New set photos from the filming of Clayface have confirmed the presence of The Penguin within James Gunn’s DC Universe, known as the James Gunn DCU Penguin Reveal. The Clayface movie, part of DCU’s Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters, is reshaping many legendary heroes and villains from the Batman mythos as the franchise builds its narrative following James Gunn’s Superman film.
Currently filming in Liverpool, UK, with Tom Rhys Harries starring as Clayface, the movie centers around an actor who struggles to remain relevant before transforming into the iconic shape-shifting villain. Although scheduled for release in 2026, hints at well-known characters from Batman’s rogues’ gallery are already appearing on set.
Details Behind the Penguin’s Appearance in Clayface’s Gotham Setting
Set photos shared by @batmanjubileee reveal Gotham City’s gritty atmosphere, featuring more detailed graffiti and signage that point to key characters within this new DCU continuity. Among these is a poster referencing “the Penguin Man,” depicting a figure resembling Oswald Cobblepot. This subtle inclusion suggests that The Penguin is active during the timeline of this franchise.
While The Penguin’s appearance is currently limited to set references and graffiti, it indicates that James Gunn’s DC Universe recognizes the character as part of its narrative landscape. As no actor has yet been announced for the villain, it appears this is an Easter egg for fans, similar to earlier hints of the Joker, whose presence is affirmed by slogans like “Jokers Rule” around Gotham.
Given that the DCU is portraying heroes and villains already deep into their arcs, it makes narrative sense that characters like Oswald Cobblepot would exist as established crime figures if Bruce Wayne is already an active crime fighter. This approach enriches the world-building and sets the stage for future character development within the franchise.
Implications of Teasing Batman’s Villains in the Current DCU Slate
The inclusion of Penguin-related imagery during the filming of Clayface reflects DC Studios’ intent to layer their universe with recognizable super-villains early on. Director James Watkins’ upcoming horror thriller about Clayface is serving as a platform to hint at other key antagonists from Batman’s world, creating anticipation for future entries like The Brave and The Bold, where these villains may play larger roles.
Since production has just progressed for about a month, fans can expect additional Easter eggs and teases to appear in forthcoming set photos. These will likely continue to reveal more about the villainous side of the Dark Knight’s world as the DC Studios reboot unfolds.
As filming continues, the portrayal of Gotham and its infamous characters is steadily coming into sharper focus, providing DC Universe audiences with exciting glimpses of the franchise’s direction and the integration of complex adversaries like The Penguin.
Key Cast Members Bringing the DCU Vision to Life
The Clayface film stars Tom Rhys Harries as the shape-shifting villain, supported by Naomi Ackie and Eddie Marsan. This feature aims to explore a darker, more tragic dimension of the character, blending elements of horror and thriller within the broader superhero context of DC Studios’ new slate.
