James Gunn Explains Why the Clayface Movie Had to Be a Part of the DCU and Not Matt Reeves' The Batman Epic Crime Saga

James Gunn and Peter Safran, co-heads of DC Studios, have confirmed the upcoming Clayface film as a canonical addition to the DC Universe (DCU), boasting an R rating. Clayface, a long-standing Batman adversary with the ability to shapeshift his clay-like body, first appeared as Basil Karlo in Detective Comics #40 (1940). DC Studios announced a September 11, 2026 release date last month. The project reportedly stemmed from the success of HBO's The Penguin series. Horror maestro Mike Flanagan penned the screenplay, with Lynn Harris producing alongside The Batman director Matt Reeves.

Confirmed DCU Projects

11 Images

During a DC Studios presentation to IGN, Gunn and Safran explained Clayface's inclusion in the DCU, differentiating it from Matt Reeves' The Batman Epic Crime Saga. Gunn confirmed, "Clayface is totally DCU," with Safran clarifying, "The only thing that's in Matt's world…is the Batman Trilogy, the Penguin series." They emphasized a strong relationship with Reeves, but Clayface stands apart.

The decision to place Clayface within the DCU was deliberate. "It was important that Clayface be part of the DCU. It's an origin story for a classic Batman villain that we want to have in our world," Gunn stated. He further explained that Clayface's tone wouldn't suit Reeves' more grounded approach: "It was very outside of the grounded non-super metahuman characters in Matt's world."

DC Studios is reportedly finalizing negotiations with James Watkins (Speak No Evil) to direct. Production is slated to begin this summer. Safran described Clayface as "an incredible body horror film," highlighting its compelling origin story. He added, "Clayface might not be as widely known as The Penguin or The Joker, but we really feel that his story is equally resonant, compelling, and in many ways, more terrifying than one of those."

Safran characterized Clayface as "experimental," an "indie style chiller," differing from typical superhero fare. Gunn described it as "pure f***ing horror…totally real…psychological and body horror and gross." The film's R rating was also confirmed. Gunn concluded, "If we were producing movies five years ago…and somebody had brought us this horror script called Clayface…we would have died to have produced this movie…and the fact that it's in the DCU is just a plus."