Not So Liquid After All: "Clayface" Outperforms "Kraven the Hunter" in Domestic Debut

Early preview screenings offer cautious optimism.

The body horror film "Clayface" earned approximately $3.5 million from evening preview screenings in the US and Canada. These are preliminary figures from Deadline, and the final sum could be even higher. Compared to other genre superhero films, "Clayface" has already surpassed "Kraven the Hunter," which debuted with $2 million, but slightly fell short of "Birds of Prey" with its $4 million.

"Clayface" is currently projected to earn $20-25 million in its opening weekend, giving it a chance to top the US and Canadian box office. With a production budget of $44 million excluding advertising, such a start looks promising, although it's too early to talk about profitability. Much will depend on how the film performs in the coming weeks.

The plot follows rising Hollywood star Matt Hagen, who is left with a disfigured face after a brutal attack. Trying to save his career, the actor agrees to an experimental treatment that restores his former appearance but causes terrible side effects. Gradually, Matt loses touch with reality and succumbs to a thirst for revenge.

The film was directed by James Watkins, who helmed "The Woman in Black" and "Eden Lake". The screenplay was written by Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini. Tom Rhys Harries plays the lead role, alongside Naomi Ackie, Max Minghella, David Dencik, and Eddie Marsan.

"Clayface" was released internationally on October 23.