Clayface Brings Gotham to the DCU, With Batman Lurking in the Shadows

Batman may not be in the DCU’s Clayface, but he’s clearly on everyone’s mind. With the film arriving in theatres on October 23, director James Watkins has opened up about how Gotham City shapes the movie and what that means for the Dark Knight’s future.

Clayface : Snapshot

Why Gotham Matters?

This is the first time fans get to see Gotham in the live-action DCU. Matt Reeves’ The Batman lives in its own separate universe, so Watkins’ film gives James Gunn’s world its own version of Bruce Wayne’s city.

Watkins says that because the story is set in a city called Gotham, audiences will inevitably feel Batman’s shadow, simply because of where they are. The DCU’s Batman has only appeared as a brief silhouette in Creature Commandos, and an official casting for the character is still missing.

How Gotham Looks and Feels?

Watkins shared some design inspiration with SFX Magazine:

• Architecture: He and the production designer studied noir and German Expressionism, aiming for buildings that loom over you.
• Lighting: The team chased the dirty orange glow of tungsten light and plenty of neon reflections, calling it a film about reflections.
• Real-world influence: 1980s and 1990s New York street photography inspired a look that is edgy, eccentric and menacing but still feels real.
• Atmosphere: Gotham is meant to be corrupt, with litter, decay and dirt.

Watkins also said he wasn’t micro-managed and praised Gunn for giving him real support. You can read more about the character’s comic history on Wikipedia.

The Star’s Take

Tom Rhys Harries was clearly thrilled to walk the streets of Gotham, joking about how strange and fun it was to wander the dingy back alleys. Asked whether Clayface could beat Batman, he playfully claimed he could take him, arguing that a shape-shifter is overpowered by comparison.

Gotham’s Place in the DCU

Gotham has been hiding in the background of the DCU for a while:

• Creature Commandos: The first look at the city came through Dr. Phosphorus’ origin.
• Superman: The city appeared on a highway sign.
• Peacemaker and Lanterns: Both made references to Gotham in their stories.

According to the report, Clayface packs in more than 40 locations from Batman lore. That could lay groundwork for The Brave and the Bold, or whatever the future DCU Batman film ends up being called.

Why Watch?

Horror fans get a Mike Flanagan script, and superhero fans get their first proper DCU Gotham. Counting down? Browse our DC and Hollywood news and upcoming movie guides.

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