The upcoming Clayface movie could be keeping one of its biggest surprises hidden until the film reaches theaters. New DC Comics variant covers may offer an early look at Matt Hagen’s transformation. However, they seemingly stop short of revealing the character’s final monstrous design.
As a result, fans may have to wait until the movie’s release to see the full extent of Clayface’s terrifying transformation.
Clayface Variant Covers May Tease Matt Hagen’s Transformation
DC Comics is preparing to release two new variant covers connected to the upcoming Clayface movie. While the artwork could provide an early glimpse at Matt Hagen’s transformation, the covers may avoid showing his final appearance.
The first variant cover will appear on Batman & Robin: Year One #3 on October 14. Artist Brian Bolland illustrated the cover.
Meanwhile, Björn Barends will illustrate the second variant cover for Detective Comics #1114, which arrives on October 21. Björn Barends illustrated that artwork.
Although these covers could tease the character’s transformation, reports suggest that DC Studios is keeping Clayface’s full monstrous appearance under wraps. Therefore, the movie may reserve its most shocking visual reveal for the big screen.
Matt Reeves Teases a Terrifying Clayface Origin Story
Matt Reeves is producing the upcoming movie. The filmmaker previously explained why he became interested in bringing Clayface into the DC Universe.
“I’m drawn to the more grounded DC Comic characters, and coming off The Batman wanted to expand that interest to other characters and stories. Clayface presented a unique opportunity to dive into an origin story within a specific genre — it’s a tragic character journey wrapped in terrifying body horror.”
This description offers an important look at the movie’s direction. Rather than focusing only on Clayface as a traditional supervillain, the film will explore Matt Hagen’s tragic transformation.
Furthermore, the story will reportedly combine a grounded character drama with elements of body horror. As a result, Clayface could become one of the DCU’s most disturbing movie characters.
What Is Clayface About?
The official synopsis introduces Matt Hagen as a Gotham street kid who rises to become a Hollywood leading man. However, his success comes to a devastating end after a local crime boss leaves him horribly disfigured.
The synopsis states:
“Matt Hagen’s meteoric rise from Gotham street kid to Hollywood leading man is tragically cut short when a local crime boss’s actions leave him horribly disfigured.”
After being abandoned by his team, Matt turns to an experimental treatment that could restore his former appearance. However, the procedure comes with unexpected consequences.
“Abandoned by his team and with nothing left, Matt seeks out a cutting-edge treatment that miraculously returns him to his former self,” the synopsis continues, “but also unexpectedly affects his grip on reality, spiralling him down a destructive path of all-consuming revenge.”
Therefore, the movie appears to focus on Matt Hagen’s tragic journey before fully embracing the terrifying Clayface identity.
Tom Rhys Harries Leads the Movie’s Cast
Tom Rhys Harries stars as Matt Hagen/Clayface in the upcoming DCU movie.
The cast also includes:
- Naomi Ackie
- David Dencik
- Max Minghella
- Eddie Marsan
- Nancy Carroll
- Joshua James
Meanwhile, James Watkins directs the film. The screenplay comes from Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini. Flanagan also receives a “Story by” credit.
The film is produced by Matt Reeves, Lynn Harris, James Gunn, and Peter Safran.
Clayface is scheduled to be released exclusively in theaters on October 23.
However, DC Studios may continue keeping the character’s full transformation a secret until the movie arrives. If the reports are accurate, fans may not see Clayface’s complete monstrous design until the film’s theatrical release.
That approach could make Matt Hagen’s transformation one of the movie’s biggest surprises.
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Patrick Webb 
Ambily Sajan