The new DC Universe movies have a lot of exciting possibilities, and a big part of that focuses on Batman. James Gunn and Peter Safran are being careful to get the Batman stories just right. While it’s disappointing that one of the most anticipated Batman spin-off movies is delayed, the delay is actually a good thing for the overall DCU plan.
According to Variety, the movie Practical Magic will now be released on September 11, 2026. This change impacts the DC Universe schedule, as Practical Magic is taking the place of the previously planned Clayface movie. Clayface was originally set to come out on September 11th, but it’s now being moved to October 23rd. While a release date change is usually unwelcome, the new October date is actually a better fit for the Clayface film than its original September premiere.
Clayface Has Even More Potential At The Box Office In October
While many details about the Clayface movie remain a mystery, we know it’s being presented as a horror film rather than a traditional superhero story, and that seems like a perfect fit for the character.
I’m really excited about the new Exorcist film! Mike Flanagan is directing, and he’s a master of horror – he’s also doing great things with Clayface. He’s talked about how he’s taking inspiration from the ‘Feat of Clay’ episodes of Batman: The Animated Series, which were always so compelling. What I loved about Clayface in the cartoon was that he was both a really sad, sympathetic character and a terrifying villain, and it sounds like Flanagan is aiming for that same balance in the movie. It’s a great approach, and I think it will make for a really interesting take on the character.
James Gunn hinted at this direction for the character in a previous tweet, building excitement for Tom Rhys Harries’s debut as Clayface in the film. Gunn described Clayface as a “perennially misunderstood villain,” suggesting this version will likely be a complex character—somewhere between a sympathetic anti-hero and a full-fledged villain—a portrayal that has consistently worked well in both the animated series and comic books.
The film’s spooky themes and horror aspects make it a better fit for a Halloween release than September. Releasing it then could draw in both dedicated horror fans and those who already follow DC Comics. If the filmmakers can deliver strong visuals, showcase the villain’s powers effectively, and delve into the character’s troubled backstory, this movie has the potential to be a huge success for the DC Universe and a fantastic introduction to one of Batman’s most interesting enemies.
Clayface will land in theaters on October 23rd.
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2026-02-07 04:40