# James Gunn's DC Universe Movie Fails

> DC's Clayface movie is a disaster with unengaging characters and body horror that doesn't scare.
- Title: James Gunn's DC Universe Movie Fails · Polygon | Shortify
- Summary: DC's Clayface movie is a disaster with unengaging characters and body horror that doesn't scare. DC's Clayface movie fails as a superhero film with…
- Keywords: clayface, dc universe, james gunn, superhero movie, body horror, matt hagen, dr caitlyn corr, gaming, culture, James, Gunn's, Universe
- Source: Polygon — https://polygon.com/clayface-dc-2026-review
- Author: Brian VanHooker
- Published: 2026-10-21T19:00:17+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: clayface, dc universe, james gunn, superhero movie, body horror, matt hagen, dr caitlyn corr, gaming, culture
## Clayface movie review
DC's Clayface movie is a disaster with unengaging characters and ineffective body horror.
## Matt Hagen's story
Matt Hagen, a handsome actor with a recent best actor nomination, gets disfigured by a mob boss.
## Hagen's career collapse
Hagen's agency drops him, his lawyer steals money, and he moves back to his Gotham apartment.
## Experimental nanocells
Dr. Caitlyn Corr's nanocells restore Hagen's appearance but cause a monstrous, melting effect.
## Weak character dynamics
David Dencik's mob boss Markos Szabo feels small, and Naomi Ackie's scientist has no compelling connection to Hagen.
## Body horror fails
The movie delivers cringey body horror but never makes viewers feel scared.
## Why Clayface exists
The movie comes too early in DC's universe, before James Gunn's Batman movie is established.
## Key takeaway

DC's Clayface movie fails as a superhero film with uninteresting characters and ineffective body horror.