Clayface officially begins its box office run as DC debuts horror film with $9.5 million

A horror story in Gotham

Tom Rhys Harries plays Matt Hagen, an actor desperate to regain the face that enabled his career. As he tries to repair the damage, his circumstances worsen, and the film focuses on his struggle to stay intact as well as his transformation.

Director James Watkins presents Gotham from a perspective far removed from its familiar rooftop vigilante. The film gives the Batman villain more space beyond animation and comics, and its release just before Halloween may appeal to audiences drawn to horror.

Opening day and weekend outlook

Deadline’s latest box-office report estimated Clayface’s domestic opening-day earnings at $9.5 million. The total includes $3.5 million from Thursday previews, leaving approximately $6 million in additional Friday earnings.

Released nationwide on October 23, the film is projected to earn $23 million to $25 million in its first weekend from 3,458 theaters. That estimate would give it the top spot, but Saturday and Sunday results will determine the final ranking.

A24’s film in the race

You Can See Everything, from A24, is projected to earn approximately $19 million. Its forecast follows a strong limited opening and a major expansion into theaters. The current figures put Clayface ahead in the early projections, but the weekend contest remains unsettled. Both films’ final totals depend on business through Sunday.