Washington, D.C. – June 17, 2025: In a big move for the DC Universe, Welsh actor Tom Rhys Harries will star as the main character in the upcoming horror film Clayface. James Gunn, co-CEO of DC Studios, announced it himself and said he was super excited about choosing Harries after a long search for the best actor to play the well-known Batman villain.
Harries, a fresh face in Hollywood, is mainly recognized for his parts in Suspicion on Apple TV+ and The Return, acting alongside Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche. Casting him is a big deal for Clayface, a character who’s been part of Batman stories for years but has never shown up in a live-action movie until now.
A Unique Take on a Classic Villain
James Watkins is directing the Clayface movie, which will dig deep into the darker and more mind-twisting sides of the character, who people usually know as a shape-shifting bad guy. Horror filmmaker Mike Flanagan wrote the first version of the script, but it has been updated, and Hossein Amini added his touch to the latest draft. Flanagan once said he plans to treat the story like horror, thriller, and tragedy all rolled into one, which goes along with the trend of dark superhero films now.
James Gunn who has shared his passion for reviving the DC Universe said, “Both Matt Reeves and I were just blown away by this guy, and can’t wait for you to see this film.” Reeves, best known for The Batman, is teaming up with Lynn Harris to produce the film, which boosts its high-profile status.
Production Details and Release Date
The team behind Clayface plans to begin shooting this fall, and the film will premiere in cinemas on September 11, 2026. This timeline is part of DC Studios’ huge plan to stretch its movie universe, bringing in connected stories and characters from all over.
The movie will focus on a B-movie actor whose career is falling apart, so he takes something risky to become Clayface, a character who can shift his appearance whenever he feels like it. This story twist changes how we see the villain and also opens up a better look at themes like identity, dreams, and the results of our choices.
The Legacy of Clayface
Clayface first showed up in the 1940s and has changed a lot since then, appearing in comics, cartoons, and video games. One of his most famous roles was in Batman: The Animated Series, where he came across as a heartbroken character, not just another crook.
People love how layered he is, and many are excited to see how the film brings his story to life for modern viewers. Bringing this character to live-action has been on people’s wish lists for a while, and in the past, some rumors said he might be in The Batman Part 2. Those plans got canceled, which cleared the path for this single movie that wants to focus on the horror parts of the character’s history.
Anticipation and Expectations
With Gunn leading the DC Universe in a new direction, Clayface shows a daring move to mix horror into superhero stories. The movie’s unique storyline and Harries joining the cast have stirred up plenty of talk in fan circles and behind the scenes.
After hits like Joker and The Batman, which mixed horror with superheroes, people are now excited to see how Clayface will stand out in the DC movies. With a great cast, a smart director, and a strong story, this movie might change how people see comic book movies.
As the big day comes near, fans are busy wondering what path the film will take and how it ties into the whole DC world. With Tom Rhys Harries playing Clayface, fans can expect a fresh and thrilling spin on one of Batman’s most complicated enemies. As they move further into production, people are getting more excited about Clayface, which looks set to bring something different to the big DC world.
