Batman fans, you might want to leave the lights on tonight.
DC Studios just turned up the “scare factor” at CinemaCon , giving a lucky audience in Las Vegas a first glimpse of the highly anticipated—and deeply disturbing—new film, Clayface.
While the teaser hasn’t been released to the public yet, descriptions of the footage are already going viral on X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok, with fans calling it the most “terrifying” swing the DC Universe has ever taken.
DC Chief Peter Safran took the stage to introduce the character, whom he described as someone who’s “not famous yet” but definitely will be once the world sees this “riveting horror thriller.”
According to those inside the room, the teaser features Welsh actor Tom Rhys Harries in a state of absolute “mutilation.” The footage reportedly shows his character lying in a hospital bed with glowing red eyes, flashing between his life before and after a traumatic, body-altering event.
In a moment that sparked an immediate wave of “gross-out” buzz online, the character is seen wearing a mask and literally “molting,” his face becoming soft and distorting like putty.
“I was not prepared for DC to go full Body Horror,” one fan posted on X shortly after the presentation. “The descriptions of the ‘molting’ scene are giving me chills!”
Directed by James Watkins, Clayface is a major departure from the traditional capes-and-tights formula. The script was penned by horror maestro Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini, with The Batman director Matt Reeves producing alongside James Gunn and Peter Safran.
For those who need a comic book refresher, Clayface first appeared in as a disgruntled actor who turned to a life of crime using the identity of a movie villain. While there have been many versions of the shapeshifter over the years, they are almost always a tragic and formidable adversary for the Dark Knight.
The star-studded cast doesn’t stop with Harries. Naomi Ackie is set to lead alongside him, with Max Minghella, David Dencik, and Eddie Marsan rounding out the ensemble.
The film was originally slated for an early September release, but DC clearly knows their audience. The studio confirmed a new release date of October —perfectly timed for a Halloween box office takeover.
Clayface marks the next big chapter for DC Studios following the release of Supergirl, which hits theaters on June .
If the viral reaction to this “drippy, clay-like” teaser is any indication, we’re all in for a very messy, very scary treat this October.
Just remember: keep your masks on, and try not to melt.
