Tom Rhys Harries to star in DC Studios’ R-rated Clayface horror film

As DC Studios shifts its strategy toward an expansive, genre-diverse cinematic universe, the upcoming horror entry Clayface has emerged as a cornerstone of this new direction. The film aims to bring a visceral, grounded approach to one of Batman’s most recognizable rogue characters. According to reporting from Aol and Yahoo News UK, the production represents a deliberate move to push beyond traditional superhero tropes into the realm of true body horror of a Cronenberg-type movie.

The film stars Tom Rhys Harries in the lead role of Matt Hagen, an aspiring actor in Gotham City whose life is upended after a violent encounter with a mob boss. Following the attack, Hagen turns to a experimental serum provided by Dr. Caitlyn Corr, played by Naomi Ackie, leading to a harrowing physiological and psychological transformation. DC Studios figurehead Peter Safran describes the project as a real psychological unraveling rather than a conventional villain origin story.

A Shift in Genre and Scale

The creative vision for the film is led by director James Watkins, who joined the project after showrunner Mike Flanagan was unable to commit to the directing duties due to a busy production schedule. Despite his unavailability, Flanagan reportedly provided his blessing to the studio. Watkins, who previously directed Speak No Evil and Eden Lake, emphasizes that the film aims to balance its horror elements with an emotional core. I’m interested in films that give people a real rollercoaster ride, Watkins stated while finalizing the project's visual effects.

The production design intentionally avoids the "murky" aesthetic often associated with Gotham, opting instead for a distinct lighting palette. Watkins highlights the use of tungsten lighting and sodium vapor-style tones to create a sense of place that feels both corrupt and atmospheric. While the film includes subtle nods to the wider DC canon, the director maintains that the project is anchored in its own internal integrity rather than a reliance on crossover cameos.

Production Challenges and Casting

The performance required immense physical commitment from Harries, who reportedly filmed the project while managing a torn ACL. According to the actor, he concealed the injury from the production team during filming in Liverpool to ensure he could complete the shoot. This dedication to the character has been noted by his co-stars, including Max Minghella, who plays detective John Pearlman. Minghella observed that the studio film is uniquely focused on the lead performance, noting that Harries is in nearly every frame.

The casting process was extensive, with the studio reportedly evaluating hundreds of actors before selecting Harries. Safran noted that the search was not aimed at finding an established star, but rather the most suitable actor for the material. For Harries, the role represents a significant career escalation, one that he describes as both a responsibility and the privilege of being able to step into a cultural sandbox that is important to so many people.

What to Watch Next

• San Diego Comic-Con International: The cast is scheduled to appear at the event to discuss the project as part of their promotional rollout.
• Theatrical Release: The film arrives in cinemas on Oct. 23.
• Universe Canon: Studio executives have confirmed that Clayface takes place before the events of Creature Commandos, establishing the film as an early entry in the current DCU timeline.

While the studio has faced mixed results with recent projects, leadership remains confident in the strategy of prioritizing tonal variety across their slate. By focusing on genre-specific storytelling, DC Studios intends to differentiate its output from traditional superhero entries. As the film approaches its debut, fans can expect the final, monstrous form of Clayface to remain shrouded in secrecy, with the studio choosing to lean into the power of mystery rather than revealing the creature’s design in promotional materials.