Tom Rhys Harries is stepping into the DC Universe as Clayface, one of Batman’s most recognisable villains, in an upcoming feature film that promises a different take on the comic-book world. The Welsh actor recently opened up about his connection to the Batman franchise, revealing that his familiarity with the character began when he watched Batman stories as a child.
For Harries, the role offers an opportunity to explore a character with a complicated identity and a history that stretches across decades of DC comics. Rather than approaching Clayface as a straightforward antagonist, the actor is interested in the person behind the transformation and the circumstances that lead him down a darker path. The film is part of DC Studios’ expanding slate under James Gunn and Peter Safran, with a horror-oriented story that aims to bring a fresh perspective to the superhero genre.
Tom Rhys Harries Reveals His Childhood Connection To Batman
Harries explained that he was aware of Clayface through his childhood exposure to Batman. Growing up with stories about the Dark Knight gave him an early familiarity with the world and its characters, even before he was cast in the role. Batman’s universe has introduced audiences to a wide range of villains, many of whom have motivations that extend beyond simply opposing the hero. Clayface stands out because of his ability to alter his appearance, a power that makes him a particularly unsettling figure in Gotham City.
For Harries, revisiting a character he already knew from childhood has made the project an interesting experience. Playing a figure from such an established franchise also means balancing the audience’s expectations with the opportunity to create a distinctive interpretation. The actor’s comments suggest that his interest lies not only in the character’s abilities but also in the emotional and psychological elements that make Clayface more than a conventional comic-book villain.
What Is The Story Of DC’s Clayface Movie?
The upcoming Clayface film is expected to take a darker approach to the DC Universe, placing the character at the centre of a story rooted in horror and transformation. The narrative follows a man whose life changes dramatically as his body and identity are affected by a disturbing process.
Clayface has had several identities in DC comics, but one of the best-known versions is Matt Hagen, an actor who gains the ability to reshape his body. The character’s transformation has often been linked to themes of identity, fame, physical appearance and the loss of control over one’s own life.
The film is expected to explore the tragic aspects of the character rather than relying solely on spectacular action or a traditional hero-versus-villain structure. That approach could distinguish it from other DC projects while giving Harries room to portray the character’s emotional decline. Although the film’s full plot remains under wraps, its horror direction has attracted attention from fans interested in a more unsettling take on the comic-book universe.
Also Read: Minka Kelly, Dan Reynolds Split After Four Years Dating
Who Is Behind The Clayface Movie?
The film is directed by James Watkins, known for projects including Speak No Evil and Eden Lake. Mike Flanagan, whose work includes The Haunting of Hill House and Doctor Sleep, wrote the screenplay. Flanagan’s involvement has heightened interest in the project because of his experience with horror storytelling and psychologically complex characters. The combination of his writing and Watkins’ direction suggests that the film will place considerable emphasis on atmosphere, character and suspense.
Tom Rhys Harries leads the cast as Clayface, while the supporting cast includes Naomi Ackie, Max Minghella and Eddie Marsan. Their characters’ exact roles and the broader story details have been kept largely confidential. The film is being developed under DC Studios, led by James Gunn and Peter Safran. Its focus on a villain rather than a traditional superhero also reflects the studio’s interest in exploring different genres and corners of the DC world.
When Will Clayface Release In Theatres?
Clayface is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on October 23, 2026. The release places the film in the Halloween season, a fitting window for a comic-book story with horror elements. As anticipation builds, fans will be watching for additional footage and details about how the movie connects to the wider DC Universe. The film’s exact relationship to other projects has not been fully explained, leaving room for questions about its place in the franchise.
For Harries, the role represents a major opportunity to lead a DC film while reinterpreting a character he first encountered through Batman stories as a child. The film’s focus on transformation and identity could also allow the actor to explore a performance quite different from his previous screen work.
Final Take
Tom Rhys Harries has reflected on how watching Batman as a child introduced him to Clayface, a character he now portrays in DC Studios’ upcoming film. With Mike Flanagan writing and James Watkins directing, the project is taking a horror-focused approach to the villain’s story. Scheduled for an October 23, 2026 theatrical release, Clayface aims to explore the darker side of the DC Universe through a character whose changing appearance is closely tied to questions of identity and humanity.
Also Read: Miami Vice ’85 Reveals Austin Butler And Michael B. Jordan