Gunn's DCU: Clayface Movie Explained

James Gunn and Peter Safran, co-CEOs of DC Studios, have confirmed that the upcoming Clayface film is officially part of the DC Universe (DCU) and will receive an R rating.

Clayface, a long-time Batman adversary with the ability to alter his clay-like body into anyone or anything, first appeared as Basil Karlo in Detective Comics #40 (1940). His history as a Gotham City criminal makes him a compelling antagonist.

DC Studios announced a September 11, 2026 release date for the Clayface movie last month, a decision reportedly influenced by the success of HBO's The Penguin series. Horror specialist 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 why Clayface belongs in the DCU rather than Matt Reeves' The Batman Epic Crime Saga. Gunn confirmed, "Clayface is totally DCU." Safran clarified, "The only thing that's in Matt's world…is the Batman Trilogy, the Penguin series…still under DC Studios, but those are the only things. 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 noted that Clayface's tone wouldn't suit the grounded realism of Reeves' saga: "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. Safran stated, "This summer, cameras are going to roll on Clayface, an incredible body horror film…another title we added…on the strength of an exceptional screenplay by Mike Flanagan." He added that casting will begin once the director is confirmed, with shooting planned for this summer and a fall 2026 release. While acknowledging Clayface's lesser-known status compared to The Penguin or The Joker, Safran emphasized the film's compelling and terrifying narrative.

Safran described Clayface as "experimental," an "indie style chiller," unlike a typical superhero blockbuster. Gunn described it as "pure f***ing horror…totally real…psychological and body horror and gross.” He confirmed the R rating, adding that if presented with Flanagan's script five years ago, they would have eagerly produced it, calling it an "excellent body horror script," and its inclusion in the DCU a bonus.