Gunn's DCU: Clayface Film Explained

James Gunn and Peter Safran, co-CEOs of DC Studios, have confirmed that the upcoming Clayface film will be canon within the DC Universe (DCU) and carry an R rating. Clayface, a long-standing Batman adversary with the ability to shapeshift his clay-like body, first appeared in Detective Comics #40 (1940) as Basil Karlo. DC Studios announced a September 11, 2026, release date for the film last month, a decision reportedly influenced by the success of HBO's The Penguin series. Horror filmmaker Mike Flanagan penned the script, with Lynn Harris producing alongside The Batman director Matt Reeves.

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During a DC Studios presentation to IGN, Gunn and Safran explained Clayface's inclusion in the DCU, distinguishing it from Matt Reeves' The Batman Epic Crime Saga. Gunn confirmed, "Clayface is totally DCU," with Safran clarifying that Reeves' saga encompasses only the Batman trilogy and The Penguin series, remaining under the DC Studios umbrella. They emphasized the importance of Clayface within the DCU, describing it as an origin story for a classic villain integral to their world. Gunn further noted that Clayface's tone wouldn't suit the grounded nature of Reeves' films, stating 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 "experimental" film, an "indie style chiller," diverging from traditional superhero fare. Gunn described it as "pure f***ing horror," emphasizing its realistic, psychological, and body horror elements. The film's R rating was also confirmed. Gunn concluded by highlighting the script's quality, stating that they would have eagerly produced it even outside the DCU context.