DCU’s Clayface Film: Tom Rhys Harries Stars in Mike Flanagan’s Horror Epic

DCU’s Clayface Film is shaping up to be a groundbreaking addition to the DC Universe (DCU), blending horror, tragedy, and superhero lore. Written by acclaimed filmmaker Mike Flanagan and starring Welsh actor Tom Rhys Harries as the shape-shifting Batman villain, this film promises a fresh, chilling take on a classic character.

Directed by James Watkins, the movie is set to hit theaters on September 11, 2026, as part of DCU’s Chapter One: Gods and Monsters. Here’s everything we know about this highly anticipated project, from its haunting plot to its stellar creative team.

What Is the Plot of DCU’s Clayface Film?

The DCU’s Clayface Film centers on a struggling B-movie actor, likely Matt Hagen, who injects himself with a mysterious substance to revive his fading career. This decision transforms him into a monstrous, shape-shifting creature made of living clay, sparking a descent into body horror and existential tragedy.

Inspired by the “Feat of Clay” episodes from Batman: The Animated Series, the story explores themes of fame, identity, and the cost of ambition. Unlike traditional superhero blockbusters, the film leans into horror and tragedy, drawing comparisons to Death Becomes Her but with a darker, more grounded tone.

The narrative is described as a Hollywood horror tale, focusing on Clayface’s transformation rather than painting him solely as a villain.

Who Is Tom Rhys Harries, and Why Was He Cast?

Tom Rhys Harries, a rising Welsh actor, landed the role of Clayface after a competitive casting process that included talents like Jack O’Connell, Tom Blyth, George MacKay, and Leo Woodall.

Known for roles in The Gentlemen, White Lines, Suspicion, and a memorable turn in Doctor Who’s “Dot and Bubble” episode, Harries brings a versatile, under-the-radar charm to the DCU’s Clayface Film.

DC Studios co-head James Gunn praised Harries, stating, “Both Matt Reeves and I were just blown away by this guy,” highlighting his ability to embody the tragic and complex character.

Harries’ experience with morally ambiguous roles, like in Suspicion, and a shapeshifter encounter in Jekyll and Hyde, likely caught DC’s attention.

Who Are the Key Creatives Behind the Film?

The DCU’s Clayface Film boasts a powerhouse creative team. Mike Flanagan, celebrated for The Haunting of Hill House and Doctor Sleep, wrote the original screenplay, infusing it with his signature horror-tragedy blend.

Hossein Amini (Drive) reportedly polished later drafts, but Gunn has assured fans that “it’s all Mike Flanagan’s story.” James Watkins, director of Speak No Evil and The Woman in Black, helms the project, bringing a visceral horror sensibility.

Producers include The Batman director Matt Reeves, Lynn Harris, and DC Studios heads James Gunn and Peter Safran, with Chantal Nong as executive producer. This team’s horror pedigree and DC expertise promise a unique cinematic experience.

When and Where Will the Film Be Released?

The DCU’s Clayface Film is slated for a theatrical release on September 11, 2026, making it the third film in the DCU’s Chapter One: Gods and Monsters, following Superman (July 2025) and Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow (June 2026).

Production is set to begin in fall 2025 at Warner Bros. Leavesden Studios in the UK, with a reported budget of $40 million, signaling a contained, character-driven story.

The film will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures and is expected to resonate with horror fans and DC enthusiasts alike.

How Does the Film Fit into the DCU?

As a standalone yet interconnected entry in the DCU, the DCU’s Clayface Film introduces Clayface as a complex figure in Gotham’s underworld, potentially setting the stage for future Batman-related projects like The Brave and the Bold.

Unlike Marvel’s linear approach, the DCU prioritizes standalone stories, with Clayface existing in the same universe as Creature Commandos, Peacemaker, and Superman but not directly building toward a crossover like Justice League (planned for 2031).

The film’s horror-tragedy angle aligns with DC’s strategy to explore diverse genres, and its connection to Batman: The Animated Series ensures fidelity to the character’s roots.

What Makes the Film’s Tone and Style Unique?

The DCU Clayface Film is not your typical superhero movie. Described as a “horror-thriller-tragedy,” it dives into body horror, exploring the grotesque transformation of its protagonist. Flanagan’s script draws heavily from the emotional depth of Batman: The Animated Series, while Watkins’ direction amplifies the visceral terror.

The $40 million budget suggests a lean, focused production, prioritizing character and atmosphere over spectacle. Fans on X have expressed excitement for its “meta-commentary on fame” and potential to redefine Clayface as a tragic antihero rather than a straightforward villain.

Who Else Is in the Cast?

As of now, Tom Rhys Harries is the only confirmed cast member for the DCU’s Clayface Film, playing the titular role, likely as Matt Hagen. No other actors have been announced, but the competitive casting process suggests DC Studios is prioritizing talent over star power, as seen with rising stars like David Corenswet (Superman).

Speculation on X hints at potential cameos from Gotham-centric characters, but nothing is confirmed. The focus remains on Harries, whose performance is expected to carry the film’s emotional and physical demands.

Why Is Clayface a Compelling Character for a Solo Film?

Clayface, first introduced in Detective Comics #40 in 1940, is one of Batman’s most unique rogues, known for his shape-shifting abilities and tragic backstory. Whether as Basil Karlo, Matt Hagen, or other incarnations, the character’s struggle with identity and loss makes him ripe for a horror-driven narrative.

Flanagan’s long-standing passion for Clayface, expressed as early as 2021, emphasizes the character’s potential as a “horror/thriller/tragedy.” The DCU’s Clayface Film aims to humanize the villain, offering a fresh perspective on a lesser-known but deeply layered figure in DC lore.

What Are Fans and Industry Insiders Saying?

The DCU’s Clayface Film has generated significant buzz since its announcement. James Gunn’s endorsement of Flanagan’s script as “one of the best” DC has received fueled early excitement.

On X, fans praise the casting of Harries, with posts calling him “a perfect fit for a tragic Clayface.” Industry outlets like The Hollywood Reporter and Deadline highlight the film’s modest budget and horror focus as a bold move for DC Studios, which is rebounding from past setbacks like The Flash.

The film’s alignment with Reeves’ The Batman universe, tonally if not narratively, adds to its appeal.

Highlights of DCU’s Clayface Film  

• Release Date: September 11, 2026, in theaters.

• Lead Star: Tom Rhys Harries as Clayface (likely Matt Hagen).

• Creative Team: Written by Mike Flanagan, revised by Hossein Amini, directed by James Watkins.

• Producers: Matt Reeves, Lynn Harris, James Gunn, Peter Safran.

• Genre: Horror-thriller-tragedy with body horror elements.

• Budget: Approximately $40 million.

• Production: Begins fall 2025 at Warner Bros. Leavesden Studios, UK.

• DCU Context: Third film in Chapter One: Gods and Monsters, set in the same universe as Superman and Peacemaker.

Some Closing Thoughts:

DCU’s Clayface Film is poised to redefine superhero cinema with its bold horror-tragedy approach, anchored by Tom Rhys Harries’ breakout performance and Mike Flanagan’s visionary script.

Set for release on September 11, 2026, this chilling tale of transformation and loss promises to carve out a unique corner of the DCU.

As production ramps up, fans can expect a gripping, character-driven story that honors Clayface’s comic roots while pushing boundaries.

Stay tuned for updates, and mark your calendars for a haunting cinematic experience.