When James Gunn and Peter Safran unveiled their blueprint for the new DC Universe back in 2023, fans knew they were in for a wild ride. Since then, we've seen Creature Commandos, David Corenswet's Superman, and the upcoming Supergirl and Lanterns series. But according to Safran, it's the standalone body-horror flick Clayface that truly marks "the first step into the world of Gotham." In a recent chat with Collider's Steve Weintraub, Safran opened up about how this twisted origin story fits into the larger DCU puzzle.
Originally penned by horror maestro Mike Flanagan, Clayface follows Matt Hagen (Tom Rhys Harries), a Hollywood heartthrob whose tragic transformation into one of Batman's most iconic foes is anything but pretty. Director James Watkins (Speak No Evil) and co-writer Hossein Amini (Drive) took Flanagan's script and ran with it, crafting a tale that's equal parts gothic romance and gruesome metamorphosis. Safran explains that the project evolved from Flanagan's passionate pitch, which was fueled by his love for the classic Batman: The Animated Series episode "Feat of Clay."
Why Flanagan's Pitch Won Over DC
"He had such tremendous passion for it," Safran recalls. "It originated with his obsession with 'Feat of Clay,' and he attacked it from a truly character perspective." That character-first approach—exploring how one bad decision can unravel a life—was exactly what DC wanted. Flanagan delivered a first draft that fully delivered on that promise, and the studio was hooked. But as often happens in Hollywood, Flanagan's schedule didn't allow him to direct, so Watkins stepped in with his own vision, bringing Amini along to refine the script.
The result, Safran says, is "a beautiful amalgamation of those two visions." Watkins made sure Matt was a likable guy at the start, so audiences feel for him when things go horribly wrong. He also toned down Matt's initial culpability, making his descent into madness more tragic than villainous. At its core, Clayface is a love story—a twisted one, sure, but a love story nonetheless. "The body horror is great, but without characters you care about, it doesn't mean a lot," Safran notes. "The best horror movies, if you strip out the horror, are still good dramas."
Casting Tom Rhys Harries as Matt Hagen
One of the film's boldest moves was casting relative unknown Tom Rhys Harries in the lead role. Safran insists it wasn't about his anonymity—it was about talent. "He won the role based on his audition and screen test," Safran says. "There were a bunch of real contenders, but when he came in, there was no question in any of our minds." The fact that Harries isn't a household name is just a bonus, allowing audiences to fully immerse themselves in Matt's journey without any preconceived notions.
This approach echoes the casting of David Corenswet as Superman, and Safran says there's no hard-and-fast rule for iconic roles. "It's really about finding the right actor for the character," he explains. For Clayface, that meant someone who could convey both charm and vulnerability—someone you'd root for even as he morphs into a monster. Harries delivers, and Safran is clearly thrilled with the choice.
Introducing the DCU's Gotham City
Perhaps the most exciting reveal from Safran's interview is that Clayface serves as the DCU's official introduction to Gotham City. And yes, Batman is already out there, operating in the shadows. "He's somewhere in Gotham during the events of the film," Safran confirms, though he's careful not to spoil any potential cameos. This sets the stage for future Bat-related projects, including the upcoming The Batman sequel and the reinvention of Gotham under James Gunn's watch.
For fans eager to see how the DCU's Gotham differs from previous iterations, Clayface will offer a fresh perspective. Safran hints that the film's tone—gritty, character-driven, and unapologetically horror—will define the city's vibe. "Nothing's off the table," he says when asked about future genres. Whether that means more horror, comedy, or something else entirely, the DCU is clearly aiming for variety.
With Clayface set to hit theaters in October 2026, fans won't have to wait long to see this new Gotham take shape. And if Safran's enthusiasm is any indication, this is just the beginning of a bold new era for DC's darkest corner. For more on the film's release, check out our earlier coverage.
