James Gunn is shaking up the DC Universe with a daring new approach, aiming to disrupt the usual superhero formula and combat franchise fatigue. After the critical and commercial success of Superman’s recent reboot, Gunn and Peter Safran, who were named co-chairmen of DC Studios in late 2022, are preparing to diversify the franchise further, including an innovative Clayface film that breaks from traditional superhero tones.
Exploring the Unique Identity of Clayface in Gotham
Created by Bill Finger and Bob Kane in 1940, Clayface is a Batman villain known for his shape-shifting powers, derived from his malleable clay-like form. Over the years, several characters have assumed the Clayface identity, with their core abilities remaining mostly the same. The upcoming Clayface movie is poised to explore a new take on this classic figure. According to its official synopsis, this version of Clayface will
“haunt Gotham City, alternating between villain and ally of Batman,”
suggesting an anti-hero narrative angle that adds complexity to the character’s role within the DCU.
This fresh interpretation reflects Gunn’s commitment not just to tonal variation across DC films but to empowering creative voices behind each project. Highlighting Clayface’s distinctiveness, Gunn revealed on CBS Mornings that the film, set for release in Fall 2026, will feel “a totally different thing” from the more hopeful Superman and Supergirl stories. He expressed,
“Although it’s in the same universe, it’s a complete horror film,”
signaling a bold genre shift for the DCU.
Clayface’s Horror Blend Revitalizes Comic Book Storytelling
This departure into horror represents a stark contrast to Superman’s uplifting narrative, yet Gunn argues that such variety is crucial for the DCU’s vitality. He insists, “There’s not a company style,” and explains,
The artists and the directors and the writers that create each [film] will bring their own sense to it … because we don’t want people being bored, we want to invigorate people.
This approach reflects a desire to engage audiences with diverse storytelling rather than repetitive formulas.
Gunn has assembled a creative team capable of delivering a haunting horror story. The Clayface script is co-written by Mike Flanagan, a renowned figure in the horror genre, whose involvement steers the project toward a compelling narrative. James Watkins, director of ‘Speak No Evil,’ is set to helm the film, with actor Tom Rhys Davies taking on the title role. This team exemplifies Gunn’s methodical application of lessons from both the DCEU’s struggles and the MCU’s challenges with franchise fatigue, aiming to renew enthusiasm among viewers.
The idea of an outright horror superhero film on this scale is unprecedented. While Marvel has incorporated horror elements in productions like ‘Doctor Strange,’ the series ‘Moon Knight,’ and the special ‘Werewolf by Night,’ Clayface represents a full immersion into the horror genre within a superhero context. This decision underlines a willingness to embrace risk and artistic freedom rather than prioritize formulas that have worked commercially. Gunn is expanding the boundaries of the DCU by supporting both Superman’s bright optimism and Clayface’s dark, eerie essence to cater to varied audience tastes.
The Clayface movie is slated for release on September 11, 2026, marking a significant milestone in the DCU’s evolving slate.
Upcoming DC Projects and Their Divergent Styles
Following Superman’s successful reboot directed and written by James Gunn, the DCU continues to branch out with distinct cinematic visions. Supergirl, directed by Craig Gillespie, is one of the next major films in the pipeline, promising a different tone and aesthetic than Superman’s Silver Age-inspired world. This confirms Gunn’s intent that no single “company style” should govern the DC Universe, allowing each film to stand on its own creatively.
Alongside Supergirl and Clayface, other projects in development reflect this eclectic vision, emphasizing the individual artistic input of their writers, directors, and actors. This philosophy aims to prevent stagnation by continuously offering fresh perspectives, which Gunn believes is essential to sustain audience interest and combat franchise fatigue, a growing concern in the superhero film landscape.
The Significance of Gunn’s Vision for the DC Universe
James Gunn’s leadership at DC Studios signals a transformative period for the DC Universe, where innovation and genre experimentation become central. By encouraging creators to take risks, such as turning a Batman villain into a horror anti-hero, Gunn is steering away from the formulaic patterns that have led to audience exhaustion. This strategic shift hopes to captivate fans by delivering a diverse range of stories, tones, and styles.
The inclusion of a horror-driven Clayface film alongside the more traditional superhero tales suggests that the future of the DCU will be unpredictable and creatively adventurous. Gunn’s approach could set a new standard for franchise management in Hollywood as it balances artistic integrity with commercial appeal. What comes next for the DCU will likely reveal whether this commitment to variety and bold storytelling sustains the franchise’s momentum.
