Clayface Horror: A New DC Universe Fright

The upcoming DC Universe horror film, Clayface, directed by James Watkins, is leaning heavily into the body horror genre. Director Watkins revealed that Georges Franju's 1960 French horror classic, Eyes Without a Face, is a significant influence on the movie's aesthetic and thematic direction. This choice positions Clayface within a lineage of unsettling transformations, reminiscent of Universal Horror staples such as Frankenstein and The Invisible Man.

The film's visual direction is described as a "visual monstrosity," with early buzz suggesting it delivers heightened tension. This comes after an initial teaser sparked comparisons to seminal body horror works. Director Watkins has also indicated that other classic Universal Horror films dealing with bodily changes, before and after death, have informed the project.

DC's Jim Lee has shared highly positive initial opinions after viewing the complete film, fueling hope for the future of DC horror entries. Clayface is scheduled for release on October 23, 2026, with the director currently focused on completing the project rather than future endeavors.

For audiences eager to explore these influences, Eyes Without a Face is available for streaming on HBO Max, Tubi, and Pluto. The Skin I Live In is also noted as a related film available on Tubi.