DCU co-chiefs James Gunn and Peter Safran have exciting news for fans: the upcoming Clayface movie is officially part of the DCU canon and will carry an R rating. This film focuses on one of Batman's most iconic and oldest adversaries, Clayface, who first appeared as Basil Karlo in Detective Comics #40 (1940). Known for his ability to transform his clay-like body into any shape or form, Clayface brings a unique blend of horror and supervillainy to the DCU.

The Clayface movie is slated for a September 11, 2026 release, a decision influenced by the success of HBO's The Penguin series. Horror maestro Mike Flanagan is set to pen the screenplay, with Lynn Harris and The Batman director Matt Reeves producing. The project promises to delve into Clayface's origins as a former Gotham criminal, offering fans a deep dive into this classic Batman villain's story.

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At a recent DC Studios presentation, Gunn and Safran clarified Clayface's place within the DCU, distinguishing it from Matt Reeves' The Batman Epic Crime Saga. "Clayface is totally DCU," Gunn stated, emphasizing its separation from Reeves' more grounded narrative. Safran added, "The only thing that's in Matt's world, his Crime Saga that he's telling, is the Batman Trilogy and the Penguin series. That's in that lane. So still under DC Studios, still under us. We have an incredible relationship with Matt, but those are the only things."

Gunn further explained the decision to include Clayface in the DCU, stating, "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." He also noted that Clayface's fantastical nature would not fit well within the more realistic setting of Reeves' universe.

DC Studios is currently negotiating with Speak No Evil director James Watkins to helm Clayface, with filming expected to start this summer. Safran described the film as an "incredible body horror" that will reveal a compelling origin story for Clayface. He praised Flanagan's screenplay and highlighted the film's potential to captivate audiences with its unique take on a Batman villain.

Throughout the presentation, Safran labeled Clayface as "experimental," diverging from traditional superhero films, and an "indie style chiller." Gunn echoed this sentiment, calling it "pure f***ing horror, like, totally real," emphasizing its psychological and body horror elements. He confirmed the film's R rating, underscoring its intense and mature approach.

Gunn also shared his personal excitement for the project, noting that if he and Safran had received a similar horror script five years ago, they would have been eager to produce it. The fact that it's now part of the DCU only adds to their enthusiasm for bringing this chilling tale to life.