How Three-Month Auditions and Malleable Prosthetics Shaped Tom Rhys Harries' Breakout in 'Clayface'

Key points

• Tom Rhys Harries stars as Matt Hagen, a disfigured actor who becomes the shape-shifting villain Clayface, in a film opening October 23.
• Director James Watkins subjected Harries to a three-month audition process, including two lengthy screen tests, to ensure the actor could handle the dual role.
• Harries spent approximately half his time on set with special effects teams, using malleable prosthetics and mouth 'plumpers' to achieve the clay-like transformation.
• The film is described as a body horror psychological thriller, distinct from typical DC superhero fare, with a modest $40 million budget.
• Naomi Ackie plays Dr. Caitlyn Corr, the scientist responsible for the experimental procedure that transforms Hagen's face.

Background

DC Studios has been shifting its tone with recent releases, moving away from traditional superhero narratives. 'Clayface' follows the premiere of 'Supergirl' and arrives amid box office fatigue for comic-book adaptations. The film was initially pitched by horror director Mike Flanagan, who later departed for other projects, before Hossein Amini wrote a new draft and James Watkins took over directing. Previous coverage noted the film's strong early reviews and its standalone appeal within the DC Universe.

How outlets are covering it

BBC emphasizes the physical difficulty of the prosthetics, noting Harries spent half his time in makeup and found the discomfort beneficial for portraying distress. The Hollywood Reporter highlights the intensive three-month audition process, with Watkins describing it as 'auditioning the hell out of him' to explore the character's depth. The Guardian focuses on the film's horror elements, comparing it to 'Darkman' and 'The Substance,' and notes Harries' personal struggles with ADHD and early career insecurities. All sources agree on the film's release date and its departure from standard DC fare, but differ in emphasis: BBC on technical performance, THR on casting rigor, and Guardian on thematic horror and personal background.

Why it matters

The success of 'Clayface' could signal a shift in the DC Universe toward more grounded, horror-driven narratives. With a modest budget and strong early reviews, it may encourage studios to take creative risks in a market currently experiencing fatigue with traditional superhero films. Harries' performance, aided by innovative prosthetics and a rigorous audition process, sets a new standard for character-driven villain origins in comic-book adaptations.

What to watch

The film is scheduled for wide theatrical release on October 23, 2026. Box office performance will be closely watched to gauge audience appetite for horror-driven DC properties. Future DC projects may be influenced by the film's reception, potentially leading to more experimental or character-driven entries in the universe.