James Gunn’s Update on the DCU’s R-Rated Batman Villain Movie Avoids 1 Big Mistake

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The DC Universe (DCU) has quickly become a significant force in superhero entertainment, exploring lesser-known comic book stories and reimagining previously adapted ones. The 2025 film Superman not only breathed new life into the iconic hero but also introduced a new version of Mister Terrific and a unique take on Green Lantern. While the DCU has already ventured into fresh territory with new characters, some classic heroes haven’t yet appeared – but it won’t be long before they join the action, including Batman and his famous adversaries.

Even though DC has established plans for Batman, including a sequel to The Batman, a different Batman character will surprisingly appear on screen first: the villain Clayface. A Clayface movie is currently being made and is scheduled to be the third film released as part of the new DC Universe next year. James Gunn recently shared exciting news about the project that fans will likely be thrilled to hear.

James Gunn Confirms This Batman Villain Will Be Done Right

DC Studios president James Gunn recently celebrated the anniversary of the Clayface character’s first appearance, hinting at how he’ll be portrayed in an upcoming movie. Gunn posted online, expressing excitement about actor Tom Rhys Harries bringing Clayface to life. This post, like others from Gunn, suggests Clayface won’t be simply a villainous monster. Instead, the film seems to be aiming for a more complex and sympathetic portrayal, similar to the Joker in the 2019 Joker movie, rather than a one-dimensional character like Bane in Batman and Robin.

The new Clayface movie is notable because it will be the villain’s first appearance in a major film – and surprisingly, it’s a standalone movie rather than part of a Batman story. The project started in an unusual way: Mike Flanagan, the creator of The Haunting of Hill House, publicly shared that he’d pitched a Clayface movie idea, but Warner Bros. initially passed. However, after a change in studio leadership, James Gunn and Peter Safran became interested in Flanagan’s concept and early script, giving the project a second chance.

Flanagan has always said his vision for the character is based on the portrayal in Batman: The Animated Series, particularly the story “Feat of Clay,” which highlighted the tragic background of the Clayface character. Tom Rhys Harries will play the role in the upcoming movie, which director Gunn has called a “horror film.” Even though this new film will present Clayface in a different way, we can anticipate a disturbing and frightening depiction of his transformations, and it will almost certainly be rated R.

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2025-10-27 23:40