Aaron Paul’s Brief Clayface Cameo Explained by Director

Aaron Paul has a brief cameo in Clayface as Matt Hagen’s abusive father, director James Watkins said, explaining the actor’s fleeting appearance in the released film and the larger role originally considered for him. The moment occurs during a nightclub sequence in which Matt, played by Tom Rhys Harries, uses his shapeshifting ability while confronting gangsters. He briefly takes on the face of his father, then changes into other appearances. Paul’s character appears for only a few seconds and has no dialogue, according to one account of the scene. Watkins described Paul’s appearance as a brief Easter egg. He said the actor had originally been intended to feature more prominently, including in material that was cut from the theatrical version. The reports of Watkins’ explanation stem from the same interview, and the cut scenes are not shown in the film. The director said the filmmakers considered how much Matt’s character should be defined by his past, including whether the story should focus on the idea of a son carrying his father’s wrongdoing. As the script developed, Watkins said, the creative approach shifted toward revenge as a more universal theme. He also described...