James Denies ‘100% False’ Clayface Casting Rumor; Alternate Actor Considered

Overview

James Gunn has clarified that the rumor of Daniel Radcliffe being cast as Clayface is not true.
Director James Watkins is nearing a deal to lead the upcoming DC Universe film focused on Clayface.
Kieran Culkin is now under consideration for the lead role of the iconic Batman antagonist.

James Gunn, the head of DC Studios, recently addressed rumors regarding the casting of Clayface. While he dismissed reports of Daniel Radcliffe’s involvement, a new contender for the role has emerged from the same rumor source.

Following the announcement that Mike Flanagan’s script for a Clayface film had been greenlit, DC Studios has been on the lookout for a director to oversee the project. Flanagan, who has commitments with Universal for a new installment in The Exorcist franchise, is unable to take on directing duties. Horror filmmaker James Watkins has emerged as a potential director, with Gunn later confirming that a deal with Watkins is in the works. However, the question of who will portray the Batman villain remains, leading Gunn to deny reports about one actor’s involvement.

James Gunn Addresses Clayface Casting Speculations

In a recent statement on Threads, Gunn responded to claims made by Jeff Sneider suggesting that Daniel Radcliffe was in consideration for the role of Clayface in the forthcoming film. Gunn clarified that no casting decisions have been made, attributing this to the fact that the film is yet to secure a director. He emphasized his admiration for Radcliffe, noting, “Daniel [Radcliffe] is great, ”but firmly refuted the speculation as “100% false.”During an episode of The Hot Mic, Sneider defended his original reporting and hinted at the identity of another actor he had in mind for the role.

Post by @jamesgunn

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Kieran Culkin is being considered to play CLAYFACE in James Watkins’ CLAYFACE! (Via @TheInSneider) pic.twitter.com/wmU96tjfMN — Everything_DCU (@EverythingDCU_) February 28, 2025

A New Contender: Kieran Culkin for Clayface?

As per Sneider’s update, Kieran Culkin has also been mentioned as a candidate for the role of Clayface. Culkin, widely recognized for his critically acclaimed performance as Roman Roy in HBO’s Succession, is currently seen as a strong contender for the Best Supporting Actor Oscar at the upcoming 2025 Academy Awards, following his impressive portrayal of Benji Kaplan in Jesse Eisenberg’s A Real Pain. On The Hot Mic, Sneider revealed he withheld Culkin’s name in his original report as he was uncertain about Culkin’s interest in participating in a DCU film, especially if he were to secure an Oscar win.

The inclusion of either Radcliffe or Culkin in the Clayface film could offer significant advantages beyond their evident acting talent. While dedicated comic book enthusiasts may eagerly anticipate a well-crafted portrayal of the villain, general audiences might require a more recognizable name to drive ticket sales. Radcliffe’s association with the Harry Potter franchise and Culkin’s popularity from Succession, along with his nostalgic role in the Home Alone movies, could attract a wider audience, enhancing the film’s commercial potential. Moreover, both actors are already linked to Warner Bros., with Radcliffe stemming from the Harry Potter legacy and Culkin from the HBO network, making either a strategic pick for the role of Clayface. Yet, Warner Bros.still has time to consider other options, with filming scheduled to commence in the summer of 2025, leaving fans eager for updates on the casting front.

Clayface is set to hit theaters on September 11, 2026.

Source: The Hot Mic

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