DC Studios Finally Confirms Batman Status in ‘Clayface’

It has been over three years since James Gunn announced his plans for the DCU. In that time, the universe has expanded with titles like Creature Commandos, Superman, Peacemaker, Supergirl, and Lanterns, each showcasing a different corner of the shared universe. The next release is Clayface, a film centered on one of Batman’s most notable enemies. An R-rated horror title based on one of Batman’s villains is an interesting third movie for the shared universe, particularly before the hero debuts in live-action.

Clayface has been confirmed to take place earlier than other DCU entries, suggesting the film occurs before the start of the Lanterns 2016 set storyline. This has led some to speculate that Clayface might take place even before Bruce Wayne suits up as Batman in the DCU, despite James Gunn saying Batman won’t appear. One of the co-presidents of DC Studios has officially updated fans on Batman’s role in Clayface and how it fits into the wider DCU timeline.

Speaking with Collider, DC Studios co-president Peter Safran revealed that Batman is operating in Gotham during the events of Clayface. However, the producer noted that he and James Gunn don’t have a definitive idea of what Batman is up to over the course of the film. Safran says, like the silhouette in Creature Commandos, this is all to flesh out the DCU and set the stage for Batman. Safran said:

“We haven’t really talked about what he’s doing during the actual events of Clayface. But Batman is there. This is the introduction to the live-action Gotham. We showed a silhouette of Batman in Creature Commandos, so you know he’s around, but this is the first step into the world of Gotham for us.”

Batman is set to join the DCU, as James Gunn announced The Brave and the Bold as part of his initial launch plans. Yet despite Andy Muschietti (The Flash) being attached to direct and Christina Hodson (Bumblebee) set to pen the script, there have been no updates on the DCU’s Batman. Rumors suggest a Batman cameo in Clayface or a Bruce Wayne appearance in the upcoming Man of Tomorrow, but nothing has been confirmed, and no actor has been cast.

The DCU has sprinkled plenty of clues about Batman’s role in the universe. By 2026, he’s a known figure, as Guy Gardner copied the Bat-Signal in the second half of Lanterns. Creature Commandos teased that Doctor Phosphorus transformed 15 years before the series’ events, and Batman apprehended him, implying The Dark Knight has operated in Gotham for nearly two decades.

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‘The Batman – Part II’ first footage.
Warner Bros. Discovery
DC Comics

While the DCU’s Batman film is in development, the Caped Crusader will return to the big screen in The Batman — Part II, set for release on Feb. 18, 2028. The movie is an Elseworlds title, and it was recently confirmed that director Steven Soderbergh will complete filming on The Batman — Part II as Matt Reeves deals with a personal issue. Reeves will still be involved and will oversee the edit.