DC Studios‘ first outright horror movie is shaping up to be one of the leanest theatrical releases in the franchise’s history. “Clayface” has an official confirmed runtime of 1 hour and 48 minutes (108 minutes), tying it with “Supergirl” as the shortest film so far in James Gunn and Peter Safran’s new DC Universe.
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How the Runtime Was Confirmed
The final runtime was first revealed through an AMC theatre listing and a Czech distributor’s cinema listing, both confirming 108 minutes — slightly shorter than the 1 hour 53 minutes previously reported, and down from an even earlier estimate of 1 hour 50 minutes back in June. The figure has since been corroborated across multiple listings, including The Movie Database, cementing it as the film’s final theatrical length ahead of its October 23 release.
Runtime Snapshot
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Film | Clayface |
| Official Runtime | 1 hour 48 minutes (108 minutes) |
| Release Date | October 23, 2026 |
| Rating | R |
| Director | James Watkins |
| Screenplay | Mike Flanagan (story), Hossein Amini |
| Lead | Tom Rhys Harries as Matt Hagen |
| Budget | $40 million |
| Ties With | Supergirl (2026), also 108 minutes |
| Shorter DC Films | Jonah Hex (81 min, 2010), Superman and the Mole Men (58 min, 1951) |
Where It Ranks in DC History
At 108 minutes, “Clayface” sits among the shortest live-action DC theatrical releases ever made, just above “Birds of Prey” at 109 minutes. Only a small handful of DC films have run shorter, most notably 2010’s “Jonah Hex” at 81 minutes — the shortest live-action DC movie of the 21st century — and the 1951 film “Superman and the Mole Men” at 58 minutes.
Why the Short Runtime Makes Sense
Director James Watkins is bringing a horror-focused, character-study approach to the material, following Matt Hagen’s story after a disfiguring incident tied to a Gotham crime boss leads him to a cutting-edge cosmetic treatment that restores his appearance — but also unravels his grip on reality, sending him down a destructive path of revenge. Early test screenings reportedly drew positive reactions, with some comparing the film’s tone to “Joker,” “Vanilla Sky,” “The Substance,” and “The Incredible Hulk.” Given its focus on tragedy and psychological unraveling rather than large-scale spectacle, and a comparatively modest $40 million budget built around heavy visual-effects work on a shapeshifting villain, a tighter runtime suits both the story’s intensity and its production scale.
The Journey to a Final Cut
“Clayface” was first dated back in 2023 under Mike Flanagan’s original script, before James Watkins came on board to direct with a rewritten screenplay from Hossein Amini. The film’s runtime has fluctuated across development, moving from 110 minutes in June, to 105 minutes reported in September, before settling at its final confirmed length of 108 minutes.
Why It Matters
As DC Studios’ first foray into outright horror, “Clayface” is being watched closely as a test of how far Gunn and Safran are willing to stretch the DCU’s tonal range beyond traditional superhero fare. Its compact runtime, paired with an R rating and body-horror framing, signals a deliberate departure from the more expansive, effects-heavy blockbusters that have defined the studio’s slate so far.
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FAQs
What is the official runtime of Clayface?
1 hour and 48 minutes (108 minutes).
When does Clayface release in theatres?
October 23, 2026.
How does Clayface’s runtime compare to other DC films?
It ties with “Supergirl” (2026) as the shortest film in the new DC Universe, and is among the shortest DC theatrical releases ever.
Who directs Clayface?
James Watkins, froma screenplay by Hossein Amini, based on an original story by Mike Flanagan.
What rating did Clayface receive?
An R rating, reflecting its body-horror content.
