Gucci boots and diamond and emerald earrings, a look Red Carpet Fashion Awards credited entirely to that unexpected footwear choice.
Now back in her hometown, Ackie delivered another standout moment. At the European premiere of ‘Clayface’ in London on October 20, she arrived in a sculpted black leather-look dress with a corset-style bodice, dramatic structured shoulders, intricate lace-up detailing, and a fitted knee-length skirt.
The look felt perfectly in tune with the film’s dark aesthetic. Photographed against a concrete-textured backdrop splashed with blood-red lettering, the textured black ensemble mirrored the gritty, horror-driven mood of DC Studios’ newest release.
Naomi Ackie stuns at the London premiere of ‘CLAYFACE’
— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) October 20, 2026
The night capped off a busy few days in the capital. On October 19, Ackie joined co-stars Tom Rhys Harries and Max Minghella and director James Watkins at a photocall held at the Leake Street Arches, which had been given a ‘Clayface’-inspired makeover, before attending a special screening at Vue Leicester Square that evening.
Naomi Ackie photographed at the ‘CLAYFACE’ premiere in London. 📷 https://t.co/c1JJeSVdyJ
— Film Crave (@_filmcrave) October 20, 2026
The premiere marks a milestone for the studio. ‘Clayface’ is DC Studios’ first-ever foray into horror, with James Gunn describing it as a complete horror film. The story follows Matt Hagen, played by Harries, whose rise from Gotham street kid to Hollywood leading man is cut short when a crime boss leaves him horribly disfigured.
Desperate, he seeks out a cutting-edge treatment that restores his looks but warps his grip on reality, sending him down a path of all-consuming revenge. Ackie plays Dr. Caitlin Bates, with early descriptions pointing to a fringe Elizabeth Holmes-style scientist at the heart of Hagen’s transformation. Max Minghella plays John, Caitlin’s fiancé, while Eddie Marsan appears as Hagen’s manager.
Naomi Ackie and Tom Rhys Harries attend the ‘CLAYFACE’ premiere in London. 📷 https://t.co/nWC3BS0bOU
— Film Crave (@_filmcrave) October 20, 2026
The film has serious horror credentials behind it. James Watkins directs from a screenplay by Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini, with the project reportedly carrying shades and structure of David Cronenberg’s ‘The Fly’.
Producers include James Gunn, Peter Safran, ‘The Batman’ director Matt Reeves, and Lynn Harris. Safran previously called it an incredible body horror film revealing a compelling origin for a classic Batman villain.
The final trailer for DC’s ‘CLAYFACE’ has been released. In theaters on October 23. https://t.co/ecTMB97Sto
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) September 24, 2026
The ensemble also features David Dencik, Nancy Carroll, and Joshua James. Ackie was reportedly chosen after reading sessions in England, quickly emerging as the top pick for the female lead. The role continues an impressive run for the actress. Ackie made headlines with Bong Joon Ho’s ‘Mickey 17’ and showed her knack for darker material in 2024’s ‘Blink Twice’.
Her recent work earned her a London Film Critics Circle nomination for British/Irish Performer of the Year, recognizing ‘Sorry, Baby’, ‘Mickey 17’, and ‘The Thursday Murder Club’. With ‘Clayface’ opening in cinemas on October 23, her profile is only set to grow.
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