New casting sets the tone for a darker, genre-driven chapter in James Gunn’s DC Universe
June 18, 2025 — DC Studios has officially cast rising British star Tom Rhys Harries in the lead role of its upcoming horror-thriller Clayface, one of the most unconventional and anticipated projects in the studio’s new “Gods and Monsters” slate. This marks a bold creative pivot for the DCU, blending superhero mythology with psychological horror and body-horror influences.
The announcement was made by DC co-chair James Gunn via social media platform X, where he expressed excitement over Harries’ performance during auditions.
“After a long and incredibly exhaustive search, we finally have our DCU Clayface in Tom Rhys Harries,” Gunn wrote. “Both Matt Reeves and I were just blown away by this guy.”
A Tragic Tale of Transformation
Unlike the more action-focused entries in the DCU, Clayface will delve into gothic horror territory. The story centers on Matt Hagen, a washed-up B-movie actor who, in a desperate attempt to salvage his career, turns to an experimental serum that ultimately mutates him into a shape-shifting monster made of living clay.
Described as “a tragic and terrifying character study,” the film aims to explore themes of identity, ambition, and the cost of fame. According to insiders, this version of Clayface draws inspiration from the character’s darker portrayals in Batman: The Animated Series, combining elements of body horror with psychological depth.
An A-List Creative Team
The film will be directed by James Watkins, known for atmospheric thrillers like Eden Lake and The Woman in Black 2. Horror maestro Mike Flanagan (The Haunting of Hill House, Doctor Sleep) wrote the original draft of the script, with Hossein Amini (Drive, The Wings of the Dove) contributing to the final rewrite.
Behind the scenes, Clayface is being produced by Matt Reeves, who previously directed The Batman (2022), alongside Lynn Harris. James Gunn and Peter Safran are also producing under the DC Studios banner, ensuring continuity within the wider DC Universe.
Casting a New Face for the DCU
Harries, who gained recognition for his performances in Guy Ritchie’s The Gentlemen, Apple TV+’s Suspicion, and the action-thriller Kandahar, reportedly beat out several high-profile contenders for the role. According to sources, the shortlist included Jack O’Connell, George MacKay, Leo Woodall, and Tom Blyth.
His casting signals a continued trend in Gunn’s DCU toward spotlighting emerging talents rather than banking solely on A-listers—an approach that has already been well-received by fans anticipating a fresh creative direction for the franchise.
A New Direction for the DCU
Clayface is set to begin filming in October 2025 at Leavesden Studios in the United Kingdom. The film is scheduled for theatrical release on September 11, 2026.
It will be one of the more genre-focused projects in the upcoming DCU lineup, joining Swamp Thing, The Authority, and Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow in expanding the tonal range of the franchise. While it’s not expected to feature Batman directly, the film’s connections to Gotham and its lore will be felt throughout.
Industry analysts are already calling Clayface one of the most intriguing entries in DC’s upcoming slate, offering a unique, auteur-driven take on one of the Batman rogues gallery’s lesser-known but deeply layered villains.
With an actor on the rise, a seasoned horror team, and a tragic story ripe for reinvention, Clayface might be the film that sets a new benchmark for superhero storytelling within the horror genre.
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Stay tuned for trailers and official stills expected to drop mid-2026 as DC Studios brings one of its darkest transformations to life on the big screen.
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