Clayface: first standalone film in the DCU timeline

The upcoming film Clayface , led by DC Universe chief James Gunn, has been confirmed to take place before Superman , which was released last year and launched the new DC Universe (DCU). While fans are looking forward to this exciting new addition, key details have been revealed about the film’s chronology and genre.

Clayface’s place in the DCU

Due in September 2026, Clayface will be the first DCU film to sit outside the usual chronology. This offers a unique look at the DCU’s development, since the movie is set before major events from other films such as Supergirl and Man of Tomorrow take place. In a recent statement, Gunn clarified that the film is designed to stand alone, while still tying into the broader DCU plans.

Clayface and body horror

James Gunn has described Clayface as a body horror film, setting it apart from other DCU projects. It keeps the shadowy elements of a classic Batman character and promises an intense experience that goes beyond standard superhero storytelling. This lines up with Gunn’s earlier comments about exploring different genres within the DC lineup, and Clayface is a strong example of how varied that approach can be.

Timeline

April 2026: James Gunn confirms that Clayface takes place before Superman.
July 2026: Supergirl continues the rebooted DCU.
September 2026: Clayface’s release date.
2027: Man of Tomorrow is released as a sequel to Superman.

The future of Batman in the DCU

One common question among fans is whether Batman will appear in Clayface . Given Gunn’s plans for a new Batman film, titled The Brave and the Bold , it seems unlikely that Batman will show up in this specific movie. Gunn has confirmed that there will be no overlap between Batman projects in the DCU and those from other universes, such as the films directed by Matt Reeves.

Exploring the DC Universe further

With announced projects like Supergirl and Man of Tomorrow , the DCU appears to be expanding into new and interesting stories. Clayface plays a crucial role here, not only by offering a fresh look at the superhero world, but also by embracing the huge range of stories and genres these franchises can explore. Gunn intends to weave in elements of horror, mystery, and other genres into the DCU, and Clayface perfectly highlights that vision.

Fans are now looking ahead to the September 2026 release and hoping for more insight into how Clayface will fit into the ever-expanding DC Universe.