James Gunn rules out Clayface and Batman crossover

DC Studios co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran have addressed the future of the DC Universe (DCU) and the upcoming release of the R-rated body horror film, ‘Clayface’. Gunn ruled out a crossover between the DCU’s version of Clayface and Robert Pattinson’s Batman, noting that the latter exists within the separate ‘DC Elseworlds’ label and that a merger is unlikely in the near future.

Safran highlighted that the ‘Clayface’ project provides the DC slate with a diverse range of tones and scales, describing the opportunity to produce a pure body horror film as a ‘dream come true’. The film, which stars Tom Rhys Harries as Matt Hagen, is scheduled for theatrical release by Warner Bros. Pictures in the United States on October 23, 2026.

Following the recent Skydance and Paramount developments, the leadership reaffirmed their long-term commitment to the DCU. Safran noted that the new structure provides more resources and reach to execute a ‘bigger story’ that extends beyond currently announced projects.