Get ready to dive into a Gotham City like you’ve never seen before—because James Gunn’s R-rated DC Universe is about to flip the script on everything you thought you knew about Batman’s world. But here’s where it gets controversial: while Matt Reeves’ The Batman has carved out its own gritty, standalone corner in the DC multiverse, Gunn’s DCU is taking a wildly different approach—and it’s not even centered on the Caped Crusader himself. Instead, the spotlight is on Clayface, one of Bruce Wayne’s most terrifying villains, in a horror-infused film that promises to redefine Gotham’s dark underbelly. And this is the part most people miss: this isn’t just another Batman spin-off; it’s the first R-rated theatrical film in the DCU, marking a bold new direction for the franchise.
During a captivating panel at Motor City Comic Con 2025, Clayface writer Mike Flanagan spilled the beans on how his vision for Gotham differs from Reeves’ interpretation. When asked if The Batman influenced his work, Flanagan revealed, ‘No, when we first started talking about Clayface, I hadn’t seen what Matt [Reeves] was up to. My inspiration went all the way back to Feat of Clay, that iconic two-parter from Batman: The Animated Series with Ron Perlman voicing Clayface—it was a game-changer for me as a kid.’ Here’s the kicker: while Flanagan had a blast developing the project with Reeves initially, he ultimately had to step aside due to scheduling conflicts, passing the torch to director James Watkins. ‘It was one of the great sadnesses of my career,’ Flanagan admitted, ‘but I can’t wait to see what they’ve done with it.’
Speaking of the film’s progress, Tom Rhys Harries, who plays Matt Hagen (the man behind Clayface), confirmed that filming wrapped on November 1, 2025. Flanagan, however, hasn’t seen the final product yet. ‘I’m dying to see it,’ he said. ‘For me, it all goes back to Batman: The Animated Series—that’s art.’ The movie will explore Clayface’s transformation into the iconic shapeshifter, marking the first time this villain has ever graced the big screen. But here’s the real question: Can a Batman-less Gotham story truly stand on its own, or will fans miss the Dark Knight’s presence? Let’s discuss in the comments.
Adding to the intrigue, Robert Pattinson’s Batman exists in a separate universe, meaning a new actor will eventually don the cowl in Gunn’s main continuity. Meanwhile, DC Studios is already working on The Brave and the Bold, which is currently in the script-writing phase. With Clayface set to hit theaters on September 11, 2026, the DCU is clearly betting big on this risky, R-rated venture. Will it pay off? Only time will tell. What do you think? Is this the fresh take the DCU needs, or is it a step too far? Sound off below!
Release Date: September 11, 2026
Director: James Watkins
Writers: Mike Flanagan, Hossein Amini, Bill Finger, Bob Kane
Cast: Tom Rhys Harries, Naomi Ackie, Eddie Marsan
