James Watkins reveals how Clayface airplane scene was filmed

Director James Watkins has revealed fascinating details about one of the most intense scenes in the upcoming horror film Clayface, explaining how the production team brought a disturbing moment to life using practical effects.

The filmmaker is currently promoting the highly anticipated movie alongside its lead actor, Tom Rhys Harries. During a promotional event, Watkins discussed the film’s viral airplane scene, which shows the horrifying transformation of Matt Hagen as he struggles with a disturbing change in his appearance.

The scene has already attracted attention for its graphic nature and unsettling visuals. It features Hagen travelling aboard an aircraft when one of his eyes suddenly begins to behave strangely. As the situation becomes increasingly disturbing, he attempts to deal with the problem himself by performing a painful act of self-surgery.

In the sequence, Hagen uses a pair of scissors to cut into the skin around the front of his eye, creating an intense and uncomfortable moment for viewers. The graphic nature of the scene makes it one of the film’s most memorable sequences, leaving audiences curious about how the filmmakers achieved such a realistic effect.

During the discussion, Watkins revealed that the entire sequence was created using practical techniques rather than relying entirely on computer-generated imagery.

“The scene on the airplane where his eye goes funny and he has to go in and do a little bit of self-surgery, well that is all practical,” the director explained.

According to Watkins, the production team carefully arranged the cameras and props to capture the scene from different angles while allowing Harries to perform the sequence convincingly.

The crew positioned one camera behind a mirror and another on one side to record the action. They also prepared several different pairs of scissors to ensure the actor could perform the scene safely while maintaining its disturbing appearance on screen.

Watkins explained that the team had four pairs of scissors available for the sequence. These included a real pair, blunted scissors, rubber scissors and another pair without a pointed tip.

The different props were intended to help the production team balance realism with safety while filming the graphic moment. However, the director’s account revealed that the actor was so committed to the performance that the crew did not need to rely heavily on the alternative props.

Watkins recalled that the production team barely reached the final three pairs because Harries had already begun using the real scissors during the scene.

The revelation highlighted the actor’s dedication to portraying Matt Hagen’s disturbing experience as convincingly as possible. His willingness to commit to the demanding sequence also provided an unexpected moment of humour during the promotional discussion.

When the director shared the details, Harries responded with a simple remark that left the audience laughing.

“I am a very committed actor,” the star said.

The exchange offered a lighter moment while discussing one of the film’s most gruesome sequences. It also gave fans a glimpse into the practical work and preparation involved in creating the movie’s unsettling atmosphere.

Clayface is an upcoming horror film centred on Matt Hagen, a character associated with the Batman universe. The story explores a disturbing transformation that pushes its central character into increasingly frightening circumstances.

With its emphasis on body horror, practical effects and graphic imagery, the film aims to deliver a darker cinematic experience. The airplane sequence appears to reflect that approach, using physical effects and carefully staged camera work to make the character’s ordeal feel immediate and realistic.

The project is produced by James Gunn and Matt Reeves, bringing together filmmakers known for their work in the superhero genre. Tom Rhys Harries leads the cast as Matt Hagen, while James Watkins directs the standalone feature.

Clayface is scheduled to arrive in theatres on October 23, giving audiences an opportunity to experience the full story behind the disturbing transformation and the unsettling moments teased during its promotional campaign.