Get ready for a thrilling journey into the dark and gritty world of Gotham City! A new R-rated DC movie is on the horizon, and it's not the Batman story you're used to.
The upcoming film, 'Clayface', will delve into the depths of the DC Universe, exploring the origins of one of Batman's most notorious foes. But here's where it gets intriguing: this movie won't be connected to Matt Reeves' 'The Batman' universe. Instead, it will be a standalone adventure in James Gunn's DCU.
Mike Flanagan, the writer of 'Clayface', revealed his inspiration during a panel at Motor City Comic Con 2025. He took us back to the classic 'Feat of Clay' storyline, where Ron Perlman voiced the character, leaving a lasting impression on Flanagan's childhood. This adaptation will be a far cry from Reeves' take on the Dark Knight, as Flanagan had not yet seen Reeves' vision when developing 'Clayface'.
Flanagan expressed his excitement about collaborating with James Gunn and Peter Safran, but also shared a bittersweet moment. He was unable to direct the film due to scheduling conflicts, a rare occurrence in his career. James Watkins stepped in, and Flanagan eagerly awaits the final product.
Tom Rhys Harries, who portrays Matt Hagen, announced the completion of filming on November 1, 2025. Flanagan, who hasn't seen the movie yet, is eager to witness the team's interpretation, drawing inspiration from the iconic 'Batman: The Animated Series'.
'Clayface' marks a significant milestone as the first R-rated theatrical release for DC Studios, focusing on the villain's transformation into a shape-shifting menace. This will be the villain's debut on the big screen, offering a fresh and unique perspective.
With Robert Pattinson's Batman not part of Gunn's universe, DC Studios is already planning the next chapter, 'The Brave and the Bold', currently in the scriptwriting phase. The studio has set a release date for 'Clayface' on September 11, 2026, with a talented cast and crew, including director James Watkins and writers Mike Flanagan, Hossein Amini, Bill Finger, and Bob Kane.
And this is the part most people miss: will this new take on Gotham City divide fans, or will it unite them in their love for DC's dark and complex universe? What do you think? Are you team Reeves or team Gunn when it comes to the Batman mythos? Share your thoughts below!
