James Gunns R-Rated Batman Movie Confirms Major DC Comics Change

This article covers a developing story. Continue to check back with us as we will be adding more information as it becomes available.

The DC Universe is getting ready for its next major project, with a significant change.

James Gunn’s DCU Chapter 1: “Gods and Monsters” line-up is continuing to progress forward, following the conclusion to Lanterns season 1 on HBO this past week. As the fall season is underway, DC Studios has one more release before 2026 comes to an end.

Clayface, which will be the final DCU release for 2026, is only weeks away from arriving in theaters. As the Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount merger is moving forward, the Skydance website dropped a new major detail about the R-rated horror film on its official website, stating the following about the Matt Hagen-centric film:

“DC Studios is committed to building a long-term creative architecture to realize the power and wonder of the DC Universe across ﬁlm, TV, animation and gaming under a single banner. Fueled by 85 trailblazing years of DC Comics, the Company is collaborating with key divisions throughout the WBD family – and innovative artists and storytellers from around the world – to bring DC’s rich trove of powerful stories and globally beloved characters to life within a single unified DCU that spans every platform and medium worldwide. Kicked off last summer with James Gunn’s acclaimed blockbuster Superman, the next chapter of this dynamic, all-new DCU will bring a range of stunning new characters and worlds to screens across the globe – from the intergalactic cops of Lanterns, to the chilling Gotham anti-hero of Clayface, to the compelling young hero at the heart of this summer’s big-screen epic Supergirl – inviting fans and newcomers alike to experience a bold new vision of one of the biggest, most enduring and grandest stories ever told.”

As the Clayface movie has been heavily marketed to focus on the iconic Batman foe, this is the first time that the anti-hero concept has ever been foreshadowed for the Tom Rhys Harries-starring feature. Based on a script by Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini, James Watkins directed the film, which will be the first R-rated theatrical release for the DCU franchise.

Developing…

Clayface opens in theaters on October 23.