DC Studios is diving deep into the gritty, shape-shifting world of one of Batman’s most enigmatic villains with their upcoming film Clayface, and they’ve just dropped a major casting nuke. Welsh actor Tom Rhys Harries has landed the coveted title role, promising to bring a fresh and haunting take to the iconic DC character. With a visionary team behind the project and a release date set for September 11, 2026, this horror-infused adventure is already shaping up to be a game-changer for the DC Universe (DCU). Here’s everything you need to know about this exciting announcement!
A New Face for Clayface: Tom Rhys Harries Steps Up
After an intense and highly competitive casting process, DC Studios has chosen Tom Rhys Harries to embody the tragic, malleable villain Clayface. Known for his standout performances in projects like The Gentlemen and Doctor Who, Harries is a rising talent ready to make his mark in the DCU. DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn took to X to share his enthusiasm, stating, “After a long and incredibly exhaustive search, we finally have our DCU Clayface in Tom Rhys Harries. Both Matt Reeves and I were just blown away by this guy, and can’t wait for you to see this film.”
Harries beat out a stellar lineup of British actors, including Jack O’Connell (28 Years Later), Tom Blyth (The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes), Leo Woodall (The White Lotus), and George MacKay (1917). His selection signals DC’s commitment to casting fresh, versatile talent who can bring depth to a character as complex as Clayface.
The Creative Powerhouse Behind Clayface
This isn’t your typical superhero flick—Clayface is leaning hard into body horror, drawing inspiration from the dark, psychological tones of Batman: The Animated Series. Here’s a breakdown of the creative team bringing this vision to life:
- Director: James Watkins, known for his chilling work on Speak No Evil and The Woman in Black, is set to helm the project, promising a visceral and unsettling cinematic experience.
- Screenwriters: Horror maestro Mike Flanagan (The Haunting of Hill House, Doctor Sleep) penned the initial script, infusing it with his signature blend of emotional depth and terror. Acclaimed writer Hossein Amini (Drive, Obi-Wan Kenobi) has stepped in to refine the screenplay, ensuring a polished narrative.
- Producers: Matt Reeves, the mastermind behind The Batman, joins forces with Lynn Harris, James Gunn, and Peter Safran to produce. Reeves’ involvement hints at a grounded, character-driven story that fits within the broader DCU while standing apart as a unique tale.
| Creative Role | Name | Notable Works |
|---|---|---|
| Director | James Watkins | Speak No Evil, The Woman in Black |
| Screenwriter | Mike Flanagan | The Haunting of Hill House, Doctor Sleep |
| Screenwriter | Hossein Amini | Drive, Obi-Wan Kenobi |
| Producer | Matt Reeves | The Batman, Cloverfield |
| Producer | Lynn Harris | The Notebook, Se7en |
Who Is Clayface? A Villain Like No Other
Clayface is one of Batman’s most distinctive rogues, a shape-shifter with a tragic origin that sets him apart from the Dark Knight’s usual foes. First introduced in Detective Comics #40 in 1940, the character has evolved through various iterations. The film will focus on the Matt Hagen version, a B-movie actor who transforms into a living clay monster after a horrific accident involving an experimental substance. This premise, rooted in body horror, promises a psychological thriller that explores themes of identity, desperation, and transformation.
- Classic Origins: Originally Basil Karlo, a horror movie actor driven to madness, Clayface later gained his shape-shifting powers through a radioactive mishap.
- Modern Twist: The Matt Hagen incarnation, popularized by Batman: The Animated Series, is a washed-up actor turned monstrous villain, offering a heartbreaking narrative ripe for cinematic exploration.
- Horror Vibes: With Flanagan’s script drawing from the iconic “Feat of Clay” episodes, expect a dark, R-rated tale that’s more The Substance than traditional superhero fare.
Final Thoughts
Tom Rhys Harries’ casting as Clayface is a thrilling step forward for DC Studios, signaling a bold, horror-driven addition to the DCU. With a talented creative team and a release date locked in for September 2026, this film has the potential to redefine how we see Batman’s villains on the big screen. Harries’ raw talent, combined with Flanagan’s chilling script and Watkins’ directorial flair, makes Clayface one of the most anticipated projects in DC’s new era. Stay tuned for more updates as production kicks off, and get ready for a villainous tale that’s sure to leave audiences both terrified and captivated! Gunn really is shaping the DC Universe to level if not surpass Marvel longterm.
