Clayface Cast Rumor Debunked by James Gunn, Keiran Culkin May Be Eyed

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Summary

  • James Gunn debunked a Clayface movie casting rumor involving Daniel Radcliffe as false.
  • Horror filmmaker James Watkins is closing a deal to direct DC Universe’s Clayface.
  • Kieran Culkin is a second rumored contender for the titular Batman villain role in Clayface.

James Gunn, head of DC Studios, recently dismissed speculation about the casting for a Clayface film. Interestingly, another potential candidate for the role of Batman’s nemesis, Clayface, has emerged, originating from the very same source that Gunn debunked.

Following the approval for production of Mike Flanagan’s “Clayface” movie script by DC Studios, they started looking for a director to lead the DC Universe film. Unfortunately, Flanagan was tied up with Universal’s new “Exorcist” project, making it impossible for him to direct this one himself. There were whispers about horror filmmaker James Watkins being a potential choice for Clayface, and later Gunn confirmed that they were close to finalizing a deal with Watkins. As for the villainous Clayface character itself, Gunn has recently clarified that he hasn’t considered any of the actors reportedly under consideration.

James Gunn Shuts Down A Clayface Casting Rumor

Regarding the speculation surrounding Daniel Radcliffe potentially playing Clayface in a DCU film, Gunn clarified that casting for this role hasn’t begun because the movie doesn’t have a director yet, emphasizing that a deal closing is not equivalent to a confirmed agreement. Although Gunn praised Radcliffe as talented, he refuted any discussions or considerations of the former Harry Potter actor for the role, labeling Sneider’s report as completely false. In a recent episode of The Hot Mic, Sneider stood by his reporting and disclosed the name of another actor who was also being considered for Clayface, as mentioned in his previous report about Radcliffe.

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Another Rumored Actor is Being Eyed to Play Clayface

Based on Sneider’s latest update, there are rumors suggesting Kieran Culkin could be up for the part of Clayface. Culkin is widely recognized for his exceptional performance as Roman Roy in HBO’s Succession, which earned him both an Emmy and a Golden Globe. In fact, he’s been tipped to take home the Best Supporting Actor Oscar at the 2025 Academy Awards following several awards for his role in Jesse Eisenberg’s A Real Pain. However, Sneider mentioned on The Hot Mic that he hesitated to reveal Culkin as a contender for the DCU film initially because he wasn’t certain if Culkin would commit to the project if he wins the Oscar.

Opting for Daniel Radcliffe or Macaulay Culkin as the lead in the Clayface movie could yield advantages beyond their proven acting talents. Comic book enthusiasts might be enthused by the prospect of Clayface faithfully portraying a Batman villain, but general viewers may not be sufficiently acquainted with the character to eagerly attend the film’s premiere. With Radcliffe being synonymous with the Harry Potter series and Culkin boasting followers from Succession (as well as his notable roles in Home Alone), they would bring a pre-established fanbase to the Clayface movie if cast as the title character. Since both actors are already associated with Warner Bros. (given that WB owns HBO and the rights to Harry Potter), having either Radcliffe or Culkin as Clayface appears strategically advantageous. However, Warner Bros. could opt for another actor, and with filming for Clayface starting in summer 2025, fans may discover the casting decision soon.

Clayface is scheduled to be released in theaters on September 11, 2026.

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2025-03-01 01:04