Tom Rhys Harries on Prosthetics and the Clayface Transformation
In DC's Clayface, Welsh actor Tom Rhys Harries portrays Matt Hogan, a dashing actor whose face becomes disfigured, prompting him to experiment with a treatment that transforms his visage into living clay. He dedicated a significant portion of his time collaborating with the special effects team, noting that the prosthetics presented a "steep learning curve." Harries utilized mouth "plumpers," which were famously employed by Marlon Brando in The Godfather. The creative team opted for flexible effects to simulate clay. Directed by James Watkins, recognized for Woman in Black, this film is a psychological thriller with body horror elements. Clayface, a Batman adversary since 1940, represents Rhys Harries's first major studio role in 15 years and premieres on 23 October.
Key facts
- Tom Rhys Harries plays Matt Hogan, a successful actor whose face becomes living clay, in DC's Clayface
- The film is directed by James Watkins, known for Woman in Black and Speak No Evil
- Rhys Harries spent about half his time on set with the special effects make-up team
- He wore mouth plumpers also used by Marlon Brando in The Godfather
- Clayface first appeared in DC comics in 1940 as a Batman villain and has never been adapted for cinema before
- The role is Rhys Harries's first major studio movie role after 15 years of acting in English and Welsh
- The Cardiff-born actor began Eisteddfod recitals at age five
- Clayface is released in cinemas on 23 October
Entities
Artists
- Tom Rhys Harries
- Marlon Brando
- James Watkins
Institutions
- DC
- Eisteddfod
Locations
- Wales
- Cardiff
- United Kingdom