James Gunn Confirms Clayface Isn’t Done With the DCU After His Gruesome Solo Movie

When DC Studios first set out to build its new universe, James Gunn made it clear that not every project would look or feel the same. He previously described Clayface as a complete horror film, emphasizing that there’s no single company style and that not every movie would resemble ‘Superman’.

That vision has now arrived in the form of ‘Clayface’, an R-rated body horror tale directed by James Watkins of ‘Eden Lake’ and ‘Speak No Evil’ from a screenplay by Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini.

Tom Rhys Harries stars as Matt Hagen, a rising Hollywood actor who transforms into the shapeshifting Batman villain, and the film has already drawn early reactions describing it as shockingly gruesome.

Now fans have even more reason to celebrate. Speaking with Cinemex on the ‘Clayface’ red carpet, Gunn confirmed that the shapeshifting villain will return in the DCU. Gunn explained that one of the most enjoyable parts of building the DCU is telling wildly different stories across genres that still connect at certain points.

He then made it clear this won’t be the last appearance from Clayface, adding that he’s excited for fans to see what the studio has planned for him. This isn’t the first time audiences have met this version of Matt Hagen. The character appeared in the first season of the animated series ‘Creature Commandos’, and Gunn has previously confirmed that the two are one and the same.

The new film actually takes place before the events of that series. That timeline means Hagen’s story is already set to continue, making Gunn’s comments feel like a confirmation of much bigger plans.

James Gunn confirms that Clayface will return in the DCU: "This [movie] isn’t the last we’ll see of Clayface. And I can’t wait for you guys to see what we do with him." (Source: @Cinemex) https://t.co/plzqwR94O4

— ComicBook.com (@ComicBook) October 14, 2026

Gunn didn’t reveal which project will feature the villain’s return. GamesRadar suggested he could simply be pointing to a likely appearance in ‘Creature Commandos’ Season 2. However, given Clayface’s deep roots in Batman’s rogues’ gallery, a role in ‘The Brave and the Bold’ or another Batman-centered DCU project also feels like a strong possibility.

That speculation has only grown as more details about the film’s connection to Gotham have emerged. Watkins has told SFX magazine that, because the film is set in Gotham, the presence of the Bat is felt inherently throughout the story. Meanwhile, Harries may have hinted in a separate interview that Batman is active in the city during the film’s events.

While the Dark Knight isn’t expected to appear on screen, Gunn has made it clear that heroes like Batman are already operating in this continuity. That opens the door for a future face-off between the two.

‘Clayface’ represents a major creative risk for the studio. In promotional footage, Gunn called it a true horror film, noting that the character is beloved by fans and offered an opportunity to do something truly different.

I can’t wait to share this wonderful movie so lovingly crafted by James Watkins in four short weeks. #ClayfaceMovie – only in theaters October 23. https://t.co/SPfo9nElnP

— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) September 24, 2026

The film also has the backing of ‘The Batman’ director Matt Reeves, who produces alongside Gunn, Peter Safran and Lynn Harris. Reports put the budget at around $40 million, giving DC room to experiment with full-blown horror.

Early reactions following the film’s premiere have largely praised its brutal tone and Harries’ performance. Many viewers have also noted that it works as a standalone horror film, even for those with no prior DC knowledge. With positive buzz building and Gunn already teasing more, Clayface may quickly become one of the DCU’s most important villains. ‘Clayface’ hits theaters on October 23.

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