A new rumor claims the upcoming Clayface movie will not feature Batman at all, which lines up with what’s currently happening behind the scenes with DC Studios.
The info comes from insider ThwipT on X, who posted that the current cut of the film contains no appearance from the Dark Knight.
“The current cut of Clayface has no Batman cameo of any kind,” posted the user on X.
If accurate, the report may surprise fans. Clayface is one of Batman’s most recognizable villains, so a project centered on the character without the Caped Crusader immediately raises questions. However, it’s really not that surprising if you have been following the state of Gunn’s DCU and WBD.
Why Batman Is Off the Table
The absence of Batman comes down to Gunn not being allowed to use the character.
Matt Reeves is currently developing The Batman: Part II with Robert Pattinson returning as the Dark Knight. That film will continue the separate continuity.
James Gunn has also said previously that he won’t introduce a DCU Batman while Reeves is actively working on his version.
Because of that, a live-action DCU Batman is essentially off limits for now, but that is not the only reason.
Gunn’s current DC Studios contract reportedly runs through 2027, which also complicates long-term plans for the character.
WB Reportedly Concerned About Batman Plans
There are also indications that Warner Bros. Discovery is being cautious with how Batman is used moving forward, which is DC’s biggest IP.
Our sources have previously said the studio is concerned about how James Gunn will handle the character in the DCU.
Another sign that Batman is off the table came following our reports that Gunn could be out if Warner Bros. Discovery ends up being sold. After those reports surfaced, Gunn appeared in interviews with Bloomberg and various YouTube personalities discussing how he wants a “f’n awesome Batman.”
When the head of a studio is publicly asking to use Batman, that says everything about the situation behind the scenes.
DCU Focus Shifts To Superman
Another factor is the current direction of the DCU.
Our sources have previously indicated that Gunn’s plans have shifted toward his “Superman Family Saga,” which Deadline reported exactly as we said. That direction prioritizes characters connected to Superman over Batman or the broader DCU.
Evidence of that strategy can already be seen with the upcoming Jimmy Olsen series, which continues expanding the Superman side of the universe.
Batman Future Still Unclear
Warner Bros. Discovery has historically treated Batman as one of its most valuable characters, which explains the cautious approach, and rightfully so.
The studio already has Matt Reeves’ Batman franchise in development, and executives may not want multiple live-action versions competing at the same time.
There are also questions about the future of DC Studios leadership depending on how the corporate developments play out.
For now, if the rumor is accurate, Clayface will be telling its story without the Dark Knight involved.
