Tom Rhys Harries has been cast in the lead role of Clayface, a new DC adaptation scheduled for theatrical release on 23 October. The film marks the actor’s first major studio movie role and the first cinematic adaptation of the Clayface character, who originally appeared in DC comics in 1940 as a Batman villain.
In the film, Rhys Harries plays Matt Hogan, a successful actor whose face becomes mutilated in an attack. He subsequently volunteers for experimental treatment trials that have severe side effects, resulting in his face transforming into living clay. Described as a body horror psychological thriller, the narrative focuses on the character’s descent into villainy.
Rhys Harries reported spending approximately half of his shooting days with the special effects make-up team to apply the extensive prosthetics required for the role. Rather than viewing this as a hindrance to his performance, the Welsh actor indicated that wearing the prosthetics actually facilitated his portrayal of the character’s physical discomfort. The creative team prioritized using malleable physical effects to achieve an authentic clay-like appearance, an approach Rhys Harries characterized as a demanding creative process that required careful interaction with the prosthetic work.
When discussing the character’s arc, Rhys Harries drew parallels to relatable human circumstances, noting that Matt Hogan’s loss of his physical appearance parallels any professional losing their essential tools—such as a musician losing hand function. He emphasized the character’s profession as an actor and framed the story as one about adapting when one’s livelihood is stripped away.
Rhys Harries, who has pursued acting professionally for the past 15 years in English and Welsh productions, attributed part of his career success to Welsh cultural traditions and early exposure to performance through participation in the Eisteddfod at age five.
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