Of all Batman Villains that have yet to be adapted into a live-action film, Clayface presents some of the most interesting casting potential. Rumor has it that villain Clayface will appear as Matt Reeves’ villain Batman – Part IIalthough his monstrous appearance and impressive superpowers may make him better suited for DCU continuity in Batman: The Brave and the Bold. In the comics, Clayface has several origins, most of which involve a failed actor whose body transforms into a mutant mud monster.
There are several directions a live-action version of Clayface could go. Obviously, actors experienced in motion capture work could do wonders for the character, able to effectively provide frame data for a terrifying CGI look. However, other casting choices could build on Clayface’s origins as an actor, emphasizing his ability to transform into different people rather than making him a more destructive giant brute, relying more on makeup and practical effects than graphics. direct digital.
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Alan Tudyk
It could already be the DCU’s live-action Clayface
When it comes to the DCU, it could very well be that the series has already found its Clayface in Alan Tudyk. A highly renowned Juilliard-trained actor, Alan Tudyk is known to science fiction fans for roles in series such as firefly, Transformers: Dark of the Moon, and Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials. Tudyk is also an accomplished voice actor, appearing in some form in every Disney animated film since 2012, with Frozen and Moana being two of his biggest breakout roles.
Reportedly, Alan Tudyk has already been cast as Clayface in the upcoming animated series Creature commands. Previously, DCU creative lead James Gunn clarified that all actors from the franchise’s animated projects will continue to play the same characters in live-action, although Alan Tudyk is already playing double roles as Clayface and Dr. Fortunately, thanks to his experience playing CGI characters in films such as Star Wars: Rogue One and I, Robot, Tudyk could easily move forward with the character in live-action as well.
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Andy Serkis
The greatest motion capture artist of all time
When choosing any CGI character, it’s hard not to consider the legendary Andy Serkis. A highly talented artist known for his CGI roles, Andy Serkis rose to fame thanks to his motion capture work and voice performance as Gollum in Peter Jackson’s film. The Lord of the Rings trilogy. He is also known for providing Caesar’s body and voice in the Planet of the Apes prequel trilogy too, making few people on the planet more qualified to play CGI characters than Andy Serkis.
Serkis already has a role in Matt Reeves Batman universe, playing the latest incarnation of Batman’s steadfast butler, Alfred. However, it’s easy to see Serkis lending his motion capture talents to the DCU, where he’s yet to be cast in a substantial role as none other than the legendary Clayface. Even within the limits Batman – Part II, Serkis could end up “playing” Clayface if the shape-shifting villain finds the need to pose as one of Batman’s closest allies.
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David Porto
Could be great as a loud, boisterous Clayface
Perhaps an unconventional choice, David Harbor would be a brilliant choice to play Clayface’s amorphous mug in any Batman continuity. Harbor first became a household name with the success of Strange things, where he played jaded Indiana police officer Jim Hopper. But it’s David Harbour’s other credits that could position him as a great choice for a monstrous version of Clayface.
Harbor demonstrated an impressive tolerance for the makeup chair in 2019 Hell boy, an ability that would be useful no matter what Clayface’s body composition was in live action. He also has experience playing turbulent villains in superhero films, playing Red Guardian in the MCU. Black Widow, soon returning to the cast of the next film Rays*. For his striking value, special effects experience, and proficiency with larger-than-life characters, David Harbor could be an oddly good choice for Clayface.
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Kenneth Branagh
A perfect fit for an advanced Clayface actor
Shows how Harley Quinn focus on Clayface being more than just a standard angry villain with a brutal power set, but a noble actor who craves fame and accolades. In that regard, it might behoove the DCU or Matt Reeves to cast a true “actor’s actor” for Clayface, someone equipped to deliver the kind of melodrama that a classically trained performer would exude with his tragic fate. It’s hard to think of a better choice than a man who has directed and starred in a number of highly acclaimed Shakespeare adaptations.
Enter Kenneth Branagh, a double-threat actor and director with an impressive acting pedigree. In addition to Shakespeare adaptations, Branagh’s work is quite varied, appearing in an eclectic group of films that include Murder on the Orient Express, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Wild West, and The road to El Dorado. As a shapeshifting actor with a powerful range, Clayface could easily be played by a face as familiar as Kenneth Branagh.
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Kelsey Grammer
A beast of an actor familiar with monstrous characters
Perhaps it’s best to find a middle ground for Clayface between a destructive physical threat and an insidious, polite actor. In terms of casting, this mentality could easily lead to director Kelsey Grammer, a distinguished performer with a very particular skill set well-suited for the role. Originally, Grammer’s claim to fame was his comedic talent on the long-running sitcom Health, in which he played psychiatrist Dr. Frasier Crane, later playing him again in the spin-off show Frasier.
