How James Gunn’s Gotham In R-Rated DC Movie Will Differ From Matt Reeves’ The Batman Explained By Mike Flanagan

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I’m so excited about the new Clayface movie! It’s going to really deepen the Batman world we know and love, and explore one of his most terrifying enemies. It’s interesting that while The Batman is still its own thing, the main DC Universe will be revisiting Gotham in 2026, but in a way that doesn’t directly involve Batman himself. It’s a fresh take, and I can’t wait to see what they do with it!

During a ScreenRant panel at Motor City Comic Con 2025, writer Mike Flanagan discussed the future of Gotham City within James Gunn’s DC Universe, specifically regarding his work on the character Clayface. He explained that Matt Reeves’ previous films didn’t influence his approach. Instead, he drew inspiration from the classic Batman: The Animated Series two-part episode, “Feat of Clay,” featuring Ron Perlman’s voice performance, which had a significant impact on him as a child.

The director said he really enjoyed collaborating with Matt Reeves on the Clayface character, and also working with James Gunn and Peter Safran. He expressed regret that he wasn’t able to be involved when the film moved forward quickly, calling it a disappointment in his career.

Director James Watkins explained this was the first time in his career he felt compelled to make a film, saying he had to pursue ‘Carrie’ no matter what. Although the studio was eager to move forward, he essentially handed over the project, letting them handle production and update him on the progress – something he’d never done before.

Tom Rhys Harries, who plays Matt Hagen, announced that filming finished on November 1, 2025. Director Mike Flanagan hasn’t had a chance to view the footage yet, but is eagerly anticipating seeing it. He expressed his excitement and emphasized the importance of Batman: The Animated Series, calling it a work of art, as the foundation for his approach.

The upcoming Clayface movie will be DC Studios’ first R-rated film and the first installment in the new DC Universe. It will tell the origin story of the well-known Batman villain and how he gains his shape-shifting abilities. This marks the first time Clayface has ever appeared in a live-action feature film.

Since Robert Pattinson’s Batman exists in a separate world from the new DC Universe being created by James Gunn, a different actor will eventually play Batman in the main DC storyline. DC Studios is currently developing The Brave and the Bold, and they are still writing the script.

DC Studios has scheduled Clayface to open on September 11, 2026.

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2025-11-16 04:01