Inside 'Clayface': DC Villain Movie Set to Unleash Batman’s Most Haunting Story Yet
The new take promises a chilling blend of tragedy, mystery, and dark transformation.
What if the next big DC villain movie isn’t just about monsters and mayhem — but a tragic tale ripped straight from the darkest corners of Batman’s world? According to Nexus Point, the upcoming Clayface film is doing just that. Inspired heavily by the critically acclaimed two-part episode Feat of Clay from Batman: The Animated Series, this isn’t your usual superhero blockbuster.
Writer-director Mike Flanagan is bringing to life the haunting story of Matt Hagen, a handsome actor turned grotesque shapeshifter, whose journey of loss and identity echoes the gritty psychological drama fans fell in love with in the animated classic.
The film melds the comic book origins of Matt Hagen with Basil Karlo’s backstory, blending them into a fresh but faithful new take. As in the episode, Hagen’s disfigurement derails his career and plunges him into monstrous transformation — a terrifying battle with himself as much as with his enemies.
Production is set to begin this September in the UK, with Rhys Harries stepping into the role of Matt Hagen after a competitive casting process. The project forms part of DC Studios’ ambitious slate to expand the Batman Epic Crime Saga, with Matt Reeves producing alongside the studio. This film marks a return to the dark, gothic tone that has become synonymous with the best Batman stories, promising a deep dive into character and atmosphere over spectacle.
If you’ve ever wondered what happens when fame, tragedy, and dark powers collide in Gotham’s shadows, this movie aims to answer it — with all the mood, mystery, and gothic atmosphere you could hope for.
