The DCU’s Clayface star isn’t a widely known Hollywood star, and that makes his casting announcement all the more exciting. DC Studios has yet to confirm the actors who’ll play many of DC’s most famous heroes and villains, including Batman, Wonder Woman, and the Joker. However, dozens of DCU characters have either made their official debut or had their on-screen introduction confirmed. From David Corenswet’s Superman to Sean Gunn’s Maxwell Lord, the DCU will explore a wide variety of DC characters in the coming years.

As of Clayface‘s official actor announcement, the DCU hasn’t begun its casting process for The Brave and the Bold‘s Batman and Robin actors, and most of Gotham’s inhabitants remain unconfirmed. Yet, James Watkins’ Clayface is moving forward in production at a steady pace, with a director, writer, and star already attached. Hence, Clayface will likely serve as the first chapter of Gotham’s DCU story from a body horror perspective and from the point of view of a member of the Dark Knight’s rogue gallery.

Clayface’s Official Casting Is Not An Actor I’d Previously Considered For The Role

Tom Rhys Harries Isn’t The First Name Many Considered For Clayface

Clayface‘s casting initially seemed destined to land a major Hollywood name given the character’s shapeshifting abilities and theatrical flair. Several A-list actors seemed like ideal choices for the role. A-list actors like Gary Oldman, Willem Dafoe, and Ewan McGregor seemed like ideal contenders for Clayface, as they’re all known for their chamaleonic performances and a storied career in genre and prestige movies. Oldman and Dafoe, in particular, offer convincing parallels to Clayface’s malleable appearance, since both actors have portrayed characters with multiple idenтιтies and extreme psychical transformations. Alan Tudyk, who voiced the DCU’s Clayface in Creature Commandos, was naturally a likely option since the animated show premiered.

Recently, Clayface writer Mike Flanagan cited Batman: The Animated Series‘ acclaimed two-part episode “Feat of Clay” as a major source of inspiration for the upcoming DCU movie. “Feat of Clay” famously explores the tragic fall of actor Matt Hagen through the lens of body horror and a critique of the industry. Hence, the DCU’s Clayface might serve as a meta-commentary on fame and the cost of performance, which hinted at a famous actor who’s already synonymous with stardom. Ultimately, DC Studios chose Tom Rhys Harries’ casting as the DCU’s Clayface.

I’m Convinced Tom Rhys Harries Can Still Nail The DC Universe Clayface Movie Lead Role

Tom Rhys Harries Hasn’t Played A Similar Role Before, But He Has Witnessed A Shapeshifting Villain

Tom Rhys Harries played the morally ambiguous Eddie Walker in Suspicion, the skilled sharpshooter Mr. Sackler in Jekyll and Hyde, and the stern warrior Mallin in Britannia. None of his roles have displayed the body horror, the existential tragedy, or the potential evil that Basil Karlo or Matt Hagen require, but it’s precisely the mystery around Harries’ DC performance that makes his unexpected casting so exciting. Notably, though, Tom Rhys Harries’ Mr. Sackler witnesses the shapeshifter Mister Wax steal his apperance in Jekyll and Hyde. This scene may have put Harries on DC Studios’ radar.

The DCU’s Clayface Casting Sets An Exciting Actor Precedent For The Franchise

DC Studios Is Probably Turning Lesser-Known Actors Into Stars

Clayface is one of the DCU’s first live-action movie installments in the Gods and Monsters chapter, the first chapter in Gotham’s DCU lore, and the first villain-led project from DC Studios. There’s a lot at play in Clayface, and DC is placing all bets on an actor who has yet to reach a large audience. Clayface‘s lead actor announcement suggests talent and quality are the top priorities at DC Studios, even if it requires each project to overlook guaranteed audience draws like A-list stars or top-tier characters.

This idea has been taking shape with previous DCU casting announcements. David Corenswet was far from a Hollywood star before his Superman casting, Nathan Fillion’s casting as Guy Gardner was rather controversial, and Kyle Chandler’s casting as Hal Jordan in Lanterns has raised doubts due to the actor’s age. However, each DCU character’s casting seems to be strongly justified. Rising stars like Clayface‘s Tom Rhys Harries are far from household names, but they have the potential to deliver extraordinary performances. The fact that lesser-known actors don’t have conflicting commitments between major projects and franchises is certainly an additional advantage.