---
title: "DC Studios Film Clayface Premieres in Hollywood"
url: https://noti.group/dc-studios-film-clayface-premieres-in-hollywood/
language: en
publisher: "Noti Group"
section: "Entertainment"
published: 2026-10-16T13:00:00.000Z
updated: 2026-10-16T13:35:30.191Z
id: 8ead2f3b-f320-48ad-83e1-16ee53f6dc56
source: "The Hollywood Reporter https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/clayface-movie-actor-tom-rhys-harries-director-james-watkins-1236733512/"
attribution: "Link to https://noti.group/dc-studios-film-clayface-premieres-in-hollywood/ and name Noti Group when you quote or summarize this story."
---

# DC Studios Film Clayface Premieres in Hollywood

A new DC Studios film, Clayface, has been making waves in Hollywood, centering on the story of Tom Hagen, a movie star left severely disfigured after a brutal attack by a Gotham mob boss.

The assault leaves Hagen desperate to regain his former appearance and he undergoes an experimental procedure that initially seems successful but ultimately leads to a terrifying new reality with skin-shifting abilities. Enter Clayface, the monstrous alter ego of Tom Hagen.

Finding the right actor for this dual role in a body horror thriller proved to be a challenging task for director James Watkins. He recalls spending extensive time auditioning various candidates before finally settling on Welsh actor Tom Rhys Harries.

Watkins has praised Harries' unique qualities that set him apart from other actors, stating that he had never auditioned anyone as extensively as he did with Harries. The film's world premiere took place at the Hollywood Legion Theater on Tuesday night, where Watkins spoke about his casting process and Harries' standout performance.

The extensive auditioning process allowed Watkins to delve deeper into understanding the character and his complexities.

The extensive auditioning process had allowed Tom Rhys Harries to develop a deeper understanding of his character's complexities.

Harries' background in both film and television was evident in projects such as Suspicion and White Lines, but he acknowledged that this new role presented a unique challenge for him.

To prepare for the demanding character, Harries underwent two lengthy screen tests with director James Watkins over the course of three months.

The thorough auditioning process gave both Harries and Watkins ample time to workshop the script before production began on set.

Naomi Ackie, who plays a scientist involved in an experimental procedure related to Hagen's storyline, praised her co-star for his dedication and enthusiasm.

The delicate balance required to bring Tom Rhys Harries' character to life was a key concern for producer Lynn Harris and her team.

The story's focus on examining Matt Hagen's perspective through empathy was an exciting prospect for Harris and director James Watkins, who came in after initial drafts from Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini.

Watkins brought his own unique take to the project, one that shared the same grounded emotional approach as the original vision.

Harries praised Watkins' contribution, saying that he saw the film's core tragedy in a way that aligned with the team's goals.

Preview audiences and critics have been impressed by the film so far, according to Watkins, who is eager to see how it performs when released widely.

Watkins emphasized his preference for horror films that get under viewers' skin through relatable themes, rather than relying on jump scares or formulaic plots.

The scene where Tom Rhys Harries' character is covered in "gook and gunk" proved to be particularly challenging for him to film.

Harries reflected on this scene, revealing that he was feeling exhausted by the time it was shot, but still managed to deliver a convincing performance despite his physical state.

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Source: [The Hollywood Reporter](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/clayface-movie-actor-tom-rhys-harries-director-james-watkins-1236733512/)  
Published by Noti Group: https://noti.group/dc-studios-film-clayface-premieres-in-hollywood/