James Gunn confirms R-rated DCU horror Clayface with AI, marking a bold new direction for the DC Universe as fans share mixed reactions to the upcoming film’s use of artificial intelligence and body horror. The announcement signals a significant shift for DC, blending classic villains with technological themes in a project that has left the fan community both excited and apprehensive.
DC’s Next Move: A Chilling Take on Clayface Emerges
James Gunn, determined to overhaul the DCU, recently unveiled new details about DC’s forthcoming films, including a chilling update that has caught many off guard. As the studio prepares for the release of Superman, Gunn has confirmed that the next phase will introduce horror elements to the DCU, focusing on Clayface—the iconic shape-shifting adversary from Batman’s lore. The film, according to Gunn, is designed as a visceral body horror experience and is likely to be rated R, setting it apart from previous entries in the franchise.
The introduction of AI and deepfake technology as a core component of the film’s narrative is especially polarizing. Gunn’s revelations have ignited passionate debate among longtime followers, with some praising the fresh approach while others express unease about the reliance on new technologies to redefine a classic villain. Nonetheless, the project signals DC’s willingness to take creative risks in its cinematic universe.
Mike Flanagan’s Vision and Creative Team Behind the Project
The idea for a Clayface-centric film came from acclaimed American filmmaker Mike Flanagan, whose expertise in horror has made him a respected name among genre fans. Flanagan, inspired by Clayface’s tragic and mutable backstory, proposed the concept to DC Studios as reported by Deadline, leading to the project’s eventual greenlight for a 2024 start. The film now boasts James Watkins, director of “Speak No Evil,” at the helm with actor Tom Rhys Harries cast in the lead role.
James Gunn’s involvement ensures that the project aligns with the studio’s new high-stakes narrative, building on Flanagan’s original vision of a true body horror exploration within the DC Universe. The partnership between Gunn and Flanagan has raised expectations that the film will honor the villain’s origins while also expanding the creative boundaries of comic book adaptations.
Clayface Transformed: A Fusion of AI, Deepfake, and Classic Horror
Clayface, known in comic lore as Basil Karlo, has a history that teeters between tragedy and monstrosity. In departing from earlier interpretations, DC’s updated narrative promises to deliver a terrifying take, amplified by the implementation of artificial intelligence and deepfake effects as central storytelling devices. This creative decision was publicly addressed by James Gunn during the ‘DC Studios Showcase: Official Podcast,’ where he highlighted both the intensity of the new film and its genre-breaking aspirations.
“It’s rated R, yeah… it’s not anything now, because the MPAA has to watch it, but it’s most likely rated R. It’s pretty intense.”
—James Gunn, DC Studios Chief
Gunn went on to credit Mike Flanagan’s persistence and vision for bringing the project to life, emphasizing the narrative’s shift towards a horror-focused lens:
“Mike Flanagan is somebody who I’ve been friendly with for a long time, and he wrote me about Clayface. He texted me about it really early on in my DC journey. Just being honest, I did not think that was something that was going to happen, but he came in and he pitched the idea and I was like, ‘Oh s—! That’s cool.’ It’s a body horror movie. It’s a horror movie that, like any cool body horror movie, just happens to be in the DCU.“—James Gunn, DC Studios Chief
Comic expert Coy Jandreau raised questions regarding the film’s commentary on AI and deepfake technology given its relevance in 2025. Gunn promptly confirmed:
“That stuff, that’s in there.”—James Gunn, DC Studios Chief
This direct affirmation illustrates DC’s commitment to integrating contemporary technological concerns into its horror narrative, setting Clayface apart from previous adaptations.
Reaction and Division Among Fans
The announcement of James Gunn’s vision for Clayface stirred immediate reactions across social media platforms like X. Some DC enthusiasts welcome the R-rated, AI-driven approach, eager to experience a new flavor of horror within the superhero genre. Positive voices expect Gunn’s and Flanagan’s collaboration to elevate the Batman antagonist, while others are wary about the film’s technological themes and the potential impact on the character’s legacy.
Sample reactions include:
- Totally down for an R rated version
- OH MY GOD WE’RE SO BACK!!!!
- DC and Gunn seem to be putting in lots of effort into this one Intrigued to see how it goes
- A good horror DC movie. Yes please!
- AI? I’m not watching
- I understand deep fakes but why AI
- R rating + AI/deepfakes? Clayface’s horror just got real.
- I’m here for it. Make the storyline good tho
The response reveals a community torn between excitement for innovation and caution toward technological experimentation in traditional superhero storytelling. The decision to weave AI and deepfake themes deeply into the plot has become a lightning rod for debate, as some fear it will overshadow the essence of Basil Karlo’s transformation from actor to villain.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for DC
The upcoming Clayface project, set for theatrical release in the United States on September 11, 2026, represents a major thematic and stylistic transformation for the DC Universe. By enlisting talents like James Watkins as director and Tom Rhys Harries in the title role, and uniting creative forces from horror and comic genres—Mike Flanagan and James Gunn—DC stakes a claim in the evolving landscape of superhero cinema.
Success or controversy, the film’s groundbreaking mix of body horror, advanced technology, and established comic lore could chart a new course for both DC and its competitors. The use of AI and deepfake as narrative focal points might inspire further innovations or spark ongoing debates about the future of film, especially as technology and traditional storytelling continue to collide. Clayface’s radical update stands as a bet that audiences are ready for fresh, thought-provoking directions in superhero entertainment, whether they come in the shape of familiar figures or unsettling new forms.
