The Clayface teaser confirms Gotham City will anchor the new DC Universe under James Gunn, even as Batman stays off screen. The film follows Matt Hagen, the man who becomes Clayface, in an origin tale that leans into body-horror tones. Tom Rhys Harries leads the cast in a movie slated for October 23, 2026.
A neon-soaked Gotham with a darker side
Early footage hints at a brighter, neon-drenched take on Gotham compared with the previous big-screen portrayal, with daylight police cars and a harbor scene that reads as picturesque yet troubled. Rumored clues suggest there may be a Joker nod tucked into the trailer, adding a shared thread for DCU fans.
Batman’s absence signals a new starting point
The city shown in Clayface feels like Batman’s domain but without the cape-wearing hero in action. DC Studios co‑chair James Gunn has stated that Robert Pattinson’s Batman will not be carried into the new DCU, meaning this Gotham lands in a separate continuity for now.
The slate and the cast
Beyond Hagen, the film features Naomi Ackie, David Dencik, Max Minghella, Eddie Marsan, Nancy Carroll, and Joshua James. The screenplay is credited to Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini, signaling a blend of horror sensibility and noir-driven drama.
Clayface is described as an R-rated, body-horror entry set squarely in the DC Universe. The story follows a rising movie star whose talent curdles into a revenge‑fueled monster, exploring themes of identity, ambition, and the cost of scientific ambition.
In theaters October 23, 2026, Clayface marks one of the early gates into the DCU’s vision of Gotham. The project positions Gotham City as a central stage for future DC films, offering a different flavor than past big-screen Batman stories.
Source: Original article
