BURBANK, CA — DC Studios and Warner Bros. Pictures have officially rescheduled the release of their upcoming body-horror film, Clayface. Originally slated for September 11, 2026, the film will now haunt theaters on October 23, 2026.
The six-week delay, while minor, aligns the project perfectly with the “spooky season.” Directed by James Watkins (Speak No Evil, The Woman in Black), the film is a departure from traditional superhero fare, described as a R-rated, Cronenberg-inspired horror tale centering on a B-movie actor who undergoes a grotesque transformation.
A New Strategic Window
Industry analysts suggest the move is a tactical play by Warner Bros. to capitalize on the Halloween market. By vacating the September slot, the studio has moved the long-awaited sequel Practical Magic 2 up to September 11.
The new October 23 date places Clayface in direct competition with a busy fall slate, including an untitled project from horror auteur Jordan Peele. However, it also moves the film away from the massive September re-release of Avengers: Endgame, giving the experimental DC title more breathing room at the box office.
Project Highlights
- The Cast: Newcomer Tom Rhys Harries stars as Matt Hagen/Clayface, alongside Naomie Ackie (Mickey 17) and Max Minghella.
- The Creative Team: The script was penned by horror veteran Mike Flanagan (The Haunting of Hill House) and Hossein Amini.
- The Connection: While the film features a classic Batman antagonist, DC Studios co-head James Gunn has clarified it is a standalone story within the “Gods and Monsters” phase of the DCU.
The film reportedly wrapped production in late 2025. With the shift to late October, fans can likely expect the first teaser trailer to arrive sometime this summer, potentially paired with the theatrical release of Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow in June.
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