No Batman In Clayface: Gunn’s DCU Dark Knight Off The Table

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There’s a new report suggesting the upcoming Clayface movie won’t include Batman, and this fits with the current direction of DC Studios.

According to a source on X (formerly Twitter) named ThwipT, the latest version of the movie doesn’t include Batman.

“The current cut of Clayface has no Batman cameo of any kind,” posted the user on X.

The report, if true, might come as a surprise to Batman fans. Clayface is a well-known villain, so a project focusing on him without Batman is unusual. However, those following the direction of James Gunn’s DC Universe and Warner Bros. Discovery likely won’t be too shocked.

Why Batman Is Off the Table

The absence of Batman comes down to Gunn not being allowed to use the character.

Matt Reeves is working on a sequel to The Batman, with Robert Pattinson reprising his role as Batman. This new film will continue the story in its own separate universe.

James Gunn has stated he won’t introduce a new Batman into the DC Universe as long as Matt Reeves is still developing his own Batman story.

For now, a live-action Batman in the DCU is largely unavailable, and that’s not the only factor preventing it.

I’ve heard James Gunn’s contract with DC Studios goes until 2027, and that makes figuring out what happens with this character long-term pretty tricky. It feels like we’re all waiting to see how things play out when his contract is up.

WB Reportedly Concerned About Batman Plans

Warner Bros. Discovery seems to be taking a careful approach with Batman, their most valuable property, when it comes to future projects.

I’ve been hearing from people in the know that the studio has some worries about how James Gunn is going to portray the character within the new DC Universe. It’s a big change, and they’re understandably a little cautious about how it’ll all play out.

It seems increasingly unlikely Batman will be part of Gunn’s DC Universe. Following reports that Gunn’s position could be at risk if Warner Bros. Discovery is sold, he publicly emphasized his desire to create a truly excellent Batman in interviews with Bloomberg and several YouTubers.

When a studio executive openly requests the rights to Batman, it clearly demonstrates the internal struggles happening with the project.

DCU Focus Shifts To Superman

Another factor is the current direction of the DCU.

We’ve learned that James Gunn is now focusing on a “Superman Family Saga” for DC, just as we predicted and Deadline recently confirmed. This means the story will center on characters related to Superman, rather than Batman or the wider DC Universe.

We’re already seeing this approach with the new Jimmy Olsen show, which is building out the world of Superman even further.

Batman Future Still Unclear

Warner Bros. Discovery has always considered Batman a key asset, and their careful handling of the character makes sense given its importance.

The studio is currently working on Matt Reeves’ Batman series, and they might not want two different live-action Batman franchises running at once.

The future of who leads DC Studios is also uncertain and will likely depend on what happens with the company’s ongoing changes.

If the reports are true, Clayface will be featured in a story that doesn’t include Batman.

Clayface gets released on October 23, 2026.

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2026-03-08 06:02