Actor's transformation in new film
An actor named Matt Hagen, who suffered severe facial injuries in a nightclub incident in Gotham City, is playing a character whose appearance changes unpredictably in the new Batman film Clayface. The film explores the actor's experience through the character's physical transformation.Film's place in Batman universe
Clayface is the second villain in the Batman universe to get its own film, following the Joker and the Penguin. Directed by James Watkins, the film is described as a horror movie with a focus on body horror and the psychological impact of physical change.Actor's makeup process
The film features Tom Rhys Harries, who had to undergo extensive makeup to appear less attractive in certain scenes. Director James Watkins noted that the makeup process could take up to three hours and often started early in the day to accommodate the complexity of the transformations.Character's changing looks
Harries mentioned that the character had multiple looks depending on whether the character was healing or deteriorating. Each look required between two hours of makeup application, highlighting the detailed work required to portray the character's physical instability.Realistic filming techniques
Watkins emphasized the use of real sets and tactile effects over green screens to enhance realism. This approach was evident in a scene where the character uses scissors to remove his eyelids during an airplane turbulence sequence, which reportedly shocked the crew on set.Character's final transformation
The character's final transformation, revealed only after the film's promotion, closely resembles the look of the character from the 1990s animated series Batman. This was achieved using digital effects to create a recognizable and iconic appearance for the character.
