Clayface’s Gotham City Connection To Batman Revealed By Director!

Clayface’s Gotham City connection to Batman will shape the upcoming DCU horror movie, even though the Dark Knight will not play a central role in the story. Director James Watkins has revealed how the film’s portrayal of Gotham City reflects Batman’s influence while establishing a darker identity for the DCU’s iconic location.

The movie stars Tom Rhys Harries as Matt Hagen and features a screenplay by Mike Flanagan. Although the story focuses on the transformation of a man into the infamous Clayface, its setting provides a connection to the wider DC Universe. Watkins explained that audiences would “feel the shadow of Batman inherently” because the story takes place in Gotham. However, the filmmaker wants the city to stand on its own rather than rely on Batman’s direct involvement.

How Clayface Connects Gotham City to Batman?

Watkins and production designer James Price drew inspiration from film noir and German Expressionism to create Gotham’s imposing architecture. Their approach emphasizes towering buildings, dark streets, and a cityscape that makes its residents feel insignificant. Cinematographer Rob Hardy and Watkins also focused on what the director described as “the dirty orange light” of Gotham. Neon signs, reflections, and carefully constructed lighting help establish the movie’s unsettling visual identity.

The filmmakers studied street photography from 1980s and 1990s New York, including the documentary Everybody Street. These references helped them capture the city’s gritty, eccentric, and menacing atmosphere. Watkins wanted Gotham to feel corrupt and neglected, describing a place where “the litter doesn’t get picked up.” Its towering buildings also contribute to an overwhelming environment that reflects the decay beneath the city’s surface.

The result could give the DCU a distinctive version of Gotham that feels connected to Batman’s world without making him the focus of every story.

James Gunn Gave Clayface Director Creative Freedom

Watkins also discussed his experience working with DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn. According to the director, he was “not micro-managed at all” and received “real support” from Gunn while developing the movie’s creative direction. That freedom allowed Watkins to pursue a horror-focused interpretation of Gotham and its inhabitants. Rather than presenting the city solely as Batman’s territory, the film explores its darker corners through Matt Hagen’s disturbing transformation.

Gotham has already appeared or been referenced in several DCU projects, including Creature Commandos, Superman, Peacemaker Season 2, and Lanterns. However, Clayface could offer one of the most detailed looks at the city so far. The film reportedly features more than 40 locations connected to Batman lore. If those details make it into the final cut, they could help establish a stronger foundation for the DCU’s future Batman stories.

Could Clayface Be Powerful Enough to Defeat Batman?

Harries has expressed enthusiasm about bringing Gotham to life, joking,

“I’ve been to Gotham!”

The actor also discussed how powerful his character could become after mastering his abilities. When asked about facing Batman, Harries confidently declared, “Yeah, I could take Batman out! Clayface is so overpowered comparative to Batman.” Clayface has a long history as one of Batman’s adversaries in DC Comics. His ability to reshape his body, impersonate other people, and transform into different forms can make him a formidable opponent.

However, DC Studios has positioned the upcoming movie as an anti-hero story rather than a traditional villain origin story. This approach could explore Matt Hagen’s humanity and motivations instead of simply portraying him as an enemy for Batman to defeat.

The film’s connection to Gotham therefore extends beyond its visual style. It could also introduce a character whose evolving powers eventually make him a major figure in the DCU.

What Clayface Means for the DCU’s Batman?

The DCU’s Batman has already appeared briefly as a silhouette in Creature Commandos Season 1. However, DC Studios has yet to reveal the actor who will portray the character in live action, and the status of The Brave and the Bold remains unclear. By reportedly incorporating more than 40 locations connected to Batman lore, Clayface could help establish elements of Gotham before the DCU’s standalone Batman film arrives.

The movie also features Naomi Ackie as Dr. Caitlin Corr, Max Minghella as a Gotham City detective, Eddie Marsan, and David Dencik. Their characters could offer additional perspectives on the city and its criminal underworld. Nevertheless, the presence of Batman-related locations does not confirm that the film will directly set up The Brave and the Bold. For now, Watkins’ comments suggest that Gotham itself will serve as the movie’s strongest connection to the Dark Knight.

Clayface is scheduled to hit theaters on October 23, 2026.