James Gunn’s DC Universe is taking Batman’s rogues’ gallery in a darker direction with ‘Clayface’, but the film’s leading star has a different perspective on the character’s morality. Despite DC Studios describing the upcoming horror movie’s central figure as a Gotham antihero, actor Tom Rhys Harries believes Matt Hagen is ultimately a villain.
Tom Rhys Harries Explains Why ‘Clayface’ Is Still A Villain
In an exclusive interview with ScreenRant, Harries, who will become the first actor to portray Matt Hagen in a live-action project, explained how he approaches the character’s increasingly disturbing actions. His comments suggest that the upcoming R-rated film won’t necessarily ask audiences to excuse Clayface’s behavior simply because they understand his motivations.
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The film could offer a more psychologically complex take on one of Batman’s most recognizable enemies. Discussing whether he considers Matt Hagen an antihero, Harries made his position clear. “I don’t view him as an antihero. Me, Tom, I think he’s ultimately a villain,” the actor explained.
However, that doesn’t mean audiences won’t understand how Hagen reaches that point. “But then you kind of track someone’s journey and hopefully feel empathy and justification for his actions, to a point,” he added.
That distinction could be crucial for a horror story centered on a character whose transformation potentially blurs the line between victim and monster. Understanding why someone commits terrible acts is not the same as believing those actions are justified. As he put it, “I think there’s an objective villainy to what’s being done.”
Could Clayface Become A Major Batman Villain In The DCU?
Naomi Ackie, who plays Dr. Caitlyn Corr, shared a similar perspective during the interview, agreeing that there are limits to how far someone’s actions can be understood or excused. While DC Studios has referred to Clayface as an antihero, Harries’ comments suggest the movie could explore the uncomfortable difference.
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The film’s place in Gunn’s wider DCU also raises an intriguing question: could Matt Hagen eventually cross paths with Batman? Nothing has been confirmed about a future confrontation, but introducing Clayface through a standalone horror story could give the villain a distinctive identity before he potentially encounters Gotham’s Dark Knight.
For now, audiences will have to wait until October 23 to discover just how far Hagen falls, and whether there is anything left of the man he once was.
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