James Gunn's 'Clayface' Update Makes DCU Batman Much More Exciting After Superman
James Gunn’s new DCU is off to a strong start with Superman soaring to the number one spot at the box office amidst good reviews. During an interview, Gunn teased plans for the franchise’s future, with a movie focusing on Batman villain Clayface set to start production soon.
We’ve got Clayface we’re making, which is like a totally different thing, although it’s in the same universe. It’s a complete horror film.
Gunn made the above comment during a conversation with CBS Morning, revealing what fans can expect from Clayface, which is set to be directed by James Watkins and star Tom Rhys Harries in the lead role. Here’s what Gunn’s Clayface comments mean for the DCU Batman and why it’s an exciting update after Superman.
James Gunn recently appeared on CBS Morning, where the director and DC Studios co-CEO discussed plans for the DCU’s future. During the interview, Gunn teased that the upcoming movie Clayface would be a complete horror project, with each new entry in the franchise being different in tone and style.
There’s not a company style. It’s not like every movie is going to be like Superman.
Gunn made the above comment, suggesting that not every movie will have the bright and lighthearted tone of Superman, which has successfully relaunched the DC comics brand on the big screen.
Gunn’s comments also mean that a Batman-centric project set in the DCU can still be dark and gritty, in line with the character’s previous depictions. A project titled The Brave and the Bold, expected to be the DCU Batman’s introduction, has been in development, and there is hope that it will be a faithful adaptation.
Gunn’s tease with Clayface has, to some extent, confirmed that a darker take on Batman is possible in the future. As a result, it is exciting news that Gunn and his partners at DC Studios are looking to tell fresh stories with different tones and styles instead of simply sticking to one flavor like the MCU did in its heyday.
Despite the hype surrounding Batman’s introduction in the DCU, Gunn has admitted facing issues developing a project featuring the Dark Knight. In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, Gunn revealed that nailing the tone of the DCU Batman project had been his single biggest issue so far.
I’m not interested in a funny, campy Batman, really. So we’re dealing with that.
Gunn made the above comment explaining what he does not want to do with the DCU’s Batman.
Gunn’s comment again suggests that the DCU’s Batman will be dark and gritty, but at the same time different from Matt Reeves’ The Batman universe. Therefore, despite Superman succeeding with a more lighthearted tone, Gunn does not wish to follow the same direction with Batman in the DCU.
Gunn’s comment makes sense given his desire to make each project different and unique. However, since Reeves is already telling a grounded Batman story with Robert Pattinson’s iteration of the character, Gunn’s struggle to make his Batman stand out is valid. As a result, it will be interesting to see how Gunn crafts a fresh yet different take on the iconic DC superhero.
Pratik is a writer at FandomWire, with a content writing experience of five years. Although he has a Bachelors in Hospitality, his fascination with all things pop culture led him to writing articles on a variety of topics ranging from latest streaming releases to unheard movie trivia. When not writing, you can find him reading manga, or watching classic TV shows.
