Aaron Paul Reportedly Joins DCU’s ‘Clayface’, Reviving Longstanding Deadman Fan Theories
According to a new report from Feature First, Breaking Bad and Last House on the Left star Aaron Paul has joined DC Studios’ upcoming Clayface movie in a brief, minor role. No details about his character were revealed, and the report suggests fans shouldn’t expect a major presence in the film.
The news immediately reignited a fan theory that has been floating around the DC fandom for years: Aaron Paul as Deadman?
Long before James Gunn‘s DCU officially took shape, fans regularly pointed to Paul as a strong fit for Deadman, the ghostly former trapeze artist Boston Brand. The character is known for his sarcastic edge, tragic backstory, and ability to possess the bodies of the living.
However, it’s important to note that there isn’t a major historical connection between Deadman and Clayface in DC Comics. Clayface is traditionally a Batman villain whose stories focus on identity, transformation, and body horror, while Deadman operates more in DC’s supernatural corner alongside characters such as John Constantine and other mystic heroes. That said, both characters do share themes involving identity and physical form; Clayface can become anyone through shapeshifting, while Deadman can inhabit anyone through possession.
For now, this is all pure speculation.
The only thing currently being reported is that Aaron Paul has a minor role in Clayface. Whether that role is a one-scene cameo, a supporting character, or the first hint of a future DCU player remains a mystery.
Clayface opens in theaters October 23 and is a full-blown horror movie.
Warner Bros.’ DC comic book adaptation, Clayface, was announced as a straight-up body-horror film starring Tom Rhys Harries as a B-movie actor who drinks a substance meant to boost his career, only to be left made entirely of clay.
Here’s the official synopsis: “Clayface tells the terrifying descent into hell of a promising Hollywood actor who has become a monster driven by revenge. An intense story that explores the loss of identity and humanity, the ravages of corrosive love, and the dark side of scientific ambition.”
Clayface calls to mind both David Cronenberg’s The Fly and Death Becomes Her, only without the comedy. It looks chilling, haunting, and darker than pretty much any DC film.
James Watkins (The Woman in Black, Speak No Evil) directed from a screenplay by horror maestro Mike Flanagan (The Exorcist, The Haunting of Hill House, Doctor Sleep) and Hossein Amini (Drive). Max Minghella (Spiral: From the Book of Saw) and Naomi Ackie (Blink Twice) also star.
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