I think we can all get onboard this casting, assuming it’s true, as it’s said James Gunn is eyeing Daniel Radcliffe to star in the upcoming Clayface movie.
What does the rumor say?
The rumor comes from Jeff Sneider (via X) where it’s said Daniel Radcliffe is eyed to play Basil Karlo in James Watkin’s Clayface movie. Friday saw that big DCU press event, where Gunn and Peter Safran confirmed Watkins is in talks to direct.
What is Clayface about?
Centers on a B-list actor
No official plot info has been revealed but the trades have reported Clayface is a horror-thriller-tragedy, with the lead protagonist not expected to be portrayed as the notorious villain he’s known as in Batman canon.
It’s claimed Clayface centers on a B-list actor who injects himself with something to stay relevant only to find out that he can reshape his face and form, becoming a walking piece of clay.
Not going with the blob-like version
It’s guessed this is the origin story for the DCU’s Clayface who was first seen in Creature Commandos. While Alan Tudyk voiced the character, it wasn’t a major role, so Tudyk won’t be playing the live-action version like the rest of Gunn’s voice actors (Tudyk is the voice of Doctor Phosphorous, and Frank Grillo is playing his Rick Flag Sr. in Gunn’s Superman and Peacemaker Season 2).
Basil Karlo origin story for the DCU
In the comics, the first Clayface is Basil Karlo, a B-list actor who began a life of crime using the identity of a villain that he had portrayed in a horror film. Matt Reeves happens to be producing, and we all know Reeves likes to go the realistic and serious route, so Basil Karlo seems likely. To boot, Clayface will have a lower budget suitable for a horror film, so they don’t have to spend a lot on the expense CGI to make up the blob-like version most fans are familiar with.
Daniel Radcliffe is of course known for Harry Potter and he has monster movie creds with Horns and such. Fans actually wanted him to play the MCU’s Wolverine. I think Radcliffe starring in Clayface is a smart move.
Release info
DC Studios and Gunn have set Clayface for a September 11, 2026 release.
(note: featured image is fan art)
