The entertainment world is watching closely to see how the new DC Universe will handle its interpretation of Batman.
While Chapter 1: “Gods and Monsters” has already introduced major figures like Superman, Supergirl, and several members of the Green Lantern Corps, a number of hallmark characters still haven’t been officially cast for James Gunn’s refreshed superhero timeline. As the autumn slate approaches, Hollywood is gearing up for a fresh live-action depiction of Gotham — and for one of Batman’s most lethal adversaries to enter the picture.
In a conversation with IGN, DC Studios co-CEO Peter Safran addressed whether audiences should assume the Gotham seen in the upcoming Clayface movie will define the city for future Batman stories, including The Brave and The Bold. Safran explained that the studio aims for a visual through-line across the DCU, but that each filmmaker tackling Gotham can use that foundation differently. He compared the approach to how various comic creators tell distinct takes on the same characters and settings: the studio wants every film to reflect the director’s individual perspective.
Safran also emphasized that certain core traits of Gotham will remain intact — for instance, it will continue to feel rougher and more run-down than places like Coast City. He praised Clayface director James Watkins for evoking a darker, grittier atmosphere while still finding moments of refinement, pointing to scenes inside the protagonist’s apartment before his displacement as an example. Those moments, Safran said, hint that wealth and ornate architectural flourishes — a sort of Beaux-Arts elegance — can exist alongside the city’s inherent grime and danger.
The Clayface film will trace Matt Hagen’s descent into the shape-shifting villain fans know from the comics. Although Batman might not appear on screen, Tom Rhys Harries — who leads Clayface — has suggested the R-rated horror entry could touch on whether Hagen is already aware of Batman within the story’s timeline.
Harries has also teasingly mentioned, “we have footage… and I don’t know how much I can say. But yes, we had discussions about that at length,” leaving it uncertain whether any Batman appearance survives into the theatrical cut. If a glimpse of the Dark Knight does show up, it might be archival material or a brief image in the style of his cameo in Creature Commandos, rather than a newly cast actor portraying the DCU’s Batman.
Andy Muschietti’s The Brave and The Bold has been moving forward since its 2023 announcement; that original pitch reportedly focused on Bruce Wayne and his relationship with his biological son, Damian Wayne. However, Gunn has indicated the creative direction for Batman has shifted. When a user on Threads asked whether plans for the DCU’s Batman had changed since the 2023 reveal of The Brave and The Bold, Gunn responded simply, “Yep.”
Whether any of the adjustments to the Bat-reboot will be foreshadowed by Clayface remains to be seen. Audiences are left waiting for further clues about Muschietti’s take on the Caped Crusader as more information on The Brave and The Bold is revealed.
Ava Thornton is an entertainment journalist with a keen eye for the latest in Hollywood, indie films, and streaming trends.
Her work blends insider knowledge with a deep appreciation for storytelling.
