DC Mastered the Formula Marvel Couldn’t Figure Out

DC’s *Clayface* centres its villain-origin story on Matt Hagen, arguing that a superhero’s presence is not needed when the film gives its lead a clear story of his own. The article contrasts this approach with Marvel and Sony’s less successful standalone villain films, which often left audiences wondering why the heroes linked to those villains were absent.

After an accident disfigures rising actor Matt, he turns to an experimental treatment developed by Caitlyn Corr in an attempt to restore his appearance and career. The treatment interacts with his anger, transforming his body and giving the film a body-horror focus; the article says it stays with Matt’s experiences rather than adding Batman cameos or hints, while leaving open the possibility that he and Batman may meet in a future DC project.