The DC Universe (DCU) is changing. After the success of Superman (2025), James Gunn and Peter Safran are quickly building a cinematic world that is connected and has a fresh approach. While people are eager to know who will play Batman in The Brave and the Bold, the real excitement right now is about an unexpected project from Gotham: the upcoming DCU movie about Clayface.

Many fans are asking: Where is Batman? While we wait for news about who will play Bruce Wayne, DC has shared an important hint that could shape the future of the franchise.

First Look at the DCU’s Newest Star

The marketing machine is officially churning. We just got our first official in-universe look at Tom Rhys Harries as Matt Hagen, the man who—as comic fans know—is destined to become the shape-shifting menace, Clayface.

The image, shared via official DC channels, shows Harries as a “Rising Star.” It’s a grounded, eerie introduction to a character whose life is about to become a living nightmare. You can check out the official reveal below:

Why ‘Clayface’ Matters for the DCU ‘Batman’ Movie

You might be wondering: Why is a villain-centric horror movie making headlines for Batman fans?

The answer lies in the genre-bending ambition of Gunn’s DCU. Clayface isn’t just another superhero flick; directed by James Watkins and penned by Mike Flanagan, it’s a full-blown body-horror experience. Early reports from CinemaCon suggest this film is leaning into the dark, gritty roots of Gotham City—the exact atmosphere we’ve all been craving for a new iteration of the Dark Knight.

While the Caped Crusader himself is expected to be absent from this specific film, the implications are massive. By building out the “Rogues’ Gallery” in such a visceral, high-stakes way, DC is setting the stage for a Batman who has to deal with threats that are far more terrifying than the standard street-level thug.

ALSO READ: Why Disney Stopped Making a ‘Tangled’ Sequel (And What This Means for the Live-Action Remake)

The Burning Question: Who is Our Next Batman?

We still don’t have an official lead for The Brave and the Bold. Fans have been debating for months—is Robert Pattinson’s Batman going to be folded into this timeline, or are we getting a fresh face?

The silhouette we caught in HBO’s Creature Commandos (2024) was a brilliant tease, but it only left us wanting more. As we track the release schedule—Supergirl arriving this June and Clayface hitting theaters on October 23—the pressure is mounting for Warner Bros. to reveal the face behind the mask.

DCU Release Roadmap

• Supergirl: June 26, 2026

• Clayface: October 23, 2026

• Man of Tomorrow (Superman Sequel): July 9, 2027

What Do You Think?

The DC Universe is expanding, and it’s doing so step by step. Whether you love the horror aspects of Clayface or you are eagerly awaiting the next Gotham hero, one thing is clear: the stakes are higher than ever.

We want to hear from you! Who is your dream casting for the next Dark Knight? Do you think the horror tone of Clayface is the right direction for the DCU?

Drop a comment below and let’s get the discussion started!

Keep an eye on our blog for updates about the DCU, casting news, and exclusive insights into films and music. Be sure to check back for our detailed breakdown of the first official ‘Clayface’ trailer!