DC's 'Clayface' Lead Has Been Found

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The Batman villain who can be anyone he chooses has been cast, and DC Studios has chosen to go with a fresh face rather than a big name. TheWrap reports that Welsh actor Tom Rhys Harrieswill play Clayface, specifically the Matt Hagen version of the character.
Tom Rhys Harries has been cast as Clayface in the 'CLAYFACE' movie.
(Source: https://t.co/wo8Auk9mZm) pic.twitter.com/SZynNv3vR2 — DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) June 17, 2025
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After the announcement, DC Studios co-head James Gunn took to social media to comment. "After a long and incredibly exhaustive search, we finally have our DCU Clayface in @tomrhysharries," Gunn wrote.
"Both Matt Reeves and I were just blown away by this guy, and can't wait for you to see this film, directed by James Watkins and written by Mike Flanagan."
While Gunn only mentioned Flanagan in his announcement as writer, it was reported back in May that the "Clayface" script had been rewritten by Hossein Amini, best known as the writer for 2011's "Drive".
Tom Rhys Harries's other more noteworthy credits include Guy Ritchie's "The Gentleman" as well as "Kandahar". According to Deadline, he won the "Clayface" role over competitors such as Tom Blyth, Jack O'Connell, George MacKay, and Leo Woodall.
The character Clayface has technically already shown up in the DCU, specifically in a number of episodes of the animated series "Creature Commandos". He's voiced by Alan Tudyk in the series, who also voices a much more comical version of the character in "Harley Quinn".
It will be interesting to see if the "Creature Commandos" appearance is referenced at all in the film, considering Clayface appears to be killed in the series.
Tom Rhys Harries's version of Clayface will not be the very first live-action portrayal of the villain. Versions of the character have appeared in "Pennyworth", "Birds of Prey", and "Gotham." However, it will be the first live-action theatrical appearance of the character.
It is interesting that TheWrap's report specifies the Matt Hagen version of the Batman villain will appear in the film. Most fans were likely expecting the failed actor Basil Karlo. Unlike Karlo, in the comics, Hagen is a treasure hunter who is transformed into Clayface after encountering a radioactive pool of protoplasm.
"Clayface" hits theaters September 11, 2026. The film will be directed by James Watkins of "Speak No Evil" fame. Matt Reeves and Lynn Harris are producing.
More Comics:
"The Sandman" Season 2 Trailer Teases an Epic Conclusion
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