Batman still hasn’t appeared in the DC Universe (DCU) yet, but his film is already in development with The Brave and the Bold, which is being directed by Andy Muschietti (2023’s DCEU film The Flash).
The Brave and the Bold will introduce a new version of Bruce Wayne/Batman into James Gunn and Peter Safran’s shared universe, which officially launched on the big screen last year with Superman (2025), written and directed by Gunn himself.
However, while there are plenty of new DCU films locked in, that project is still nowhere in sight, and DC Studios hasn’t even confirmed who will even play the new Caped Crusader.
Still, some have now at least had their first look at the new DCU’s Gotham City. At this year’s CinemaCon in Las Vegas (April 13–16), DC Studios unveiled early footage of Clayface (2026), one of the first villain-led films in the new universe.
The story follows Matt Hagen (played by Tom Rhys Harries), a struggling actor who becomes the lesser-known Batman Rogues’ Gallery villain Clayface after a violent attack and exposure to experimental chemicals.
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Footage shown at the event reportedly leans heavily into body horror. According to Variety, it begins with Hagen “sitting in a hospital bed with a bandaged, bloody face” before he is attacked and injected with chemicals that trigger his transformation.
“The trailer shows Matt sitting in a hospital bed… Matt’s face changes repeatedly, showing him without an eye or mouth at times,” the report states. As it continues, his condition deteriorates. His body starts breaking down and shifting into a clay-like substance, with his features constantly changing and failing to hold form. By the end, he is no longer able to control his appearance at all.
Clayface is scheduled for release on October 23. The film is directed by James Watkins and written by Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini. The cast includes Naomi Ackie as Dr. Caitlin Bates, Max Minghella, Eddie Marsan and David Dencik.
It remains to be seen whether the DCU‘s Bruce Wayne and/or Batman will make an appearance in the new film; however, it’s possible we’ll get some sort of tease for the upcoming film in a mid or post-credits scene.
Supergirl (2026), which stars Milly Alcock, follows next, arriving in theaters on June 26.
Are you excited about Clayface? And do you think DC should keep Robert Pattinson’s Batman separate, or bring him into the DCU? And who would you cast as the next Dark Knight? Drop your thoughts below and stay tuned for more updates as the DCU continues to unfold.
