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

DCU co-chiefs James Gunn and Peter Safran have confirmed the upcoming Clayface film, a DCU canon entry, will receive an R-rating.

Clayface, a long-standing Batman adversary with shape-shifting abilities, originates from Gotham City. The character's first iteration, Basil Karlo, debuted in Detective Comics #40 (1940).

DC Studios announced a September 11, 2026 release date last month, a decision reportedly influenced by the success of HBO's The Penguin series. Horror maestro Mike Flanagan penned the script, with Lynn Harris producing alongside The Batman director Matt Reeves.

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Gunn and Safran, speaking at a DC Studios presentation attended by IGN, explained Clayface's inclusion in the main DCU, rather than Matt Reeves' The Batman universe. Safran clarified that Reeves' "Crime Saga," encompassing the Batman trilogy and The Penguin series, remains separate, despite both being under DC Studios. They emphasized the strong working relationship with Reeves.

Gunn stressed the importance of Clayface's DCU presence, describing it as an origin story for a classic villain integral to their universe. He further explained that Clayface's tone wouldn't align with the grounded realism of Reeves' films.

Negotiations with Speak No Evil director James Watkins to helm the project are reportedly nearing completion, with filming slated to begin this summer. Safran highlighted the film as a "body horror" piece showcasing a compelling origin story, emphasizing its exceptional screenplay. He acknowledged Clayface's relative obscurity compared to figures like The Penguin or The Joker, yet expressed confidence in its potential to resonate with audiences.

Safran described Clayface as an "experimental" film, diverging from the typical superhero blockbuster format, instead aiming for an "indie style chiller." Gunn described it as "pure f***ing horror," emphasizing its realistic, psychological, and visceral nature.

The R-rating was confirmed by Gunn, who highlighted the project's alignment with their previous horror-focused productions. He expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating that if presented with the script five years prior, they would have eagerly produced it.