British actor Tom Rhys Harries is officially entering the DC Universe, having been cast in the title role of Clayface, an upcoming horror-infused superhero movie slated for release in September 2026.
The 32-year-old star, known for his performances in White Lines and The Gentlemen, emerged as the top choice for the role after beating out several contenders, including Jack O’Connell (Sinners), Tom Blyth (The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes), and George MacKay (1917).
Directed by James Watkins (Speak No Evil), Clayface will be shot at Warner Bros.’ Leavesden studio with a reported budget of $40 million. The script comes from acclaimed horror filmmaker Mike Flanagan, whose credits include Doctor Sleep and The Haunting series on Netflix. The film promises a unique spin on the Movie Genre, blending the supernatural with grounded psychological terror.
The story follows a disgraced B-movie actor who, in a desperate bid for relevance, injects himself with an experimental substance and transforms into a monstrous living mass of clay. The narrative explores his physical and mental descent, combining Psychological Thriller elements with body horror. The film is expected to redefine the Scary Movie space within the superhero landscape.
The production is backed by heavyweight producers, including Matt Reeves (The Batman), Lynn Harris, and DC Studios co-heads James Gunn and Peter Safran. Their involvement signals a continued evolution of DC’s cinematic tone, with character-driven storytelling and genre experimentation at the forefront.
Though Clayface is still in early stages, the spotlight currently rests on Gunn’s Superman, set to premiere on July 8, 2025. The film features David Corenswet in the lead role, alongside Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nathan Fillion in a supporting role.
Speaking about Corenswet, Gunn described him as “the movie star that everyone just dreams he could possibly be,” praising his dramatic, comedic, and physical talents. Brosnahan also highlighted the film’s hopeful tone, calling it “a superhero movie about the goodness of people and how courage and hope can carry us through.”
Together, Superman and Clayface reflect a bold new direction for DC — one that balances optimism with darkness, and traditional heroes with complex, even tragic figures. Whether Harries’ Clayface becomes a tormented antihero or a terrifying villain, one thing is clear: DC is embracing risk and reshaping the genre from the ground up.
