Clayface is a 2026 American psychological horror thriller from DC Studios and Warner Bros. Pictures. The film is directed by James Watkins and written by Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini.
It stars Tom Rhys Harries, Naomi Ackie, David Dencik, Eddie Marsan, Max Minghella, Nancy Carroll, and Joshua James. The story follows Matt Hagen, a rising actor whose life changes after a terrible disfigurement.
He undergoes an experimental treatment that restores his appearance but begins to affect his body and mind. The film is based on the DC Comics character Clayface and expands the DC Universe with a darker body-horror story.
Clayface opens in North American theaters on October 23, 2026, with international releases beginning October 21 through Warner Bros. Pictures.
Clayface Age Rating
Clayface is rated R by the MPA for strong bloody violence, gore, language, some nudity, and brief drug use. This rating means the film contains mature content that may be unsuitable for viewers under 17 without a parent or adult guardian.
Violence & Peril
The violence is strong and graphic, with body horror playing a major role. The story includes disturbing transformations, bloody injuries, physical attacks, and intense moments of peril. Matt’s changing body creates unsettling images involving distorted flesh and bodily mutation. The trailer shows the film’s horror approach rather than conventional superhero action. Parents should expect disturbing imagery and scenes that may be frightening or upsetting for younger viewers.
Language
The film contains strong language throughout. The official R rating specifically cites language as one reason for the classification. Expect profanity during arguments, violent confrontations, and emotionally intense scenes.
Mature Themes
The story deals with disfigurement, loss of identity, obsession, revenge, body image, fame, and psychological deterioration. Matt’s desperation to restore his appearance creates several mature themes about beauty and self-worth. The film also explores scientific experimentation and the consequences of using an unsafe treatment. Some nudity appears in the film, and the MPA specifically lists some nudity in its rating reason.
Sexual Content
The MPA does not list sexual content as a specific reason for the R rating. However, some nudity is included in the official rating. Parents should therefore expect brief or partial nudity connected to the film’s adult horror material.
Substance Use
The MPA cites brief drug use as part of the R rating. The story also involves an experimental treatment that has dangerous effects on Matt’s body and mind. Parents should distinguish this fictional treatment from ordinary medical care or legitimate cosmetic procedures.
Is Clayface Suitable for Teens?
Ages 13–15: No. Clayface is not recommended for younger teenagers. The strong bloody violence, gore, disturbing body horror, strong language, nudity, and drug material make the film unsuitable for most viewers in this age group.
Ages 16–17: With Guidance. Older teens who already handle intense horror may be able to watch the film with parental guidance. However, the graphic body-horror imagery and mature themes remain important concerns.
Ages 18+: Yes. The film is intended for adults under the MPA’s R classification. Adults who enjoy psychological horror and body-horror stories should be prepared for graphic material and mature themes.
Final recommendation: Clayface is best suited for older teens with guidance and adults, while younger teenagers should avoid it.
What Parents Can Do
- Talk with older teens about the film’s themes of body image, identity, fame, and desperation before watching.
- Explain that the experimental treatment shown in the story is fictional and should not be viewed as realistic medical advice.
- Discuss the difference between horror effects and real-world violence after viewing, especially if the body-horror scenes are disturbing.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the age rating for Clayface?
A: Clayface is rated R for strong bloody violence, gore, language, some nudity, and brief drug use.
Q: Is Clayface appropriate for kids?
A: No. The film’s strong horror violence, gore, language, nudity, and drug material make it unsuitable for children.
Q: Is Clayface suitable for teenagers?
A: Younger teenagers should avoid it. Older teens may watch with parental guidance if they are comfortable with graphic body horror.
Q: Does Clayface have scary or violent scenes?
A: Yes. The film contains strong bloody violence and gore, with disturbing body-horror imagery forming a major part of the story.
Q: Where can I watch Clayface?
A: Clayface is scheduled for an exclusive theatrical release, opening in North America on October 23, 2026. International releases begin October 21, 2026.