Tom Rhys Harries is a Welsh actor gaining recognition in film and television who has been cast as the lead in Clayface (2026), a horror movie from DC Studios centered on one of the most well-known villains in the Batman universe. In the film, Harries plays Matt Hagen, an actor whose life takes a tragic turn after an experiment transforms his body and identity.
Related: The Origins of Clayface: The Story of Batman’s Villain
Known for his work in productions such as Netflix’s White Lines and Apple TV+’s Suspicion, Harries takes on one of the biggest challenges of his career by leading a feature film based on a character whose story blends horror, psychological drama, and comic book mythology.
Who Is Tom Rhys Harries?
Tom Rhys Harries was born on October 8, 1990, in Wales, United Kingdom. He has built his career across theater, television, and film, appearing in both British and international productions.
One of the first major milestones in his career came on the London stage. In 2013, Harries made his West End debut in Jez Butterworth’s play Mojo, sharing the cast with actors such as Ben Whishaw and Rupert Grint. He later appeared in other stage productions, including Hotel at the National Theatre and The Seagull, a production starring Emilia Clarke.
His theater experience helped shape his development as an actor before he began landing more prominent screen roles. Over the years, Harries has taken on projects across a range of genres, including historical dramas, thrillers, action films, and horror.
Tom Rhys Harries’ Major Movies and TV Shows
Although Clayface represents an important opportunity to expand his international profile, Tom Rhys Harries has already appeared in a variety of film and television productions.
Some of his notable credits include:
- White Lines (2020): The Netflix series in which he plays Axel Collins, a DJ whose disappearance is investigated years later.
- Suspicion (2022): An Apple TV+ thriller starring Uma Thurman, featuring Harries as part of the cast.
- The Gentlemen (2019): A crime comedy directed by Guy Ritchie and set in the British criminal underworld.
- Kandahar (2023): An action film starring Gerard Butler, in which Harries plays Oliver Altman.
- Sisi & I (2023): A German historical drama starring Sandra Hüller.
- The Return (2024): A drama inspired by the story of Odysseus, directed by Uberto Pasolini, in which Harries plays Peisander.
Harries has also appeared in British television series such as Hinterland, Jekyll and Hyde, Parade’s End, Britannia, and The Split.
The variety of these projects highlights Harries’ experience working across different genres, a valuable background for a role that requires him to move between the drama of a human character and the horror of a physical transformation.
Tom Rhys Harries Plays Matt Hagen in Clayface
In Clayface, Tom Rhys Harries plays Matt Hagen, a Gotham City actor whose career takes a devastating turn after an attack leaves his face disfigured.
Desperate to regain his appearance and return to his former life, Hagen seeks experimental treatment. Although the procedure initially seems to restore what he has lost, its effects trigger increasingly disturbing changes to his body and his perception of reality.
The story follows the protagonist’s transformation into Clayface, a creature capable of changing his appearance and taking on different forms. The film also explores the loss of identity, ambition, and the desire for revenge, bringing elements of body horror and psychological drama into the story.
Matt Hagen is one of the character’s best-known incarnations in the comics and in Batman: The Animated Series. His tragic journey offers a different perspective on a villain traditionally associated with his battles against the Dark Knight.
How Did Tom Rhys Harries Land the Role in Clayface?
Harries landed the role after an audition process that lasted approximately two months. In an interview with People magazine, the actor recalled learning that he had won the part while cycling through London. He had been trying to ease his anxiety while waiting to hear the outcome.
Director James Watkins also discussed the casting process, which involved several script readings and chemistry tests between candidates and other members of the cast. According to the filmmaker, Harries connected with the interpretation envisioned for the character.
The casting places Harries at the center of a production seeking to explore the darker side of DC’s stories. Rather than simply presenting an antagonist who clashes with Batman, the film follows a man whose attempt to reclaim his life ultimately leads to his transformation into a monstrous creature.
In addition to Tom Rhys Harries as Matt Hagen, Clayface stars Naomi Ackie as Caitlyn Corr, alongside Max Minghella, Eddie Marsan, David Dencik, Nancy Carroll, and Joshua James.
The film is directed by James Watkins, known for movies such as Speak No Evil (2024) and Eden Lake (2008). The screenplay was written by Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini, based on a story developed by Flanagan and featuring characters from DC.
The production combines elements of the Batman universe with horror techniques, including physical transformations and practical effects. Its approach centers on the character, exploring the physical and psychological consequences of his metamorphosis.
Clayface is scheduled to hit theaters in the United States on October 23, 2026.
