DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn opened up about how the Clayface film project became a reality. Written by Mike Flanagan, the film centers on the character of the same name, though little is known about the film aside from the DC Universe may seem like a strange idea, but he clarifies that the movie has a strong enough premise to justify its creation.
In an interview with io9, the DC Studios boss explained that he "didn’t plan on making a Clayface movie," but "Mike came in" and "pitched this wonderful idea." In response, Gunn said he "was like, ‘Damn, I can’t believe you got me to want to make a Clayface movie.’" He then explained how the decision to make the film came to fruition: "But he’s got to write the script and who knows how that’s going to work. He goes and he writes the script. First draft is great. Second draft is even better. And then I’m like, ‘Let’s do it.’ "
Per Gunn, the DCU philosophy is that "if there’s quality stuff, we can find a way to work it in.” However, Gunn also addressed the rumor mill turning out potentially false reports about DC projects. The filmmaker explained that "there are lots of things that are getting reported that [he hasn't] green-lit." He said that while "some of those are true in of 'they're in development,'" that doesn't guarantee the project will become a reality.
Per Gunn, just "because they’re in development, that doesn’t mean [DC is] going to make that movie." He then cautions fans about getting too excited for rumored films, stating that "there [are] a lot of things people seem to be counting on that it may be unwise to count on.”
What Gunn's Clayface Comments Mean
Gunn's comments regarding Clayface and other DCU projects indicate a willingness to experiment and focus on making the best films possible for the DCU. As opposed to chasing dollar signs, DC Studios appears to be focusing on building goodwill with fans based on quality output, which will then translate to box office returns.
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Recently, Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. He explained that the reason that the film was chosen to follow Superman is simple--it was the best option. Gunn stated that "everything has to be good" and "quality comes first in every project we do." To Gunn, making good movies is "more important than telling a grandiose mega-narrative."
Our Take On Gunn's Clayface Comments
Regardless of how outlandish the premise may sound, it seems that Flanagan may be onto something with Clayface. Otherwise, it is highly unlikely a major studio like Warner Bros. would back the project. Either way, the DCU being willing to focus on quality and take a chance on "weirder" properties could make for some special films and shows.
Clayface will release in theaters on September 11, 2026.
- Created by
- Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson
- First Film
- Man of Steel
- First TV Show
- Peacemaker
- Cast
- Henry Cavill, Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot, Ezra Miller, Ray Fisher, Jason Momoa, Amy Adams, Jesse Eisenberg, Laurence Fishburne, Jeremy Irons, Will Smith, Jared Leto, Margot Robbie, Joel Kinnaman, Viola Davis, Jai Courtney, Jay Hernandez, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Cara Delevingne, Chris Pine, Robin Wright, Zachary Levi, Dwayne Johnson, Amber Heard, Patrick Wilson, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Mark Strong, Asher Angel, Jack Dylan Grazer, Djimon Hounsou, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Jurnee Smollett, Rosie Perez, Ella Jay Basco, Ali Wong, Ewan McGregor, Idris Elba, John Cena, Michael Keaton, George Clooney, Xolo Mariduena
- Movie(s)
- Man of Steel, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Suicide Squad, Wonder Woman, Justice League, Aquaman, Shazam!, Birds of Prey, Wonder Woman 1984, Zack Snyder's Justice League, The Suicide Squad, Black Adam, Shazam! The Fury of the Gods, The Flash, Blue Beetle, Superman, The Brave and the Bold
- Character(s)
- Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, The Flash, Cyborg, Harley Quinn, The Joker, Shazam, Darkseid, Amanda Waller, Lex Luthor, Doomsday, Deadshot, Deathstroke, Black Canary, Black Adam
The DC Universe is one of the biggest comic book franchises and often competes with Marvel. DC Comics started as National Allied Publications, founded by Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson in 1935. Since then, the franchise has exploded with thousands of comic books, movies, TV shows, and video games. 2013 marked the beginning of the most recent iteration of the superheroes, with Zack Snyder introducing Henry Cavill as Superman. After several movies with mixed reviews, DC underwent a soft reboot under the helm of James Gunn and Peter Safran.
