It takes an extraordinary amount of power to threaten Superman, but apparently all it takes to destroy a Hollywood actor’s life is a particularly vindictive Gotham gangster. DC Studios’ Clayface introduces Markos Szabo (David Dencik), a ruthless criminal whose attack on Matt Hagen (Tom Rhys Harries) sets the aspiring star on a horrifying path toward becoming one of Batman’s most recognizable enemies.
Szabo may not possess extraordinary strength or supernatural abilities, yet the damage he inflicts is devastating. His inclusion in the expanding DC Universe highlights an interesting distinction between villains who can physically overpower superheroes and those who rely on more conventional methods of intimidation.
James Gunn’s DCU has already introduced formidable adversaries, from the technologically brilliant Lex Luthor to the terrifying sorceress Circe. The franchise has also embraced considerably smaller threats, including criminals whose ambitions extend no further than settling personal scores.
The arrival of Clayface demonstrates how these antagonists can be just as compelling. While the new movie belongs among the DCU’s most overtly horror-inspired superhero stories, its central tragedy begins with an ordinary human being whose brutality has extraordinary consequences.
The following five DCU antagonists are ranked according to their demonstrated abilities, physical strength, and the influence they wield over others. Some possess limited supernatural powers, while others depend almost entirely on their positions of authority. None can challenge Superman in a conventional fight, but several have already demonstrated how much damage they can cause without throwing a superpowered punch.
5
Rick Flag Sr.
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Frank Grillo’s Rick Flag Sr. initially appeared to be one of the more reasonable figures in the DCU. Introduced in Creature Commandos, the experienced military officer leads Amanda Waller’s unconventional team of imprisoned monsters. However, his continuing grief over his son’s death gradually transforms him into a considerably more dangerous antagonist, particularly after he learns about Peacemaker’s involvement in the tragedy.
By Peacemaker Season 2, Flag’s determination to punish Chris Smith has overtaken his judgment. As the season finale reveals, he exploits A.R.G.U.S.’s resources to strand Peacemaker in Salvation, an alternate dimension intended to imprison dangerous metahumans. Flag possesses impressive combat experience and considerable institutional authority, making him the strongest villain on this particular list. Nevertheless, his abilities remain entirely human, and much of his influence depends upon the government supporting his decisions.
4
Amanda Waller
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Viola Davis’ Amanda Waller has spent years demonstrating that supernatural abilities are unnecessary when someone possesses enough authority to manipulate those who have them. After her controversial Task Force X operations were exposed, Waller found another way to continue her work. In Creature Commandos, she assembles a team of nonhuman prisoners and sends them into dangerous situations that ordinary military personnel would struggle to survive.
Waller’s willingness to exploit vulnerable individuals makes her one of the DCU’s most morally troubling figures. As explored in the consequences of Waller’s methods, her plans frequently create additional problems for the people supposedly under her protection. She has no superhuman strength or exceptional fighting abilities, and her political influence has suffered significant setbacks. Still, an ordinary human with access to dangerous metahumans remains a formidable adversary.
3
Markos Szabo
Clayface introduces David Dencik as Markos Szabo, a Gotham City crime boss whose violent jealousy destroys the life of rising Hollywood actor Matt Hagen. After discovering that Hagen has become romantically involved with his girlfriend, Szabo subjects him to a brutal attack that leaves his face permanently disfigured. The resulting damage effectively destroys Hagen’s career, sending him toward the experimental treatment that eventually transforms him into Clayface.
As detailed in the changes Clayface makes to its comic book origins, Szabo plays a crucial role in establishing this version of the villain. His influence comes from organized crime, money, and the willingness to use violence against anyone who crosses him. Yet he possesses none of the extraordinary abilities that ultimately emerge from Hagen’s transformation. In a universe populated by gods and monsters, Szabo is a reminder of how dangerous ordinary human cruelty can become.
2
The Sons Of Themyscira
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The Sons of Themyscira make their DCU debut in Creature Commandos, appearing as an extremist militia working alongside the powerful sorceress Circe. Their ambitions are enormous, particularly their desire to invade the legendary island inhabited by the Amazons. Unfortunately for the group, their enthusiasm for challenging extraordinary warriors far exceeds their own abilities.
Unlike Circe, the Sons possess no magical powers or superhuman strength. They’re ordinary men armed with conventional weapons, relying on their numbers and association with a powerful sorceress to accomplish their objectives. The group’s role in the opening episodes of Creature Commandos demonstrates that they can inflict serious harm, particularly against vulnerable opponents. However, their lack of extraordinary abilities leaves them badly outmatched when confronted by the series’ more powerful characters.
1
Red St. Wild
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Michael Rooker’s Red St. Wild might have one of the most ridiculous ambitions in the DCU: killing Peacemaker’s beloved pet eagle. Introduced in the second season of Peacemaker, the eccentric hunter is recruited by A.R.G.U.S. to eliminate Eagly. His extensive knowledge of birds and remarkable tracking abilities initially make him seem capable of accomplishing the unusual assignment.
However, St. Wild’s obsession proves disastrous when he encounters an eagle with abilities far beyond those of an ordinary bird. Despite displaying some supernatural tracking powers, the hunter proves incapable of defending himself against Eagly’s coordinated attack by other eagles. As explored in the aftermath of their extraordinary confrontation, St. Wild’s confidence ultimately becomes his undoing. Unlike the other villains on this list, he cannot rely on political authority or powerful subordinates to protect him. His humiliating defeat makes him a fitting choice for the DCU’s weakest villain so far.
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