James Gunn confirms Clayface is chronologically first DCU film

DC Universe chief James Gunn has confirmed that Clayface is set before Superman in the DCU timeline, making it chronologically the first film despite its September 2026 release. According to reports on James Gunn's Threads posts, the body horror film takes place before all other announced DCU movies, including Superman and this summer's Supergirl.

When is Clayface set in the DCU timeline?

Clayface occurs before the events of Superman, which kickstarted the rebooted DCU last summer. When asked directly whether Clayface was set before or after Superman, Gunn simply replied "Before." He clarified that "it's the first DCU film out of chronological order."

This placement means that during Clayface's events, Superman has yet to discover his true origins, whilst villain Lex Luthor is already active. The film's Gotham setting will establish the DCU's foundation before other heroes emerge.

Despite being chronologically first, Clayface releases after Superman and alongside this summer's Supergirl release, demonstrating the DCU's non-linear release strategy.

What genre is Clayface and how connected is it?

James Gunn emphasised that Clayface "is not a 'hybrid superhero horror film', it is a horror film." The body horror approach represents the DCU's commitment to genre diversity beyond traditional superhero fare.

Regarding its place in the larger universe, Gunn stated: "It's very connected, but as always the standalone story is what's most important." The film will establish DCU continuity whilst functioning as a complete narrative.

Gunn compared the DCU's approach to DC Comics themselves, noting that titles like 'Saga of the Swamp Thing' and 'Justice League International' aren't one tone. "The film or show will play in whatever genre suits the story best," he explained.

Will Batman appear in Clayface?

Batman's appearance in Clayface seems unlikely, given Gunn's current focus on The Batman 2, which releases on 1 October 2027. The director stated he's "dependent on when there's an actionable script ready" for The Brave and the Bold, the DCU's planned Batman film.

"Frankly, we're well into Batman 2, and I wouldn't want to cloud the Batsphere until after that," Gunn explained. He's also committed to never releasing two Batman films in the same year.

Robert Pattinson's Batman exists in a separate universe from the DCU, requiring a new actor for The Brave and the Bold. Fans likely won't get updates until 2028 at the earliest.

The Batman situation: Gunn's biggest challenge

While promoting Superman last year, Gunn admitted "Batman's my biggest issue in all of DC right now." He must navigate between Matt Reeves' ongoing Batman trilogy and introducing a new DCU Batman.

Creature Commandos Episode 6 showed Batman as a silhouette, confirming he exists within the DCU during current events. Gunn requested "more silhouette" after the original design was more detailed than he was ready to commit to.

This approach indicates Batman is already established and well-known within the DCU, eliminating the need to retell his origin story when The Brave and the Bold eventually arrives.

When and where to watch in UAE

Clayface releases in September 2026, though specific UAE release dates and cinema availability haven't been confirmed. The film will likely receive a global theatrical release before streaming platforms.

UAE viewers should expect the film to arrive in local cinemas around the same time as the international release, though specific dates and any content modifications for the region remain unannounced.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Clayface set in the DC Universe timeline?

Clayface is set chronologically before Superman, making it the first DCU film in timeline order despite its September 2024 release. James Gunn confirmed it takes place before all other announced DCU films.

Will Batman appear in the Clayface movie?

Batman is unlikely to appear in Clayface. James Gunn has indicated that updates on the DCU's Batman film won't come until after The Batman 2 releases in October 2027.

What genre is the Clayface movie?

James Gunn confirmed that Clayface is a body horror film, not a 'hybrid superhero horror film.' It represents the DCU's commitment to diverse genres beyond traditional superhero stories.

Is Robert Pattinson's Batman part of James Gunn's DCU?

No, Robert Pattinson's Batman exists in a separate universe from the DCU. James Gunn has ruled out crossovers, meaning a new actor will play Batman in The Brave and the Bold.

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