News - Celebrating 65 Years of Clayface: Gunn Praises Harries' Performance

In a jubilant celebration of Matt Hagen's 65th anniversary as Clayface, DC Studios head honcho James Gunn took to Twitter to commend actor Tom Rhys Harries for his riveting portrayal of the iconic character. Gunn emphasized the depth Rhys Harries brought to the role, stating, 'It’s one thing to watch someone become a monster, but another to feel everything that person is losing along the way. Tom Rhys Harries gives an astounding performance in Clayface, bringing an emotional weight to the horror in a way that feels incredibly personal.' Clayface, historically a shapeshifting antagonist to Batman, first graced comic pages in DETECTIVE COMICS #298 under the identity of Matt Hagen. Despite varying incarnations over the years, it was Batman: The Animated Series' 'Feat of Clay' episodes in 1992 that cemented the character's legacy in popular culture. Subsequent appearances across media, such as in Harley Quinn and the acclaimed Batman: Arkham video game series, have continued to expand the character's mythos. Rhys Harries’ interpretation of Hagen marks the character's leap into the live-action sphere, aligning with the narrative arc of Hagen within the newly designed DC Universe framework. Interestingly, the movie marks a distinctive choice by not featuring Batman, although Gotham City remains the backdrop to Hagen's turmoil. Director James Watkins addressed Batman’s supposed absence, focusing instead on Hagen's narrative journey. 'It's a city of many millions, and this is Matt Hagen's story,' Watkins commented, emphasizing an honest approach to storytelling. In its opening weekend, Clayface has already recouped its budget, signaling a promising box office trajectory. For fans eager for more, detailed guides explore the film's dramatic finale and its positioning within the larger DCU timeline.