“Clayface” Now Showing in Philippine Cinemas, Bringing Shapeshifting Horror and Revenge

DC Studios’ “Clayface” is now showing in Philippine cinemas, rated R-18, with Tom Rhys Harries starring as Matt Hagen, an actor whose desperate attempt to rebuild his life leads him toward transformation and revenge.

Directed by James Watkins, the horror thriller explores the Gotham villain through ambition, identity, and the consequences of gaining extraordinary powers. For Watkins, the action needed to grow out of Matt’s personality and experience as an actor.

An actor learning what his powers can do

Watkins wanted Matt’s transformation to feel rooted in the character. Rather than suddenly becoming an expert fighter, Matt discovers how his ability to change shape can give him an advantage.

His background in performance becomes part of how he uses those powers. Deception, surprise, and ambush shape the action as he gradually learns what his altered body can withstand.

“He’s learning as we’re learning, and there’s this dark glee when he’s learning it,” Watkins said.

That sense of discovery brings a playful edge to the sequences. It also complicates the audience’s relationship with Matt as his choices become increasingly destructive.

Watkins explained that action holds his interest when it reveals character. In “Clayface,” the physical confrontations are intended to show who Matt is becoming, alongside what he can do.

A horror story driven by revenge

The film follows Matt’s rise from a Gotham street kid to a Hollywood leading man. His career and personal life unravel after a local crime boss leaves him severely disfigured.

Abandoned by his team, Matt seeks an advanced treatment that restores his appearance. But the procedure also affects his grip on reality, sending him down a path of consuming revenge.

Producer Matt Reeves describes the film as an antihero origin story that combines romance, horror, and a revenge thriller. Its tension comes partly from following someone whose motivations the audience can understand even as his actions cross moral boundaries.

Reeves said the project developed from an interest in exploring Gotham’s rogues gallery through smaller genre films. Writer Mike Flanagan’s enthusiasm for Clayface, particularly the animated-series interpretation, helped shape the horror approach.

Ambition connects Matt and Dr. Caitlyn Corr

Naomi Ackie plays Dr. Caitlyn Corr, a scientist whose desire for recognition connects her with Matt.

Ackie describes both characters as hungry to be acknowledged for their work. Matt’s willingness to pursue a solution appeals to Caitlyn’s ambition, drawing her into an increasingly dangerous situation.

For Harries, playing a character capable of becoming almost anyone meant looking closely at the person beneath those changing appearances.

His approach focused on Matt’s aspirations, his fears, and whether his ambition comes from pursuing something meaningful or trying to escape something within himself.

The cast and creative team

“Clayface” also stars David Dencik, Max Minghella, Eddie Marsan, Nancy Carroll, and Joshua James.

Watkins directs from a screenplay by Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini, with a story by Flanagan, based on DC characters. Producers include Matt Reeves, Lynn Harris, James Gunn, and Peter Safran.

Distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, “Clayface” is now showing in Philippine cinemas with an R-18 rating.

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