Tom Rhys Harries, the rising Welsh star, recently recounted the intense audition process for his lead role in the upcoming DC Studios film, *Clayface*. During a chat with *PEOPLE* at San Diego Comic-Con, Harries described the experience as a significant “stress test” that spanned two months, leading up to the pivotal moment when he learned he had secured the coveted part.
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Set to hit cinemas on 23rd October, *Clayface* delves into the transformative journey of Matt Hagen, an actor in Gotham City whose life takes a dark turn after his face is disfigured by a gangster. The gripping storyline unfolds as Hagen, portrayed by Harries, seeks experimental treatment that leads to harrowing changes, turning him into the notorious shape-shifting villain from the Batman universe.
The audition saga itself proved to be quite the ordeal. “It was quite unusual,” Harries remarked, reflecting on how he was informed of the casting results. Typically, such news would come through a group call with his agents, but due to time constraints and the impending press release, the situation unfolded differently. “My British agent was flying back from the States and managed to squeeze in the call just before boarding. He said, ‘I have to tell you this because this press release is going to go out in about two hours.’” At that moment, the 33-year-old actor was cycling around London, attempting to distract himself from the mounting pressure of the audition process.
After receiving the thrilling news, Harries felt a wave of relief and celebration. “I was just cycling around London, calling my family and some friends,” he shared. This moment marked a significant milestone in his career, as he previously appeared in films like *The Gentlemen* and *Madfabulous*, as well as in the series *The Light in the Hall*.
In *Clayface*, Harries’s character, Matt Hagen, faces a dramatic personal crisis after a gang-related confrontation leaves him disfigured. The narrative escalates as Hagen seeks help from a scientist, played by Naomi Ackie, who administers an experimental serum with unforeseen and grotesque side effects. The transformation into Clayface pushes the boundaries of his character, showcasing a complex portrayal of a villain who has haunted Batman throughout comic history.
Director James Watkins expressed his confidence in Harries’s selection during the audition process. “We had a casual chat, which led to him auditioning multiple times. He just felt right for the role,” he explained. The two engaged in discussions about the character, and the synergy between them was palpable. “The nature of these things is high stakes, so we did a few reads and chemistry tests to explore the character dynamics,” Watkins added.
Watkins is no stranger to high-profile projects, having worked with notable actors like James McAvoy in previous films. He describes *Clayface* as being “fairly self-contained” within the broader context of the DC Universe—though this is the third instalment under James Gunn’s direction. The movie stands out for its unique blend of superhero elements with horror themes, aiming to make a bold statement despite having a smaller budget compared to other DC productions.
Supporting Harries and Ackie, *Clayface* features a talented cast including Max Minghella, Eddie Marsan, and David Dencik, further enriching the film’s character-driven plot. As it heads toward its October release, excitement continues to build around Harries’s transformation into one of Gotham’s most infamous villains, placing him on the cusp of a promising new chapter in his acting career.
In summary, Tom Rhys Harries’s journey to landing the lead in *Clayface* has been marked by dedication and tenacity, culminating in a role that not only challenges him as a performer but also captivates fans of the genre. With its mix of psychological depth and horror, the film promises to secure a memorable place within the ever-expanding DC cinematic landscape.