Batman hasn’t properly arrived in the DCU yet, but you wouldn’t know it from Clayface. Director James Watkins says the movie’s version of Gotham is soaked in the Dark Knight’s presence, even if the man himself stays out of sight. With the film landing on October 23, here’s what we’ve learned.
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Clayface : Overview
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Film | Clayface |
| Release date | October 23, 2026 |
| Director | James Watkins |
| Writer | Mike Flanagan |
| Star | Tom Rhys Harries as Matt Hagen / Clayface |
| Genre | Horror-flavoured DCU story |
| Setting | Gotham City |
| Studio positioning | An anti-hero story, not a villain story |
What Is the Movie About?
Clayface explores how Matt Hagen becomes Clayface. It’s made on a smaller budget than most comic-book films and marks the DCU’s first real dive into horror. With Watkins directing and Flanagan writing, DC Studios hopes to appeal to both superhero fans and horror lovers. For background on the character, see Clayface on Wikipedia.
Batman’s Shadow Over Gotham
In an interview with SFX Magazine, Watkins addressed the obvious question: where is Batman? He said that simply being in a city called Gotham means you “feel the shadow of Batman inherently.” Matt Reeves’ The Batman universe is a separate reality, so this film gives audiences their first look at Gotham in the live-action DCU.
Batman’s DCU presence is still minimal. He appeared as a split-second silhouette in Creature Commandos Season 1, and there’s been little progress on an official casting or on The Brave and the Bold.
How Gotham Was Designed?
| Element | Watkins’ approach |
|---|---|
| Architecture | Inspired by noir and German Expressionism, with buildings that loom over you |
| Lighting | A dirty orange, tungsten glow with lots of neon reflections |
| Theme | Described as a film about reflections |
| Real-world influence | 1980s and 1990s New York street photography |
| Mood | Slightly edgy, eccentric and menacing, with rich colours that still feel real |
| World | Corrupt, decaying and dirty, with litter and overbearing city canyons |
Watkins also said he wasn’t micromanaged and credited James Gunn with real support. Every design choice had a storytelling reason behind it.
Tom Rhys Harries Has Opinions
The lead actor clearly enjoyed his time in Gotham, joking that he got to wander through its dingy, atmospheric back alleys. Asked whether he could face the DCU’s Batman, he said he could take him, arguing that Clayface is far more overpowered because he can become anything or anyone. It’s a playful answer, not a sign of any planned crossover.
Cast and Context
Harries leads a cast that includes Naomi Ackie as Dr. Caitlin Corr and Max Minghella as a Gotham detective, alongside Eddie Marsan and David Dencik. The film follows Lanterns, which just wrapped its first HBO season. DC Studios has also officially called this an anti-hero story rather than a villain story.
Gotham’s Place in the DCU
Gotham has been creeping around the DCU for a while:
- Creature Commandos gave the first look through Dr. Phosphorus’ origin.
- Superman slipped Gotham onto a highway sign.
- Peacemaker Season 2 introduced White Rabbit and hinted at Gotham ties for Leota Adebayo.
- Lanterns revealed Sheriff Kerry Kane comes from Gotham.
Clayface now puts the city front and centre, reportedly packing in over 40 locations from Batman lore. That could lay groundwork for a future Batman film, though nothing is confirmed.
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FAQs
When does Clayface release?
It arrives in theatres on October 23, 2026.
Does Batman appear in Clayface?
No official appearance has been confirmed, but the director says his shadow is felt throughout Gotham.
