5 Shocking Facts About Tom Rhys Harries’ Clayface Role That Will Redefine The DCU’s Body Horror
The DC Universe (DCU) is about to get a lot more terrifying. As of late 2024, the highly anticipated casting for one of Batman’s most visually grotesque and tragic villains, Clayface, has been officially confirmed, sending shockwaves through the fan community. Welsh actor Tom Rhys Harries, best known for his breakout role as Axel Collins in the Netflix series *White Lines*, has been tapped to star as Matt Hagen/Clayface in the upcoming solo film, a project that promises to lean heavily into the body horror genre.
This groundbreaking news, confirmed by DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn, solidifies *Clayface* as a key, yet unexpected, pillar of the DCU’s initial slate, "Chapter One: Gods and Monsters." This article, updated for December 2025, dives deep into the fresh details, the actor’s background, and why this particular project, helmed by a team with a strong horror pedigree, is poised to be one of the most unique entries in the new cinematic universe.
Tom Rhys Harries: Complete Actor Profile and Biography
Tom Rhys Harries is a Welsh actor who has quickly risen to prominence in both film and television, known for his ability to portray intense and complex characters. His casting as a tragic, shape-shifting villain like Clayface marks his biggest role to date and a major pivot to the blockbuster superhero genre.
- Full Name: Tom Rhys Harries
- Date of Birth: October 8, 1990 (Source: TVSeans, Famous Birthdays)
- Place of Birth: Cardiff, Wales, UK
- Nationality: Welsh
- Education: Attended the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama
- DCU Role: Matt Hagen / Clayface
- Key Filmography:
- *White Lines* (2020) as Axel Collins
- *The Gentlemen* (2020) as Matt Fox
- *Hunky Dory* (2011) as Evan (Debut)
- *Suspicion* (2022) as Eddie Walker
- *Britannia* (2017–2019) as Mallius
- Theatre Debut: *MOJO* in the West End
The Clayface Movie: A Deep Dive into the DCU’s Body Horror Entry
The announcement of a dedicated *Clayface* film was a genuine surprise for many DC fans, as the character was not initially part of the "Chapter One: Gods and Monsters" slate revealed by James Gunn in early 2023. However, the creative team and the thematic direction of the project have made it one of the most anticipated DCU features.
1. Mike Flanagan Wrote the Script—And It’s a Cronenberg-esque Nightmare
The film’s unique tone is largely due to its screenwriter: Mike Flanagan. Flanagan is a critically acclaimed director and writer, known as a master of modern horror with works like *The Haunting of Hill House* and *Midnight Mass*. His involvement signals that the *Clayface* film will be far from a standard superhero movie, instead focusing on the painful, psychological, and physical transformation of Matt Hagen. Early reports suggest the film will be a "Hollywood horror tale" and has been described as "Cronenberg-esque," hinting at a focus on visceral, body-altering terror.
2. The Project is Directed by Horror Veteran James Watkins
To bring Flanagan’s dark vision to life, DC Studios has tapped director James Watkins. Watkins is known for his work on tense, effective horror and thriller films, including *The Woman in Black* and the intense survival thriller *Eden Lake*. This choice further solidifies the studio's commitment to delivering a true horror experience, a stark contrast to the typical comic book movie fare. The synergy between Flanagan’s script and Watkins’ directorial style promises a deeply unsettling and character-driven narrative.
3. Tom Rhys Harries Will Play Matt Hagen, the Tragic Shapeshifter
While there are multiple versions of Clayface in DC Comics lore—including the original Basil Karlo—Tom Rhys Harries is confirmed to be playing the Matt Hagen iteration. Hagen is the second and arguably most famous version of the character, introduced in *Detective Comics #298* by Bill Finger and Sheldon Moldoff.
Matt Hagen’s origin story is rooted in tragedy and vanity. He was a treasure hunter who, after a fall into a mysterious pool of protoplasmic goo, gained the power to transform his body into any shape or person. However, this power was temporary, requiring him to repeatedly immerse himself in the substance, leading to a desperate, criminal existence. This narrative perfectly sets the stage for a "Hollywood horror tale" centered on a B-movie star or a desperate figure whose quest for fame or fortune leads to a monstrous, shape-shifting curse.
Why Clayface is Crucial to the DCU’s Chapter One: Gods and Monsters
The inclusion of *Clayface* alongside projects like *Superman* (2025) and *Supergirl* (2026) is a deliberate move by James Gunn to showcase the thematic diversity of the new DCU. The film is specifically slated to be part of the "Chapter One: Gods and Monsters" phase, emphasizing that the universe will explore the full spectrum of DC characters, from cosmic heroes to grounded, psychological villains.
The Villain’s Psychological Depth
Clayface, particularly the Matt Hagen version, is not just a monster; he is a cautionary tale about vanity and the loss of identity. His malleable body and shape-shifting abilities allow for unique visual storytelling but also a profound exploration of what it means to be human. Tom Rhys Harries’ background in intense dramatic roles, such as the troubled DJ Axel Collins, suggests he is perfectly equipped to handle this psychological complexity, portraying a character who is both a victim and a terrifying DCU villain.
A Different Kind of Batman Villain
While Clayface is traditionally a member of Batman's rogues gallery, the solo film suggests he will be introduced on his own terms, potentially establishing him as a major threat before any direct confrontation with the DCU's new Batman. This approach allows the film to focus purely on the horror and tragedy of the character’s transformation without being overshadowed by the Caped Crusader. James Gunn has emphasized the need for DCU content, and a standalone Clayface film provides a fresh, dark, and adult-oriented entry point into the new universe.
Anticipated Release and Production Status
While official production timelines are always fluid, the *Clayface* film is currently slated for a 2026 release, positioning it as one of the major tentpole releases of the DCU’s first chapter. The combination of Tom Rhys Harries’ casting, James Watkins’ direction, and Mike Flanagan’s script has set an incredibly high bar for the film, promising a dark, emotionally resonant, and visually startling addition to the burgeoning DC cinematic landscape. Fans are eagerly awaiting the first glimpses of this unique take on a classic villain, which seems guaranteed to redefine the boundaries of the superhero genre.
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