Welsh actor Tom Rhys Harries is stepping into some extraordinary shoes. He’s officially been cast as Clayface in DC Studios’ upcoming psychological horror movie, which The Woman in Black director James Watkins is helming. The film is set to hit theaters on September 11, 2026, marking a significant career milestone for Tom Rhys Harries. He’ll be tackling one of Batman’s most unsettling and tragic foes in what’s being described as a fresh, horror-focused take on the character.
Wait, Who Is Clayface?
If you’re not deep into Batman’s villain roster, Clayface might not be as familiar as, say, the Joker or Penguin, but he’s been around a long time. First introduced in 1940, the original version, Basil Karlo, was a failed actor whose bitterness and jealousy led him to experiment with a strange compound. The result?
His body morphed into a shape-shifting mass of living clay. He could transform into pretty much anyone or anything, making him a nightmare to fight and even creepier to watch. Over the years, Clayface has shown up in animated series, video games, and a few TV cameos, but this new film promises the most chilling live-action portrayal yet.
Why Tom Rhys Harries Got the Nod
Casting Clayface wasn’t just a quick decision. According to reports, Tom Rhys Harries was up against some heavy-hitting British actors like Jack O’Connell, George MacKay, and Leo Woodall. What set him apart? His intense screen presence and layered performances in shows like White Lines (Netflix), Suspicion (Apple TV), and The Gentlemen. Plus, his stage chops —he’s done a West End run alongside Ben Whishaw and Rupert Grint —didn’t hurt either.James Gunn, co-head of DC Studios, has gone on record calling Harries the “perfect choice” to bring this tragic monster to life: high praise, and big shoes to fill.
What the Movie Will Be Like
This isn’t your typical superhero flick. Directed by James Watkins who knows a thing or two about creeping people out (Speak No Evil still gives people chills), the film is being framed as a psychological and body horror piece. The original script was written by horror aficionado Mike Flanagan, with final touches provided by Oscar-nominated Hossein Amini, so expect a tight story with emotional grit and haunting imagery.
The plot centers on Karlo’s slow, terrifying descent as he fights to cling to a fading career. One desperate decision later, he injects a mysterious compound that warps both his body and mind. The result? Clayface. The film will delve into themes of identity, obsession, and the cost of self-destruction, topics that resonate a bit deeper than your average punch-up.Filming is set to kick off later this year at Warner Bros. Leavesden Studios in the UK.
A Big Swing for DC Studios
Bringing Clayface to the big screen and making him the center of the story is a bold move from DC. It’s a signal that under James Gunn and Peter Safran, the studio isn’t just chasing box office formulas. They’re leaning into weirder, more character-driven stories that blur genre lines.
However, with Matt Reeves (of The Batman fame) and Lynn Harris producing, this thing has serious pedigree.If you’re into horror, psychological thrillers, or want to see DC break out of the same-old-same-old mold, this is one to watch. Clayface might not be the hero Gotham asked for, but his story could be the shake-up the superhero genre needs.
