The DC Universe just took a bold step forward. The upcoming Clayface film has officially found its lead in Tom Rhys Harries, a rising Welsh actor, as confirmed by both James Gunn and various industry sources. With a release date now set and production gearing up, the DCU is ready to bring one of Batman’s most intriguing and underused villains to life like never before.
A Surprising Addition to DCU’s Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters
Though not originally listed in DC Studios’ January 2023 slate for “Gods and Monsters,” the Clayface movie has emerged as a surprising but welcome addition to the expanding DCU. The project is currently in pre-production and is scheduled to begin principal photography this fall, targeting a September 11, 2026 release.
The movie is directed by James Watkins, known for his work on “Eden Lake,” and is written by horror maestro Mike Flanagan, of The Haunting of Hill House and The Fall of the House of Usher fame. Matt Reeves, who directed The Batman (2022), is attached as a producer, signaling a strong creative team behind this project.
Meet the New Clayface: Tom Rhys Harries
The lead role has gone to Tom Rhys Harries, a relatively new name to the global stage but one quickly gaining traction. Harries has previously appeared in the Apple TV+ thriller “Suspicion” alongside Uma Thurman, as well as in action features like “Kandahar” with Gerard Butler, Guy Ritchie’s “The Gentlemen,” and the drama “The Return” with Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche.
James Gunn confirmed the casting, saying:
“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’ selection showcases DC Studios’ ongoing strategy of choosing rising talent over already established A-listers, bringing a fresh and unpredictable energy to their revamped cinematic universe.
A Darker, Horror-Inspired Take on Clayface
Unlike traditional superhero films, Clayface promises to lean more into body horror than comic book spectacle. The plot revolves around a B-movie actor who consumes a substance designed to enhance his career, only for it to backfire catastrophically, turning him into a being made entirely of malleable clay. Early comparisons describe the tone as “Death Becomes Her” but with fewer jokes, implying a surreal, grotesque transformation story.
This version of Clayface taps into one of DC’s most tragic and visually compelling characters—someone whose monstrous appearance reflects deep emotional torment. This marks the first major live-action portrayal of Clayface on the big screen, finally giving the character a spotlight beyond animated series and video games.
Script Finalized, More Casting on the Way
DC Studios’ policy under James Gunn emphasizes that no project begins production without a fully completed script. With Harries officially cast and the script receiving additional drafts by Hossein Amini, the creative team is clearly confident in their vision. This also paves the way for casting supporting characters, though details about who else from the DC canon might appear remain under wraps.
Expect announcements on other cast members soon, especially as filming draws closer. Whether Batman himself or other familiar faces from Gotham will appear is still unknown, but given Matt Reeves’ involvement, the possibilities are wide open.
DCU’s Bigger Picture: A Fresh Start After Creative Setbacks
Clayface is part of DC’s broader attempt to reboot and restructure its cinematic universe after a string of critical and commercial disappointments like Black Adam and The Flash. With Superman (2025) written and directed by Gunn leading the charge, and Supergirl arriving the following year, Clayface could represent the genre diversity that the new DCU wants to embrace—where not every film has to be a standard cape-and-cowl adventure.
A New Kind of Villain Story
The Clayface movie could be a turning point not just for the character, but for how villains are portrayed in comic book films. With Harries in the lead, and a team that’s unafraid to explore psychological horror, this film might offer audiences something truly different.
For now, fans can look forward to a unique origin story, one filled with body horror, ambition, and the human tragedy of transformation. It’s a bold move for DC—and it just might be what the studio needs to stand apart in an increasingly crowded superhero market.
Release Date: September 11, 2026
Director: James Watkins
Writer: Mike Flanagan (with revisions by Hossein Amini)
Producer: Matt Reeves
Starring: Tom Rhys Harries
Genre: Superhero Horror / Body Horror
Production Start: Fall 2025
Also Read: Jigsaw: The Tragic Rise of One of the Punisher’s Deadliest Villains
