Alan Tudyk‘s Clayface role in Harley Quinn will not continue onto the big screen, as Tom Rhys Harries has been chosen to portray the infamous supervillain in an upcoming DC horror movie. This casting marks a major shift in James Gunn‘s new DC cinematic universe, with fresh talent stepping into a role known for its comedic and theatrical flair.
New Casting Announced for Gotham’s Shape-Shifting Villain
According to Deadline, Tom Rhys Harries, recognized for his work in Guy Ritchie’s The Gentleman, will take on the notorious part of Clayface, the shape-shifting adversary who has long plagued Batman and Gotham City. James Gunn, overseeing this new chapter for DC, praised the script’s quality in a recent interview, indicating high expectations for the character’s cinematic debut. Harries emerged as the studio’s top pick from a roster that reportedly included Jask O’Connell and Tom Blyth, signaling confidence in his ability to bring new life to the villain.
Alan Tudyk’s Legacy as Clayface in Animated Comedies
The change comes following six years of Alan Tudyk’s portrayal of Clayface in Harley Quinn and its spin-offs, including Kite Man: Hell Yeah and Creature Commandos. Tudyk’s interpretation, marked by exaggerated dramatic flair and comedic timing, became a highlight of DC’s recent animated offerings. His version, often depicted as a melodramatic yet bumbling would-be actor, brought a unique energy to the character that set a high bar for any successor.
A Dark Take On Clayface in the Upcoming Horror Film
The forthcoming film version, written by Mike Flanagan and directed by James Watkins—best known for his American remake of Speak No Evil—shifts Clayface into the realm of horror. Earlier reports suggested the story will center around a struggling B-movie actor who turns to a supervillain serum, enabling his transformation into Clayface, in pursuit of a better career. This angle promises a grittier and more tragic take compared to Clayface’s previous animated antics, signaling a significant change in tone as the character moves to live action.
Release Timeline and Industry Impact
The new Clayface film is scheduled for release on September 11, 2026, joining other ambitious Warner Bros. projects, including a CGI puppet-driven Robin movie. With James Gunn steering DC’s universe and a production team skilled in the horror genre, the project is poised to reshape public perception of this long-standing Batman adversary. Questions remain among fans regarding how Tom Rhys Harries will reinterpret the role, especially given Alan Tudyk’s memorable performance, but the casting signals bold new directions for DC’s film slate.
