The entertainment world is buzzing with the latest casting news: Welsh actor Tom Rhys Harries has secured the lead role in the upcoming DC Studios movie, Clayface, directed by James Watkins. This announcement marks a major milestone for both the actor and the DC Universe as it continues to expand under the creative leadership of James Gunn and Peter Safran. The film, set to begin production this fall at Warner Bros. Leavesden studio in the UK, is scheduled for a September 11, 2026, release, making it one of the most anticipated projects in the new DCU Chapter One: Gods and Monsters lineup.
Tom Rhys Harries, while not yet a household name in Hollywood, has steadily built a strong reputation in the UK with standout performances in Suspicion (Apple TV+), The Gentlemen (Guy Ritchie), Kandahar (Gerard Butler), and The Return (Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche). His casting as Clayface comes after an exhaustive search that included some of Britain’s most sought-after young actors, such as Jack O’Connell, Tom Blyth, Leo Woodall, and George MacKay. According to James Gunn, both he and The Batman director Matt Reeves were “blown away” by Harries’ audition, signaling a bright future for the actor in one of DC’s most unique and visually compelling villain roles.
A Fresh Take on a Classic Villain
Clayface, a shape-shifting antagonist from Batman’s rogues’ gallery, has been a fan favorite since his debut in 1940. The character, originally named Basil Karlo, was a struggling actor who turned to crime and later gained the ability to morph his body into living clay. In this new adaptation, the story centers on a B-movie actor who injects himself with a mysterious substance in hopes of reviving his fading career. Instead, he undergoes a monstrous transformation, becoming a being made entirely of clay. This premise promises a blend of superhero action and body horror, with the script penned by acclaimed horror writer Mike Flanagan, known for The Haunting of Hill House and Midnight Mass.
Director James Watkins, whose recent work includes the thriller Speak No Evil, is set to bring a stripped-down, intense vision to the project. The film’s budget is reportedly in the $40 million range, positioning it as a more intimate, character-driven entry in the DC Universe. Matt Reeves, the director behind The Batman, is producing alongside Lynn Harris, Gunn, and Safran, ensuring a high level of creative oversight and genre expertise.
Why Tom Rhys Harries is the Perfect Choice
Tom Rhys Harries brings a unique blend of vulnerability, intensity, and versatility to the role of Clayface. His background in both film and theater—including a West End debut in Mojo alongside Ben Whishaw and Rupert Grint—gives him the dramatic chops needed to portray a character grappling with identity, fame, and monstrous transformation. Harries’ recent performances have shown his ability to handle complex, emotionally layered roles, which will be essential as the film explores themes of self-destruction, ambition, and redemption.
The decision to cast Harries reflects DC Studios’ commitment to finding fresh talent and taking creative risks. His casting signals a new direction for DC, one that values character depth and innovative storytelling over star power and spectacle. With production set to begin this fall, fans can expect a visually stunning and psychologically gripping take on one of Batman’s most enigmatic foes.
Key Points Summary
- Tom Rhys Harries has been cast as Clayface in the upcoming DC Studios film.
- James Watkins directs, with a script by Mike Flanagan and production by Matt Reeves and Lynn Harris.
- Production starts fall 2025 at Warner Bros. Leavesden studio, UK.
- Release date: September 11, 2026.
- Plot: A B-movie actor injects a mysterious substance to revive his career, transforming into a living clay monster.
- Genre: Superhero/body horror hybrid, with a $40 million budget.
- Supporting team: James Gunn and Peter Safran oversee as DC Studios heads.
- Audition process: Harries beat out top British actors, impressing both Gunn and Reeves.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect from Tom Rhys Harries as Clayface
As production gears up, anticipation is building for what could be one of the most original superhero films in years. The combination of Tom Rhys Harries’ rising star power, James Watkins’ genre expertise, and Mike Flanagan’s horror pedigree promises a movie that will stand out in a crowded field. Fans of both DC comics and innovative cinema should keep an eye on this project as it moves closer to its 2026 release.
If you’re excited to see Tom Rhys Harries bring Clayface to life in the DC Studios movie directed by James Watkins, be sure to stay tuned for updates and behind-the-scenes insights as filming progresses.