Wondering who Clayface is and why he’s one of DC and Batman’s most haunting foes? With a new DCU horror movie on the horizon, interest in the shape-shifting villain is climbing fast. Known for his monstrous form, tragic transformations, and ties to Gotham’s darkest corners, Clayface brings body horror and emotional depth to the rogues’ gallery.
Here’s who Clayface is in DC Comics, what his powers are, and why he’s back in the spotlight.
Clayface is a recurring Batman villain identity used by multiple individuals in DC Comics.
The first Clayface, Basil Karlo, debuted in Detective Comics #40 (1940), created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger. Originally a human actor turned criminal, Karlo later gained shape-shifting powers and formed the Mud Pack with other versions. Over the decades, eight distinct characters have taken the Clayface name, each linked by similar powers involving clay-like transformation.
DC Studios will release a live-action Clayface horror film on September 11, 2026. James Watkins directs, with Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini writing the script. Tom Rhys Harries stars as Matt Hagen, one of the shape-shifting versions of the villain.
Known Clayface versions in chronological order:
Basil Karlo – Original, actor-turned-criminal
Matt Hagen – Adventurer mutated by radioactive protoplasm
Preston Payne – Scientist with acidic touch, requires exoskeleton
Sondra Fuller – “Lady Clay,” shapeshifter and former Kobra agent
Cassius Payne – Son of Payne and Fuller, born with clay powers
Peter Malley – Claything fused with scientist, Gorgon-like abilities
Todd Russell – Former soldier, serial killer with shapeshifting
Johnny Williams – Firefighter manipulated by Hush
Clayface’s abilities typically include complete shape-shifting, size alteration, enhanced strength, and physical resilience. Most forms are virtually immune to physical damage due to their malleable, clay-like bodies. These powers allow impersonation, infiltration, and combat adaptability.
Some Clayfaces possess unique extensions of these abilities:
Matt Hagen must recharge his powers in radioactive protoplasm.
Sondra Fuller can replicate superpowers of those she imitates.
Preston Payne and Peter Malley melt matter on contact.
Cassius Payne generates independent clay entities called Claythings.
Johnny Williams spreads a mind-controlling virus through contact.