After months of speculation and searching, DC has officially cast Tom Rhys Harries as the iconic Batman villain and shapeshifter, Clayface, in the upcoming standalone DCU film.
DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn confirmed the news by sharing a Deadline article on the social platform Bluesky. This is an encouraging development for the movie as its September 11, 2026, release date approaches and the project takes shape.
“Following an extensive and thorough search, we’re thrilled to have Tom Rhys Harries as our Clayface for the DCU,” Gunn stated. “Both Matt Reeves and I were incredibly impressed, and we can’t wait for audiences to see this film directed by James Watkins and written by Mike Flanagan.”
This role marks Harries' debut in the comic book genre. The actor has built a notable career with films such as The Gentlemen and The Return, as well as short films like Yellowbird and Hireth. Audiences may also recognize him from television series including White Lines and Suspicion.
The Clayface film will be directed by James Watkins (Speak No Evil) with a screenplay by Mike Flanagan (Midnight Mass, The Life of Chuck). With producers Lynn Harris and The Batman director Matt Reeves also involved, the project boasts a team that should excite horror fans as filming is set to begin shortly.
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While specific plot details are still mostly under wraps, Gunn and DC Studios co-CEO Peter Safran offered a glimpse earlier this year of what Batman fans can anticipate. The film will explore Clayface's origin story, with Gunn specifically describing the project as “pure horror,” infused with elements of psychological and body horror.
More information about how Clayface will carve out his niche in the DCU will be revealed soon. In the meantime, you can explore our full guide to every upcoming DCU project, as well as read about why Batman has recently presented a unique challenge for James Gunn.
