Clayface Could Feature the DCU’s First Magical Superhero

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The DC Universe is branching out by venturing into grisly body horror with its upcoming project titled “Clayface“. This intriguing film is being written by acclaimed modern horror writer Mike Flanagan and will break away from the conventional superhero narrative, instead focusing on a darker, more realistic storyline inspired by the two-part animated series episode “Feats of Clay” from “Batman: The Animated Series“. This chilling tale will take place in Gotham City, a unique depiction within the DC Universe separate from the one portrayed in Matt Reeves’ “The Batman” series. The narrative revolves around actor Matt Hagen, played by Tom Rhys Harries, who undergoes a devastating transformation into the eponymous shape-shifting creature after an unfortunate accident. Although the precise plot details are being kept secret, filming has begun to hint at intriguing links to the broader DC Universe, including an explicit reference that directly suggests the emergence of one of the Justice League’s most formidable magic wielders.

Photos from the Clayface set have shown the presence of Vesuvius, a well-known Gotham nightclub often associated with Zatanna Zatara, an acclaimed magician known worldwide for her remarkable magical skills. In comic books by DC, this specific venue is where Zatanna runs her business and operates from, making it significant in the DC Universe. Zatanna is a key member of the Justice League and recognized as one of the most powerful sorcerers within the DC cosmos.

Her club is in Clayface (also this shot looks very beautiful)
byu/M00r3C inDCU_

The presence of Zatanna in Clayface’s story may hint at an earlier reference in James Gunn’s Superman, where a mural displayed her magician father, Giovanni Zatara, in the Hall of Justice. This indicates that Zatanna could already be part of the DC Universe, and if she appears in Gotham, she might become the first openly magical superhero to be introduced explicitly.

Clayface Also Teases a Different Version of The Joker

In the intriguing hints hidden within the Zatanna Easter egg of the upcoming series Clayface, we’ve got our first solid references to the Joker in the DC Universe. A graffiti scribble saying “The Jokers” suggests that the villain might have a group or followers who carry his nickname. Interestingly, another prop, a rally flyer against the Gotham City Police Department, openly invites people to “JOIN THE JOKER.” This positions the Clown Prince of Crime as a revolutionary political figure stirring unrest among the city’s citizens. This subtlety implies that Batman, who will be making his official appearance in The Brave and the Bold following a cameo in Creature Commandos, has been active for some time now, and many of his famous adversaries are already firmly rooted in this new narrative continuity.

Under the guidance of director James Watkins, renowned for the chilling film “Speak No Evil,” the character Clayface is being brought to life. The script, originally penned by Flanagan and later co-written with Hossein Amini, serves as a foundation. A team of DC veterans, including DC Studios’ co-CEOs Gunn and Peter Safran, “The Batman” director Matt Reeves, and his producing partner Lynn Harris, are part of the production process. Rhys Harries portrays Matt Hagen in this cast, accompanied by Naomi Ackie as a scientist, Max Minghella as a Gotham police detective, and Eddie Marsan in an undisclosed role. The film, Clayface, aligns with DC Studios’ strategy of variety, working within a budget of around $45 million to deliver a focused, genre-defined story that contributes to the wider universe without exceeding its scope.

Clayface is scheduled to be released in theaters on September 11, 2026.

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2025-09-10 11:10