Tom Rhys Harries Cast as Lead in DC Studios’ Upcoming Movie ‘Clayface’

Welsh actor Tom Rhys Harries has officially secured the lead role in DC Studios’ highly anticipated film, Clayface, directed by James Watkins. Known for his roles in projects like Suspicion alongside Uma Thurman, Kandahar with Gerard Butler, and Guy Ritchie’s The Gentlemen, Harries emerged as the top pick from a highly competitive shortlist of British actors.

A Rising Star Takes Center Stage

Tom Rhys Harries beat out several notable contenders for the role, including Jack O’Connell (28 Years Later), Tom Blyth (The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes), and George MacKay (1917). His selection signals DC Studios’ commitment to introducing fresh talent into its evolving cinematic universe.

 What to Expect From Clayface

Set to begin filming at Warner Bros. Leavesden Studios in the UK, Clayface follows the story of one of Batman’s most unique adversaries. First appearing in Detective Comics #40 (June 1940), the original Clayface was an actor who adopted the identity of a horror character he once portrayed — only to spiral into a life of crime. The villain’s most iconic trait is his shape-shifting body made of malleable clay, allowing him to morph into anyone or anything.

Over the decades, Clayface has appeared across films, animated series, video games, and comic books, becoming a fan-favorite among DC’s rogue gallery.

Behind the Scenes: A Powerhouse Creative Team

The film is helmed by James Watkins, best known for Speak No Evil, with production led by James Gunn and Peter Safran, co-heads of DC Studios. Also producing are Matt Reeves (The Batman) and Lynn Harris, with Chantal Nong serving as executive producer.

The script originated from acclaimed filmmaker Mike Flanagan (The Life of Chuck), with additional drafts contributed by Hossein Amini, the Oscar-nominated writer of The Wings of the Dove and Drive.

DC Studios’ Upcoming Slate

Following the release of Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow in September 2026, Clayface is set to be DC Studios’ next major theatrical project. While a specific release date hasn’t been officially announced, it’s expected in late 2026 or early 2027.

The announcement comes as part of DC Studios’ broader rollout under Gunn and Safran’s leadership, which also includes Superman (slated for July 11, 2026) and Season 2 of Peacemaker, expected to make waves at San Diego Comic-Con.

About Tom Rhys Harries

Born in Cardiff, Wales, Harries trained at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama. He made his West End debut in 2013 in Jez Butterworth’s Mojo, performing alongside Colin Morgan, Rupert Grint, and Ben Whishaw. He also starred in White Lines, a Netflix series created by Money Heist mastermind Álex Pina.

With his breakout role in Clayface, Tom Rhys Harries is poised to become a household name as he brings one of DC’s most complex villains to life on the big screen.