Clayface Director Reveals How Tom Rhys Harries Filmed the Viral Airplane Scene
Director James Watkins has revealed the behind-the-scenes details of a disturbing airplane scene in the upcoming DC film Clayface. The filmmaker explained how lead actor Tom Rhys Harries brought the intense moment to life using practical effects and real props.
Watkins is currently promoting the horror film alongside Harries. During a promotional event, he discussed the scene in which Matt Hagen experiences a terrifying change in his eyes while travelling on a plane.
Clayface Director Explains the Airplane Scene
In the scene, Hagen’s eyes begin to change unexpectedly during the flight. As the situation worsens, he attempts to perform surgery on himself using scissors.
Watkins revealed that the filmmakers created the sequence using practical effects 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.
The approach helped the team create a disturbing moment that fits the film’s body-horror style.
Tom Rhys Harries Used Real Scissors During Filming
Watkins also shared details about the props used during the shoot. The crew prepared four types of scissors for the scene, including real scissors, blunted scissors, rubber scissors and a pair without a tip.
The production team placed cameras behind the mirror and on one side to capture the action from different angles.
However, Harries surprised the director when he began using the real scissors during filming.
“They never really almost got to the last three pairs because Tom basically just started digging in the real scissors,” Watkins recalled.
Harries responded to the story with a joke that left the audience laughing.
“I am a very committed actor,” he said.
Clayface Brings Body Horror to the DC Universe
Clayface follows Matt Hagen, a character from DC Comics whose transformation is closely linked to the film’s horror elements. The airplane scene offers a glimpse of the disturbing physical changes at the centre of the story.
Rather than presenting a traditional superhero adventure, the film leans into gruesome imagery and body horror. The practical effects used in the airplane sequence reflect that approach.
When Will Clayface Arrive in Cinemas?
Produced by James Gunn and Matt Reeves, Clayface is scheduled to arrive in theatres on October 23, 2026, according to the supplied report.
With Watkins directing and Harries leading the cast, the film aims to bring a darker style of storytelling to the DC universe. The behind-the-scenes account of the airplane scene has also drawn attention to the practical techniques used to create its unsettling visuals.