On July 23, the DC Universe released its first trailer for their upcoming film, Clayface.
It features the Batman villain of the same name in a unique imagining that plunges the superhero franchise into the body horror genre.
The film will explore the villain’s backstory in becoming Clayface, as the character takes the centre stage for his first live-action film appearance.
James Watkins (The Woman in Black, Speak No Evil) will direct with The Batman (2022) director Matt Reeves listed as one of the producers.
The story follows up-and-coming actor Matt Hagen (Tom Rhys Harries) after a run-in with a local gangster leads to his face being drastically disfigured.
Desperate to preserve his career and appearance, he volunteers as a test subject for “fringe” scientist Dr Caitlin Corr (Naomi Ackie).
However, Hagen soon notices that the experimental treatment’s effects are transforming him into a being made of living clay.
A visceral first trailer
Wednesday’s first look at the film provided a fitting teaser for what to expect from the film.
Opening to Hagen in a face cast, Corr demands he shows her the damage before the actor reflects on the life he recently lost.
We see his face scars, as well as the pivotal moment where he is violently disfigured, and eventually the high stakes scientific procedure.
While it is suggested his appearance is restored, it is evident something is amiss when Hagen’s face starts to take a liquid-like shape.
As the trailer continues, there are multiple glimpses at his malleable, clay-like body as it gets disfigured in an eerie, “melting” effect.
Surprisingly, however, there is no clear reveal of the character as a complete clay monster.
The fans are all in
The creepy trailer effectively built anticipation and excitement among fans.
Commenters expressed their positive thoughts, with many applauding the horror angle.
“Honestly, making Clayface a Body Horror movie is a stroke of absolute genius,” a fan said.
Another user wrote: “I love the commitment to horror. No winks, no punches pulled.”
Additionally, some people are pointing out the potential this narrative has in an era of hyper-focus on physical appearance and attractiveness.
Although the final look of the fully formed Clayface wasn’t revealed in the trailer, it’s clear that fans are satisfied to wait until it appears on the big screen.
The film releases in cinemas on October 23.
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KC Maderia 
Geoffrey H. Latayan 
Diana Mae Y. Cleto