The DC Universe has finally found its lead for the Clayface movie. The DCU’s Chapter 1: “Gods and Monsters” has multiple movies and TV shows in the works for some of DC’s most iconic superheroes, and one of Batman’s villains will be getting his own film, with DC Studios currently in pre-production on Clayface. While not initially announced as part of the studio’s slate during DC’s original January 2023 announcement, Clayface became a surprise addition, and now the film is finally closer to becoming a reality.

According to ᴅᴇᴀᴅline, Welsh actor Tom Rhys Harries has been cast to play the тιтular role in the Clayface movie, which is set to be directed by James Atkins, based on a script by Mike Flanagan. James Gunn also confirmed the Clayface casting, as he shared the following statement on Harries joining the DCU:

\n”‘};

window.arrayOfEmbedScripts[“twitter”] = “”””;

Gunn stated, “After a long and incredibly exhaustive search, we finally have our DCU Clayface in Tom Rhys Harries. 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.” Principal pH๏τography on the Clayface movie is set to begin this fall, with a release date set for September 11, 2026.

What Clayface’s Casting Means

One of the takeaways from Harries’ casting was how DC Studios went with a fresh face for the leading Clayface role, which showcases, once again, their commitment to finding lesser-known stars for the new DCU franchise. By also finally having their lead star, it means Clayface will now start casting the supporting characters who will be in the film. Although what other characters, especially from the DC canon, will be part of the Clayface movie remains to be seen for the time being.

As Gunn has made it clear before, any project at DC Studios will not move forward without a completed script. Based on the fact that Harries has been cast, it means DC Studios is happy with the Clayface script, which, according to ᴅᴇᴀᴅline, had “additional drafts” done by Hossein Amini. That will also make things easier for casting the other characters in Clayface, as they get closer to filming in the fall.

Our Take On Clayface’s Casting

It will be incredibly exciting to see what Harries brings to Clayface, as this villain has never had a proper live-action depiction before on the big screen. It will also be fascinating to see how the DCU timeline utilizes Clayface in other projects after his solo film. Hopefully, more details on the Clayface movie will emerge sooner rather than later following the lead casting.

Source: ᴅᴇᴀᴅline & James Gunn/X