One Clayface trailer scene was too much for even the crew on set. Director James Watkins and star Tom Rhys Harries broke down the moment that had people avert their eyes during filming.
Clayface trailer’s scissors scene was too much for some crew members
The scissors scene in the upcoming DC film Clayface proved difficult for some crew members to watch, director James Watkins and star Tom Rhys Harries revealed in an interview with Entertainment Weekly.
The pair broke down the airplane bathroom sequence from the new trailer during the conversation. The moment shows Matt Hagen using sewing scissors to cut through his melting skin near his eyes. Watkins described the practical challenges of filming such an intense scene on set. “This little section in the toilet was a cutaway on a sound stage,” Harries recalled about the sequence. Watkins added that the set sat on a gimbal to simulate turbulence during the scene.
The production also used multiple versions of the scissors for safety during filming. “We had real scissors, we had rubber scissors, I think we had scissors with a little bit missing,” Watkins said. The filmmaker noted the scissors needed to get incredibly close to Harries’ eye throughout the shoot.
Watkins mimicked the crew’s reactions by throwing up his hands and turning his face away. “There’s a thing with people’s eyes, which I think we all have,” he acknowledged about the discomfort. He added, “I think that’s triggering for most people in an audience.”
Clayface is the first R-rated body horror film in the DC universe. The story follows rising Gotham City actor Matt Hagen after a mob boss carves up his face. Hagen then connects with scientist Dr. Caitlyn Corr, played by Naomi Ackie, who injects him with a serum.
The serum subsequently yields monstrous side effects that transform him into a Batman villain. Watkins confirmed he drew inspiration from classics like The Fly for the full transformation. The filmmaker also said he plans to save Clayface’s complete monstrous reveal for theaters.
Clayface arrives in theaters on October 23.
Originally reported by Anubhav Chaudhry for Super Hero Hype.
