Tom Rhys Harries Lands Lead in DCU’s Clayface Movie: A Horror Icon Reborn

The DCU’s Clayface Movie has found its star, with Tom Rhys Harries officially cast as the shapeshifting Batman villain, as announced by DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn.

This highly anticipated horror-thriller, penned by horror maestro Mike Flanagan, is set to redefine the iconic character for James Gunn’s rebooted DC Universe (DCU).

With production slated for October 2025 and a release date of September 11, 2026, Harries’ casting has sparked buzz across X and beyond, promising a fresh take on a classic villain.

Who Is Tom Rhys Harries, the New Clayface?

Tom Rhys Harries, a rising British actor known for roles in White Lines and Suspicion, has been selected to portray Basil Karlo, the B-list Hollywood actor who transforms into the monstrous Clayface.

James Gunn praised Harries’ audition, stating on X that both he and producer Matt Reeves were “blown away” by his performance. Harries beat out strong contenders like Tom Blyth (The Hunger Games), George MacKay (1917), Leo Woodall (The White Lotus), and Jack O’Connell (Sinners), highlighting the competitive casting process for the DCU’s Clayface Movie.

His ability to embody both vulnerability and menace makes him a fitting choice for this tragic, horror-infused role.

What Is the Plot of the DCU’s Clayface Movie?

The DCU’s Clayface Movie, inspired by the Batman: The Animated Series episodes “Feat of Clay,” centers on Basil Karlo, an actor whose career spirals after injecting a mysterious substance to stay relevant.

This leads to a gruesome transformation into a shapeshifting clay-like creature. Described as a “horror-thriller-tragedy,” the film blends body horror with psychological depth, drawing from Flanagan’s signature style seen in The Haunting of Hill House and Doctor Sleep.

Directed by James Watkins (Speak No Evil), the movie is expected to explore themes of vanity and self-image, with a modest $40 million budget ensuring a grounded, character-driven story.

Why Was Tom Rhys Harries Chosen for Clayface?

Harries’ casting reflects DC Studios’ aim to balance star power with fresh talent. His experience in intense, character-driven roles aligns with the film’s vision of a tragic antihero.

The DCU’s Clayface Movie needed an actor who could navigate the emotional complexity of Basil Karlo’s descent while delivering the physicality of a shapeshifting monster.

Harries’ prior work with nuanced characters made him a standout, as confirmed by Gunn’s enthusiastic endorsement. The decision also signals DC’s intent to elevate lesser-known villains, setting the film apart from traditional superhero fare.

Who Else Is Involved in the DCU’s Clayface Movie?

The DCU’s Clayface Movie boasts a stellar creative team. Mike Flanagan wrote the script, though Hossein Amini (Drive) was brought on for rewrites to align with Watkins’ directorial vision.

James Watkins, fresh off the 2024 horror hit Speak No Evil, helms the project, bringing his expertise in psychological horror. Producers include Matt Reeves (The Batman), Lynn Harris, James Gunn, and Peter Safran, ensuring a cohesive DCU narrative.

While Alan Tudyk voices Clayface in the animated Creature Commandos, Gunn clarified that Tudyk won’t play the live-action role, paving the way for Harries.

When Will the DCU’s Clayface Movie Premiere?

The DCU’s Clayface Movie is scheduled for a theatrical release on September 11, 2026, following a production start in October 2025. Filming is expected to take place in Hollywood and Gotham-inspired locations, emphasizing the story’s Hollywood horror aesthetic.

With a runtime yet to be confirmed, the film is poised to be a compact, intense experience, distinct from the sprawling budgets of past DC projects. Its release comes after Superman (July 2025) and before The Batman Part II (October 2026), positioning it as a key chapter in the DCU’s “Gods and Monsters” slate.

How Does the DCU’s Clayface Movie Fit into the DC Universe?

Unlike The Batman’s Elseworlds stories, the DCU’s Clayface Movie is firmly set in James Gunn’s interconnected DCU, which kicked off with Creature Commandos. While Batman’s appearance remains unconfirmed, the film could set up Clayface as a future antagonist for The Brave and the Bold, the DCU’s Batman film.

Flanagan’s script draws heavily from the tragic Matt Hagen storyline in Batman: The Animated Series, but focuses on Basil Karlo, blending classic and modern interpretations. This approach ensures the film feels both standalone and integral to the DCU’s broader narrative.

What Makes the DCU’s Clayface Movie a Must-Watch?

The DCU’s Clayface Movie combines horror, tragedy, and superhero lore, offering a fresh spin on a character often overshadowed by Batman’s bigger rogues.

Harries’ casting, paired with Flanagan’s chilling script and Watkins’ horror expertise, promises a film that’s both emotionally resonant and visually striking.

With a lean budget and a focus on character over spectacle, it could echo the critical success of Joker while carving its own path.

Fans on X are already buzzing, with some calling Harries “the perfect Clayface” for his raw intensity.

Highlights of the DCU’s Clayface Movie  

• Lead Actor: Tom Rhys Harries cast as Basil Karlo/Clayface.

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

• Premiere Date: September 11, 2026, with production starting October 2025.

• Budget: $40 million, focusing on horror-thriller elements.

• Inspiration: Batman: The Animated Series “Feat of Clay” episodes.

• DCU Connection: Set in James Gunn’s DCU, potentially tied to The Brave and the Bold.

The DCU’s Clayface Movie is shaping up to be a bold, horror-driven addition to the DCU, with Tom Rhys Harries’ casting as Basil Karlo igniting excitement.

As production nears, fans can expect a gripping tale of transformation and tragedy, brought to life by a powerhouse creative team.

Stay tuned for more updates, and join the conversation on X to share your thoughts on this daring new chapter in the DCU!