You’ve probably seen his face before, even if you couldn't quite place the name at the time. Maybe it was that chaotic, hedonistic energy he brought to Axel Collins in Netflix’s White Lines. Or perhaps you caught him looking suspicious—literally—in the Apple TV+ thriller Suspicion alongside Uma Thurman.
But things are about to get a lot weirder for Tom Rhys Harries.
Right now, he’s the name on everyone’s lips in industry circles because he just landed one of the most coveted, transformation-heavy roles in the new DC Universe. He’s playing Matt Hagen. Better known to comic book fans as Clayface.
It’s a massive swing.
The Welsh Actor Who Keeps Disappearing Into Roles
Honestly, Harries has been "one to watch" for over a decade. Back in 2012, Screen International named him a Star of Tomorrow. Usually, those lists are hit or miss. For Tom? It was a bullseye. He didn’t just take the "hot young actor" route of doing endless CW-style teen dramas. Instead, he stayed grounded in the UK scene, cutting his teeth on stage in Mojo and The History Boys.
He’s got this weirdly specific ability to play "damaged" really well.
🔗 Read more: The Name of This Band Is Talking Heads: Why This Live Album Still Beats the Studio Records
Take White Lines. He played a Manchester DJ who disappears in Ibiza. He described the character as the "human embodiment of an ecstasy pill." That’s a wild way to prep for a role, but it worked. He captured that specific, desperate 90s energy that made the show a lockdown hit.
Breaking Down the Resume
If you’re trying to catch up on his work before the big blockbuster hits, here is the essential watchlist. No fluff, just the good stuff:
- White Lines (Netflix): This is the breakout. He’s the catalyst for the whole plot.
- Suspicion (Apple TV+): He plays Eddie Walker. It’s a paranoid, "did-he-or-didn't-he" performance that showed he could hold his own against Hollywood heavyweights.
- Doctor Who: He popped up in the "Dot and Bubble" episode as Ricky September. If you know, you know. It was a sharp, satirical turn.
- The Gentlemen: A small but memorable role as Power Noel in the Guy Ritchie flick.
He’s not an actor who repeats himself. One minute he's a gritty soldier in Kandahar, the next he’s doing Shakespearean-adjacent drama in The Return with Ralph Fiennes.
What’s the Deal With Clayface?
The news that Harries beat out guys like Jack O’Connell and George MacKay for the role of Clayface is a huge deal. This isn't just another superhero movie. It’s being described as a "body horror" film directed by James Watkins.
Think less Avengers and more The Fly.
💡 You might also like: Wrong Address: Why This Nigerian Drama Is Still Sparking Conversations
The plot for the 2026 film revolves around Matt Hagen, an actor (meta, right?) whose face is disfigured. He turns to a "fringe" scientist—played by Naomi Ackie—to fix it, and well, things go south. He ends up able to shift his physical form like clay.
For an actor like Harries, who is famously obsessed with the "rehearsal process" and "making scrapbooks" for his characters, this is a playground. He’s moving from a "humble Welsh guy" (his words) to a literal monster.
Why He’s Not Your Average Celeb
Harries doesn't really do the whole Hollywood "circuit" thing. He lives in Peckham. He doesn't drink. He’s more likely to be found at a polo match wearing a sheer top and a "navy-grey" suit that nearly breaks the dress code than at a generic club opening.
He’s a singer and a guitar player, too.
There’s a groundedness to him that feels rare. In interviews, he talks about his upbringing in a Welsh-speaking community and how that shaped his sense of identity. He’s hyper-aware of how the industry tries to "dictate demeanor," and he seems to be actively fighting against it.
📖 Related: Who was the voice of Yoda? The real story behind the Jedi Master
Basically, he’s a bit of a rebel.
What to Expect Next
The 2026 release of Clayface (currently slated for September 11) is going to change his life. It’s the third film in James Gunn’s new DCU. That means Harries isn't just in one movie; he’s likely part of a decade-long plan.
But before that, look out for The Return. Working with Ralph Fiennes is basically the ultimate "actor's actor" stamp of approval.
If you want to stay ahead of the curve, keep an eye on his smaller projects. He’s doing a voice role in Wolf King and appearing in the second season of the Welsh series Y Golau. He’s clearly not forgetting his roots even as he prepares to join the biggest franchise in the world.
Watch his early work now. Once the mask goes on for the DCU, the "underrated" tag is going to disappear forever.
Start with White Lines to see his range. Then, move to Suspicion to see how he handles high-stakes tension. By the time Clayface hits theaters in September 2026, you’ll be able to tell everyone you saw the talent coming a mile away.