The DCU‘s upcoming movie Clayface takes a darker approach to the superhero genre as the franchise’s first R-rated film. However, early reviews have drawn comparisons between James Watkins‘ film and Sam Raimi’s 1990 movie.
Several early reviews compare Clayface to Darkman, Raimi’s 1990 film about a disfigured scientist who seeks revenge. For instance, Guy Lodge wrote for Variety, “Directed with good humor and a healthy sense of the grotesque by reliable British genre craftsman James Watkins, it is as indebted to cartoonish Nineties horror outings like Darkman and Thinner as it is to anything in its own direct franchise history. Right down to its grisly practical makeup effects, it’s a pleasing throwback.”
Similarly, Edward Douglas wrote, “At its best, Clayface is reminiscent of David Cronenberg’s The Fly and Sam Raimi’s Darkman, two of my absolute favorite movies from that era, finding a way to mix straight-up body horror with action and romance to create an entertaining take on the comic book character.”
Commenting on the character’s choices in the movie, The Wrap’s William Bibbiani added, “In a panic, Hagen overdoses on the nanobots and gains the ability to transform into anyone who pisses him off, and he uses this ability to exact revenge on the a-holes who wrecked his life, in schemes directly inspired by Sam Raimi’s Darkman.”
The 1990 film follows Dr. Peyton Westlake, a scientist whose story parallels Matt Hagen’s in Clayface. After mobsters destroy his laboratory and severely disfigure him, Westlake undergoes an experimental procedure that leaves him unable to feel physical pain and gives him enhanced strength through an adrenaline overload.
Clayface is a much gorier movie than DC fans may be expecting
Although Clayface has drawn comparisons to Darkman, early reviews suggest that the DCU film pushes its horror elements further with graphic gore. Along with the comparisons, early reviews also suggest that the movie features graphic violence and disturbing body horror, making it gorier than what DC fans are used to.
As of now, the movie has earned a 74% Tomatometer score from 62 reviews on Rotten Tomatoes. Clayface stars Tom Rhys Harries, Naomi Ackie, David Dencik, Max Minghella, Eddie Marsan, and Ruby Sear. It will be released in theaters on October 23, 2026.
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