"Tom Rhys Harries Stars in DCU Horror Film Clayface"

After months of speculation and anticipation, DC has officially confirmed Tom Rhys Harries as the actor set to portray the iconic Batman villain and master shapeshifter, Clayface, in [ttpp]the upcoming standalone DCU film[/ttpp].

The casting news was announced by DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn, who shared a Deadline article via the social media platform Bluesky. This marks a significant milestone for the project, which continues to take shape as its [ttpp]September 11, 2026, release date inches closer[/ttpp].

“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, and can't wait for you to see this film, directed by James Watkins and written by Mike Flanagan.”

This role will mark Tom Rhys Harries’ debut in the comic book genre. The Welsh actor is best known for his performances in films such as The Gentlemen and The Return, as well as short films like Yellowbird and Hireth. He’s also appeared in popular TV series including White Lines and Suspicion.

Tom Rhys Harries. Photo by Dave Benett/Getty Images for Wheely.

The film will be directed by James Watkins (Speak No Evil) and written by Mike Flanagan (Midnight Mass, The Life of Chuck). It also features producers Lynn Harris and Matt Reeves—director of The Batman. With such a strong creative team behind it, horror fans have every reason to be excited as production is expected to begin shortly.

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While specific plot details remain scarce, earlier this year, Gunn and DC Studios co-CEO Peter Safran [ttpp]teased some of what Batman fans can expect[/ttpp] from the film. One key detail revealed is that the movie will serve as an origin story for Clayface. Gunn described the tone of the project as “pure fucking horror,” with heavy emphasis on psychological and body horror elements woven into the narrative.

As more updates emerge, fans will gain a clearer picture of how Clayface will carve out his place within the new DC Universe. Until then, you can explore everything currently known about upcoming DCU projects and learn why Batman has become a growing challenge for James Gunn creatively.