DCU co-heads James Gunn and Peter Safran have confirmed the upcoming Clayface film as a DCU canon entry, boasting an R rating. The film will explore the origins of the classic Batman villain, a former Gotham criminal with shape-shifting abilities. Basil Karlo, the first Clayface, debuted in Detective Comics #40 (1940).

DC Studios announced a September 11, 2026 release date last month, a decision reportedly influenced by the success of HBO's The Penguin series. Horror maestro Mike Flanagan penned the screenplay, with Lynn Harris producing alongside Matt Reeves (The Batman).

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Gunn and Safran, speaking at a DC Studios presentation (attended by IGN), explained Clayface's place within the DCU, distinguishing it from Matt Reeves' The Batman Epic Crime Saga. Safran clarified that only the Batman trilogy and The Penguin series fall under Reeves' banner, while maintaining a strong collaborative relationship with Reeves.

Gunn emphasized the importance of Clayface's inclusion in the main DCU, describing it as an origin story for a key villain. He further noted that Clayface's tone wouldn't align with the grounded realism of Reeves' films.

Negotiations with James Watkins (Speak No Evil) to direct are reportedly nearing completion, with filming slated for this summer. Safran highlighted the film as an "experimental" project, an "indie-style chiller," and a departure from typical superhero fare. Gunn described it as "pure f***ing horror," emphasizing its realistic, psychological, and body horror elements.

The R rating was confirmed by Gunn, who expressed excitement over the project, stating that it's a script he and Safran would have eagerly produced years ago.