James Gunn, co-CEO of DC Studios, recently addressed rumors circulating that actor Daniel Radcliffe had been cast as the iconic Batman villain Clayface in an upcoming DC film. Taking to social media, Gunn was quick to set the record straight, stating that the rumors were "100% false." This firm denial came after fans speculated that Radcliffe, who is best known for his portrayal of Harry Potter, would be taking on the shape-shifting villain in the new DC Universe under Gunn's leadership.
In his response, Gunn clarified that there have been no casting discussions involving Radcliffe for the Clayface role. He emphasized that since a director has yet to be officially attached to the project, casting has not even begun. "As we confirmed the other day, we're closing a deal with James to direct. Because we don't have a director yet, we haven't even started the casting process. Daniel is great, but we certainly haven't talked to or considered him. So this one is 100% false," Gunn tweeted.
The upcoming Clayface film is one of several new projects that are part of Gunn's vision for the DC Universe. While the film is still in the early stages of development, some exciting details have already surfaced. Mike Flanagan, known for his work on the popular horror series The Haunting of Hill House, is attached to write the script for the film. Additionally, James Watkins is in talks to direct, with Matt Reeves, the director of The Batman, serving as a producer on the project. The film is currently slated for release on September 11, 2026.
The character of Clayface, whose real name is Basil Karlo, first appeared in Detective Comics #40 in 1940. He is one of Batman's most terrifying and complex foes, a master of disguise who can alter his shape due to his clay-based composition. His tragic backstory and the horror elements tied to his character make him an ideal candidate for a darker, more mature portrayal in the upcoming film. According to reports, the movie will explore Clayface’s origin story, focusing on a "body horror" theme with an R-rated tone, marking a departure from the lighter fare often associated with superhero films.
Daniel Radcliffe has been no stranger to casting rumors, especially in the superhero genre. The actor, who rose to fame with the Harry Potter franchise, has previously been linked to other iconic roles in the superhero world, including Wolverine.
However, Radcliffe has addressed these speculations in the past, acknowledging the rumors but clarifying that there was no truth to them. Despite his previous work in genre films like Swiss Army Man and The Woman in Black, Radcliffe has yet to take on a superhero role, leading fans to continually speculate about his potential involvement in future projects.
In the case of Clayface, fans were quick to jump on the idea of Radcliffe, known for his versatility and willingness to take on unique and unconventional roles, being a good fit for the shape-shifting villain. However, Gunn’s swift denial of the rumors has put an end to this particular speculation, leaving fans to wonder who will ultimately land the role.
With the casting rumors squashed, the focus now shifts to the continued development of the Clayface movie. The involvement of talented figures like Mike Flanagan and Matt Reeves has generated significant excitement, as their previous work has proven their ability to craft compelling and immersive narratives. Flanagan’s experience in the horror genre, particularly with his work on The Haunting of Hill House, suggests that the Clayface film could delve into some darker and more psychological themes.
As the DC Universe evolves under the guidance of James Gunn and Peter Safran, fans can expect more announcements about casting and creative decisions in the coming months. For now, the future of the Clayface film remains shrouded in mystery, with many questions still to be answered, including who will eventually take on the role of this tragic villain.
While Daniel Radcliffe’s potential casting as Clayface may have captured the imaginations of fans, James Gunn’s recent comments have made it clear that those rumors are completely false. With the project still in its early stages, fans can look forward to more updates and casting news as the Clayface movie continues to take shape. As Gunn continues to reshape the DC Universe, the anticipation surrounding the future of DC films grows, and Clayface may very well be one of the most intriguing offerings on the horizon.
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