Another Juilliard-trained actor, Kelsey Grammer’s time in musicals on the Broadway circuit would make it easier for him to channel the destructive creativity of a jilted performer, which could make Clayface quite interesting. He’s also played beastly comic book roles before, like Dr. Hank McCoy, aka Beast, on Fox X-Men films. Like Beast, Grammer could combine a frightening outward appearance with a highly refined palette for art, two characteristics that define Clayface as a character.
5
Brendan Fraser
A trusted star with prosthetic experience
Brendan Fraser is an underrated choice in any superhero movie casting and could be surprisingly great as Clayface. First becoming popular as a time-displaced caveman in the teen comedy Encino ManBrendan Fraser developed his career as the star of the excellent action-adventure series, The mummy trilogy. Recently, Fraser made an impact with the heartfelt character study The Whale, playing a morbidly obese, housebound English teacher who reconciles with his daughter.
In The Whale, Brendan Fraser not only demonstrates incredible acting ability, but also a surprising tolerance for prosthetics and heavy makeup. That range and stamina could easily come in handy with a Clayface impersonation, with Fraser alternating between Basil Karlo’s acting regimen of blending into the crowd and sporting a literal face made of changeable clay. Fraser has already demonstrated a penchant for non-human comic book characters like Robotman on HBO Max Doom Patrol.
4
Bill Nighy
Famous for playing CGI villains
When it comes to CGI villainy, it’s hard to beat Bill Nighy’s legendary acting style. The illustrious British artist began at the Royal National Theatre, achieving success in cinema with the romantic comedy Love in truth. However, Nighy is most widely recognized today for his time as the mocking, digitally rendered villain Davy Jones in the Pirates of the Caribbean films, adding a truly exemplary dose of professionalism to the slimy seafaring antagonist.
Nighy has also dabbled in similarly monstrous roles, playing Viktor in Underworld series and Rattlesnake Jake in another Gore Verbinski project, the excellent animated western Range. Between his skill at portraying bad guys in CGI and his lauded career as a stage actor, Bill Nighy could bring a serious presence to the simple Batman villain. In many ways, Nighy is the perfect choice for Clayface casting.
3
Bill Skarsgard
Known as an intimidating villain
Like many Batman villains, Clayface could easily be seen as some kind of horror movie monster, rampaging through the crime-ridden alleys of Gotham City with unbridled violence. In efforts to imagine this, Bill Skarsgärd may be the best foil for a deviously memorable portrayal of Clayface. Bill Skarsgärd made his debut as Pennywise, the dancing clown, in the recent This duology, lending an unnerving presence to the favored form of the shape-shifting, fear-reveling Lovecraftian demon.
Between the Riddler’s terrifying introduction, the Joker’s horrific, scarred face, and Oz Cobb’s reprehensible actions in The Penguin, Matt Reeves seems to want the worst for all of his disturbing Batman villains. In that sense, Bill Skarsgärd could be the perfect choice to make Clayface a genuine threat in a series focused on crime. After all, it wouldn’t be the first time Skarsgärd has played a shape-shifting assassin.
2
Tom Hardy
Could lean towards your villainous side
Tom Hardy has become a Blockbuster darling over the last ten years, especially when it comes to superhero movies. After a series of small appearances, Tom Hardy received acclaim from Blockbuster as Max in the post-apocalyptic thrill ride. Mad Max: Fury Road and the main antagonist of the period revenge drama The Return. In the comic book world, Hardy became known as Bane in Christopher Nolan’s film. The Dark Knight Rises.
Even more important than having already played a Batman villain, Tom Hardy is very well qualified to play Clayface thanks to his time leading a superhero franchise as Venom, another amorphous comic book character. It would be fascinating to see Hardy channel Eddie Brock’s unstable personality into a more morally bankrupt one. Proficient in stunts, CGI stunts, and versatile character work, Tom Hardy is an obvious choice for a live-action Clayface.
1
Marcos Ruffalo
Need a chance to show your villainous side
At first glance, Mark Ruffalo might not seem like the best choice for a comic book villain like Clayface. However, closer inspection reveals that Ruffalo may be unnaturally large like the colloidal creature known to roam Gotham City. The most obvious connection is Mark Ruffalo’s most famous role, that of Bruce Banner and The Hulk in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Ruffalo used CGI costumes to portray the Hulk in addition to his performances as Bruce Banner, giving him valuable experience in piloted CGI characters.
In addition to his experience in special effects, Ruffalo is also a highly respected Broadway star, which gives him excellent experience in bringing out Clayface’s dramatic side. Ruffalo finally managed to exercise his capacity for evil recently in 2023 Poor things, a welcome change of pace for his filmography. With such a vile performance and his specific acting background, Mark Ruffalo could be a setup for Clayface in the next Batman film.
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