DC Studios' film Clayface has officially been rated R. The rating cites strong bloody violence, gore, profanity, partial nudity, and brief drug use. The film will hit theaters on October 23.
James Gunn stated last year that Clayface had been an R-rated film since its production and filming stages. During post-production, the final version retained this rating and was not adjusted to a PG-13 to appeal to a broader age demographic.
The film follows Gotham City actor Matt Hagen. After rising to prominence, he is disfigured by local thugs and seeks out scientist Caitlin Cole, who is conducting experimental projects involving living clay, in hopes of repairing his face.
The experiment initially restores Matt's appearance, but the effects quickly spiral out of control. His body begins to undergo uncontrollable, drastic mutations, and his mental state deteriorates, eventually transforming him into a monster. As a result, the film adopts a darker, more horror-oriented origin story.
Directed by James Watkins, the screenplay was co-written by Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini. Tom Rhys Harries stars as Matt Hagen, and Naomi Ackie plays scientist Caitlin Cole.
Other DC films, Joker and The Suicide Squad, also received R ratings, with their respective rationales citing bloody violence or gore. The rating description for Clayface lists both of these factors and explicitly includes partial nudity.