Clayface star’s quotes on character’s future have us excited about James Gunn’s DCU

The leading man has big plans for his anti-hero/villain.

We are huge fans of the film, which focuses on an actor who is disfigured after a violent attack. Seeking an experimental procedure to heal his scars, it turns out the treatment has unexpected, strange side effects.

JOE loved Clayface's unique blend of genres, its darker tone, and its terrific performances - all wrapped up within a Batman villain origin story. You can read a previous article from us about the movie right here.

This features quotes from Rhys Harries and his co-stars Max Minghella and Naomi Ackie. They talk about Elizabeth Holmes comparisons, a particularly shocking sequence from the movie that’s gone viral, and one unexpected (non-spoilery) cameo.

During our chat with Rhys Harries, we also got into spoiler territory. We had held off on publishing that part of the conversation, so people had a chance to see the film first.

SPOILERS FOR CLAYFACE AHEAD

Though it tells a completely stand-alone story, which feels very refreshing for a superhero flick these days, JOE noted to the Welsh actor that Clayface is technically part of James Gunn's ongoing DC Universe project. This means the movie is set in the same universe as the 2025 Superman film, its recently released spin-off Supergirl, as well as the shows Lanterns and Peacemaker.

As such, we asked Rhys Harries if he would ever consider reprising his role as Matt Hagen/Clayface after the shocking finale to the character's first on-screen outing. This saw his anti-hero become a murderer, first executing the people who wronged him before killing innocents.

It turns out Rhys Harries is very interested in returning and has big plans for Clayface. These have made us very excited about the future of the James Gunn-led franchise, and how slightly lesser-known characters could be set up in solo movies before reappearing later alongside more established heroes.

He told JOE: "I just want Matt to self-actualise and go on a desperately sad, murderous rampage, burning everything to the ground because everything's been taken away from him. I think you track someone's journey into prospective nihilism.

"He's pretty formidable as Clayface, if anybody knows his history. So yeah, I'm just looking forward to destroying everybody in the DC canon."

Clayface marks Rhys Harries' first main role in a studio movie. His co-stars had nothing but kind words to say about him.

Ackie told JOE: "He was just so much fun... What he was taking on was a very huge undertaking, and he managed to not only do it exceptionally well, but be so kind, so much fun, so joyful to work with.

"He was a great number one [on the call sheet]. I think that it takes more than just learning your lines and getting the job done. You set the tone and set the expectations for the cast and crew. He did that incredibly well, and I have no doubt that he'll continue to do so... He's a cool guy."

Minghella added: "He was amazing. I can't say enough superlative things about Tom... Cool guy, insane performance, and [he] just made us feel so included and welcome."

Clayface is in cinemas now.