Tom Rhys Harries Cast As DC’s Clayface

One of the more unexpected announcements to come out of the James Gunn / Peter Safran DC Cinematic Universe was the reveal that Batman villain Clayface would be one of the first to get a movie. We don’t mean a Batman movie with Clayface as its big bad. We mean a full movie about Clayface, focused on Clayface and no one else. Today the project took one step forward with the confirmation of its lead. Actor Tom Rhys Harries has been selected to fill Mr. Face’s gooey shoes. “After a long and incredibly exhaustive search, we finally have our DCU Clayface in Tom Rhys Harries,” Gunn announced. “Both [producer] 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.” Clayface made his first appearance in 1940, one yest after Batman himself. Most interpretations of him have used the same back story: he’s a struggling actor who gets doused one day with this chemical that changes his DNA (which tends to happen a lot in Gotham), and he can now look like anybody or anything, though his “default” body is now a […]
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I'm very curious to see how this plays out. Clayface is a villain that usually gets overlooked in Batman stories, which is odd because he has one of the most tragic and interesting backstories. Making him the center of a horror-themed movie is bold, especially in today’s cinematic landscape where everything tries to be either funny or action-heavy. I’ve seen Tom Rhys Harries in White Lines and thought he had good range, so I believe he can bring the depth needed for this role. A tortured actor turned monster fits the horror genre more than the typical superhero formula. If James Gunn and Mike Flanagan are involved, I’m expecting psychological horror more than jump scares. That’s the best route. The only thing I’m slightly worried about is whether this will appeal to casual audiences who don’t know Clayface or expect superheroes to be flashy and clean. I hope they commit to the tone and don’t try to water it down for mass appeal.

A horror movie about a shape-shifting villain? Yes, please. Finally, something different in the superhero genre. Most of them feel the same now. Clayface isn’t popular, but that gives the filmmakers more freedom. Tom Rhys Harries is not a huge name, and that can be a good thing too. We won’t have any expectations, and he can disappear into the character, no pun intended. Gunn and Flanagan both have experience with weird and disturbing stories. If they push the body horror angle, this could be amazing.

I don’t understand why DC is doing this. Clayface is a side villain. Why give him a whole movie? Are they expecting it to make money just because it’s “different”? Horror is niche. Most people who go to see superhero movies want action, not creepy special effects. And releasing it on September 11? That’s a very odd choice. This just feels like a risky experiment that will confuse general audiences. I could be wrong, but I don’t see this working.

To be honest, I’ve been waiting for someone to take the horror potential of superhero stories seriously. Clayface is perfect for that. A body made of shifting mud and broken dreams, a man who can’t even recognize himself anymore? That’s nightmare fuel. Tom Rhys Harries being cast is unexpected, but I respect Gunn for casting based on performance, not just name value. I hope they really show the grotesque transformation scenes. Make us feel what it’s like to lose your human form. I want this to be sad, scary, and brutal. No PG-13 cop-out.

Honestly, this is a refreshing move from DC. I love that they're not just doing another Batman reboot but exploring Gotham through its villains. Clayface has always been one of the more emotional characters for me. His story is more tragic than evil. If this film really leans into that while also making it terrifying, I’ll be first in line. I trust Flanagan's writing. He knows how to write broken people. Tom Rhys Harries has the right face for someone who could go through that transformation—handsome but vulnerable.

Tom Rhys Harries is a strong choice. I’ve seen him on stage in the UK before. He has that old-school theatrical presence, which actually makes sense given Clayface’s origin as an actor. It’s a smart casting if they want to explore identity, ego, and madness. Turning to horror is the right move for this kind of character. The genre needs fresh material and the superhero genre needs more risks. I think people underestimate how flexible these comic characters can be when given the right vision.

I’m excited. Finally DC is giving attention to characters other than the usual Justice League. Clayface being a horror lead is something I didn’t know I wanted. He always scared me as a kid when I watched the animated series. If they make him scary again, I’m all for it. I like that Gunn is doing weird stuff. He doesn’t play it safe and that’s good for creativity.

Why is nobody talking about how cool this is? Clayface can become anyone. That’s the perfect excuse for tense, paranoia-filled scenes. Imagine a horror movie where you don’t know who’s real because anyone could be Clayface. That’s gold. I think it’s going to be less superhero, more psychological thriller. Think The Thing but in Gotham. And Harries is young enough to show the fragile ego and anger that could lead to all this. Good casting. Great concept.