One of the big twists from James Gunn's upcoming Clayface movie was spoiled online thanks to a new photo. DC Studios will deliver its first R-rated movie in 2026 with the release of Clayface, centered on a classic Batman villain who has been depicted almost a handful of times over the last few years. Looking forward to his first live-action film, one detail about his story is confirmed after a look into filming.
Warning - The rest of this article contains minor spoilers from DC Studios' Clayface.
A new set photo showed a potentially big spoiler from DC Studios' Clayface. Following Superman's release in July 2025 and Supergirl's upcoming June 2026 debut, Clayface will be the third theatrical release in James Gunn's growing Chapter 1 slate. Shared by @DCUPRIMETV on X, the image shows an extra in a blue beanie rolling up a newspaper in front of a trash can. The newspaper in question has a photo of Tom Rhys Harries' Matt Hagen on the front with the headline, "Actor Matt Hagen Dead!" emblazoned beside his face.
This photo spoils a twist that Matt Hagen will be presumed dead by the public in Clayface's first solo movie. While other reports teased that Hagen's face would be disfigured after an encounter with a gangster, the public may be getting a different recount of what happened to him through the media.
Clayface will be directed by James Watkins and written by Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini. The film stars Tom Rhys Harries as Matt Hagen/Clayface and Naomi Ackie in an undisclosed role. Clayface is expected to hit theaters on September 11, 2026.
How Newly Revealed Twist Will Impact Clayface Plot
Clayface plays an essential role in the grand scheme of DC Studios' Chapter 1 slate, as it will be the first movie in the new DCU to focus on Gotham City. Considering how little news has come out about what to expect from the franchises' Batman-centric story, this film will at least set up the Caped Crusader's home city for the first time.
The twist itself leads many to believe Clayface will largely work in the shadows as a villain, particularly in the early days after the accident that turns him into a monster. This should add another layer of drama and intrigue to his story, as he could be a consistent thorn in multiple heroes' sides, operating like this for several years.
It also begs the question as to why the media believes that Hagen may be dead. While it is possible that this could be a misinterpretation of his potential run-in with a mob boss, other set photos showcase him with his facial injuries amidst a crowd of members of the press.
Perhaps this news story actually follows Hagen taking the formula that turns him into Clayface. It is currently unknown how this version of Clayface will come to be, but it is possible that the procedure goes wrong and leads people to believe that Hagen died. Alternatively, Hagen may want people to think he is dead so that he can reinvent himself under a new persona, now that he can change his face to resemble anyone he pleases.
With this film confirmed to have an R-rating, fans will see some terrifying imagery from Clayface after his villainous turn, which could include plenty of casualties across Gotham as the area is explored more thoroughly.
Combine that with only a $40 million budget and including horror themes, and fans are in for a live-action DC project unlike anything delivered before.
Richard Nebens joined The Direct in March 2020, now serving as the site's Senior Writer and also working as an assistant editor and content creator. He started his journalism career as a hobby in 2019 and is passionate about sharing news and stories from the entertainment industry, especially comic book movies, comedy, and sci-fi. Richard looks to expand his knowledge about movies and TV every day, and he is eager to stay locked into the latest releases and breaking news at every opportunity.
