Summary

DCStudios boss James Gunn debunked a Clayface movie cast rumor. However, a second supposed contender for the Batman villain has surfaced from the same source of the rumor Gunn refuted.

After Mike Flanagan’sClayfacemovie script was greenlit for production, DC Studios began searching for a director to helm the DC Universe film, as Flanagan’s commitments to Universal’s newExorcistmovie prevented him from directing the project himself. Horror filmmakerJames Watkins was rumored to be a Clayface directorcontender, with later Gunn confirming that they were closing a deal with Watkins. Of course, there’s still the matter of casting the titularBatmanvillain, and Gunn recently denied considering one of the actors reportedly being eyed.

James Gunn Shuts Down A Clayface Casting Rumor

On Threads, Gunn addressed Jeff Sneider’s report onDaniel Radcliffe being considered to play Clayfacein the DCU movie. The DC Studios boss said they haven’t started casting theClayfacerole because the film doesn’t have a director yet (a deal “closing” is not the same as a done deal). While Gunn acknowledged that “Daniel [Radcliffe] is great,” he denied talking with or considering the formerHarry Potteractor for the role, calling Sneider’s scoop “100% false.” During a recent episode ofThe Hot Mic, Sneider defended his reporting and revealed the identity of the second unnamed actor he mentioned was also being considered for Clayface in his report on Radcliffe.

Another Rumored Actor is Being Eyed to Play Clayface

According to Sneider,Kieran Culkin is also considered for the Clayface role. Culkin is arguably best known for his Emmy and Golden Globe-winning performance asRoman Roy in HBO’sSuccession. He is also considered the frontrunner to win the Best Supporting Actor Oscar at the 2025 Academy Awards after winning several accolades for his performance as Benji Kaplan in writer and director Jesse Eisenberg’sA Real Pain. On The Hot Mic, Sneider explained that he didn’t mention Culkin was the other actor being considered for Clayface in his initial report because he didn’t know if he “bought” that Culkin would choose to do the DCU film if he wins the Oscar.

Casting either Radcliffe or Culkin could have benefits for the Clayface movie besides both being talented actors. While comic book fans may be excited to seeClayface potentially do the Batman villain justice, general audiences may not be familiar enough with the character to flock to theaters for his solo feature film. Radcliffe is the face of theHarry Potterfranchise, and Culkin has his fans fromSuccession(and perhaps his small but memorable role Fuller in the first twoHome Alonemovies), so they bring a built-in audience to theClayfacemovie if they play the titular role. Both actors are already part of the Warner Bros. family (WB owns HBO and the screen rights toHarry Potter), so either Radcliffe or Culkin being cast as Clayface seems like a winning strategy. Of course, Warner Bros. could choose someone else, and withClayfacestarting production in the summer of 2025, fans may find out soon.

Clayfaceis scheduled to be released in theaters on June 09, 2025.

Clayface

Cast

Clayface is a feature film centered around the shapeshifting Batman villain. The movie, described as a horror, thriller, and tragedy, explores the darker dimensions of this iconic character within the DC Universe.