James Gunn Confirms ‘Clayface’ Will Return to the DCU as Batman Fans Speculate

voice film logo squareArthur S. Poe
James gunn Clayface
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Few Batman villains have waited as long for a proper big-screen spotlight as ‘Clayface’, and even fewer have been given an R-rated body horror movie to lead. With DC Studios’ latest project now on the horizon, fans are eager to know what lies ahead for the shapeshifting character.

‘Clayface’ first appeared in 1940 in ‘Detective Comics’ #40 as a washed-up actor turned criminal, with his shapeshifting abilities being introduced later. This new adaptation focuses on Matt Hagen, an aspiring actor whose disfigurement leads him to an experimental treatment that transforms him into a monster. Tom Rhys Harries takes on the role in a film directed by James Watkins, featuring Naomi Ackie in a supporting role.

The movie premiered on Tuesday night, marking a significant week for the DCU’s venture into horror. Early reviews have described it as brutal and gruesome, and now, DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn has shared some exciting news.

While speaking to Cinemex on the red carpet, Gunn confirmed that ‘Clayface’ will make a return in a future DCU project. He mentioned that one of the most enjoyable aspects of building the DCU is crafting stories that vary significantly in genre yet intersect at various points. He expressed his excitement for fans to see what the studio has planned for the character next.

Gunn did not specify when or where this return would take place, leaving ample room for speculation about whether it will be a sequel, a television appearance, or a crossover event.

Hagen has previously appeared in the DCU, notably in the first season of the animated series ‘Creature Commandos’, and Gunn has confirmed that the characters are indeed the same. This opens up the possibility of a return in a second season of that show, aligning with Gunn’s comments about different genre stories intersecting.

For fans, the bigger excitement lies with Batman. ‘Clayface’ is a key figure in the Dark Knight’s rogues’ gallery, making appearances in ‘The Brave and the Bold’ or another Batman-centric DCU film seem like natural fits. The new film also serves as the first DCU story chronologically, existing within the same universe as ‘Superman’ and ‘Peacemaker’, rather than in Matt Reeves’ separate Batman films.

Discussions about Batman have been circulating around the movie itself. Harries hinted in an interview that Hagen is aware of Batman’s presence in Gotham during the film’s events, while Watkins mentioned that the shadow of the Bat is inherently felt in a city named Gotham.

Initial reactions have been largely positive, with viewers praising the body horror elements, unsettling tone, and Harries’ performance. Many noted that the film stands on its own without requiring prior DC knowledge, although at least one viewer felt its story and some unconventional choices made it a peculiar fit for a franchise still establishing its identity. These reactions primarily came from fan-oriented outlets, with the official review embargo lifting on October 21.

The film is set to hit theaters on October 23, marking the final DC movie of the year before ‘Man of Tomorrow’ arrives next July. Early tracking estimates a domestic opening between $23 million and $33 million against a reported budget of $40 million. Given its modest budget, strong word of mouth could prove crucial, and Gunn’s comments indicate that the studio is already considering the future beyond this film.

If the movie resonates with audiences, Hagen could emerge as one of the DCU’s most significant recurring characters, bridging its horror elements with its Batman-focused narrative. For now, fans will have to wait and see how the studio plans to utilize him.

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