Clayface might only just have hit theaters, but the time is ripe for pre-release reactions now that most advance screenings are said and done. For a movie with a lot of anticipation behind it and so much riding on it, this is a moment of truth—make or break for its long-term prospects at movie theaters.
The film is marketed as a departure from the DCU's established tone as it stands so far—notwithstanding the gory and mature elements within the average episode of Peacemaker or Creature Commandos. To wit, die-hard boosters of James Gunn’s vision have high hopes that this big swing results in a home run for Clayface.
That could still happen, but the first reactions and one early review portend that the villain origin story may be in for a softer landing without ever reaching the nosebleeds. Put another way, a Morbius comparison, along with accusations that it holds back on the gooey, uncomfortable stuff, aren't takeaways that a Hollywood boardroom and their bean counters will be excited to hear.
The first review to hit the web—and register on social media's Richter scale via Rotten Tomatoes—is from ComicBookMovie. The review by the site's top contributor, Josh Wilding, gives high marks to Clayface's quality in contrast with Supergirl and praises Tom Rhys Harries as the tragic leading man, Matt Hagen. However, it also considers the story “uninspired” and calls the film a “Morbius moment” for DC – a nod to the failure of Sony's Spider-less spinoffs.
Wilding is catching heat for ‘breaking rank’, as it were, since he put up his review before anyone else, like Christmas lights in October. He pleaded his case in an X post and a follow-up editorial, explaining that he paid for a ticket at a surprise screening, where the movie showing turned out to be Clayface. Wilding added he was under no embargo or restrictions, but his review was soon reviewed.
Wilding's analysis is getting the most attention, but other reviews across social media share similar thoughts. Many are far kinder and more positive, though there's still a noticeable lament about the lack of Batman (and Bruce Wayne), who is allegedly nowhere to be found.
The Penguin did the same thing, but The Dark Knight hasn't been properly introduced to the DCU's Earth-Prime yet, which is disappointing for some fans who are tired of the waiting game. They might have to remain patient until The Brave and The Bold gains serious traction, but who knows when that will happen?
The Bat-Family adventure is still listed as in active development, but certain executives' contracts come up in April, and DC’s new overlords at Skydance can always change their minds—especially if they aren't seeing profitability.
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