James Gunn addresses DCU Clayface recast after DC Studios officially announced a new actor for the 2026 horror movie, stirring discussion over whether this change breaks his earlier promise to keep casting consistent across DC Universe projects. The shift comes as Tom Rhys Harries steps in to play Clayface in live-action, replacing Alan Tudyk who voiced the character in the previous year’s animated Creature Commandos series.
Clayface Recast Creates Uncertainty in Upcoming DCU Installment
When DC Studios named Tom Rhys Harries, previously seen in Apple TV+’s Suspicion, as the new Clayface in the Batman villain’s upcoming movie, it marked a notable change from the animated series’ approach. The 2026 release will be the character’s live-action solo debut under the direction of James Watkins, with the script contributed by Doctor Sleep’s Mike Flanagan. The decision to shift casting came after Alan Tudyk’s turn as the villain in the animated Creature Commandos, making this the first major swap-out in the revised DC Universe framework.
James Gunn, the DC Studios co-CEO and executive producer on the project, responded directly to fans on social media who noticed the apparent inconsistency. Addressing concerns, he clarified,
“would plan on using PRIMARY actors whenever [they] can,”
—James Gunn, DC Studios Co-CEO. This response suggests the intention to maintain actor consistency is still generally in place, but exceptions could occur for specific circumstances.
He further intrigued fans by stating,
“I’ve also never said if the two characters are the same. (I’ve also never said they’re not).”
—James Gunn, DC Studios Co-CEO. The history of Clayface in DC Comics offers several interpretations, including both Basil Karlo and Matt Hagen taking up the mantle. This leaves room for the possibility that different actors could portray separate versions of Clayface across mediums without violating the studio’s larger casting philosophy.
The animated Creature Commandos series never specified which Clayface was featured, fueling rumors that Harries’ role for the film will be Matt Hagen. There remains uncertainty whether the animated version and the live-action iteration are meant to represent the same individual. For the upcoming movie, Harries stands as the only confirmed cast member so far, with further casting announcements expected as production moves forward for its September 11, 2026 premiere.
Possible Paths for DC Studios to Address Casting Concerns
The Clayface recast appears to be a consequence of evolving plans within DC Studios. Early in the development of Creature Commandos, it is likely the thought of a Clayface movie had not yet materialized, only coming together after Mike Flanagan submitted a compelling script. This unexpected growth in the universe may explain why connections between animated and live-action portrayals were not mapped out in advance.
To navigate these discrepancies, DC Studios may consider several options. One approach could present Clayface in the upcoming movie as a completely separate character from the version seen in the animated series, reflecting the comic legacy of different individuals taking up the name. Alternatively, the film could serve as a period piece, offering a darker, more serious origin that stands apart from the often comedic Clayface of recent animated adaptations. These possibilities could help smooth over concerns about casting and character continuity in the expanding DCU.
Further updates about the nature of Clayface, as well as additional casting and story details, are expected in the coming months as the film’s production ramps up. With the involvement of James Gunn, Mike Flanagan, and James Watkins, anticipation remains high as fans watch to see how the studio will reconcile past promises with the realities of a constantly evolving superhero universe.
