The Batman: Part II may be getting a new major villain, in the shape of DC Comics' Clayface. According to Deadline, the shape-shifting villain could be "a big addition" in The Batman's upcoming sequel. At the time of this story's publication, DC Studios have yet to comment. The trade specified that nothing has been given a greenlight yet, nor are there any offers or deals, but this would mark Clayface's movie debut, presumably making him part of The Batman: Part II's Rogues Gallery alongside Barry Keoghan's Joker.
What complicates matters, is the suggestion that a stand-alone Clayface movie has also been pitched. According to Deadline's report, The Haunting of Hill House creator Mike Flanagan has pitched a Clayface movie for the new DC Universe to James Gunn and Peter Safran. As the DCEU is reaching its end, a new DC Universe is on its way. In late January, Safran and Gunn presented their first Chapter 1 projects for "Gods and Monsters." The mission is to create a more interconnected franchise in film and TV based on the DC properties. DC Studios will also continue to focus on Elseworlds franchises, including Matt Reeves' The Batman universe.
How The Batman 2 & James Gunn's DC Universe Can Both Use Clayface
Assuming Flanagan gets his Clayface movie while also appearing in The Batman - Part II, this is a neat opportunity for DC Studios. Some mainstream audiences have likely seen at least one version of Claface in various DC projects. However, several characters have used the name in the DC Comics mythology. This is where DC Studios can use Clayface in multiple projects, but still keep it unique.
The two most famous Clayface characters are Basil Karlo and Matt Hagen, as they're likely the ones to be eyed for live-action. Given The Batman universe's grounded tone, Reeves would likely benefit from using Karlo, especially the Golden Age version. Hagen would be far more suited for the DC Universe's fantastical tone, including Batman: The Brave and The Bold.
A Clayface movie in the DC Universe is also potentially coming at an interesting time. "Gods and Monsters" has a Swamp Thing movie in the works, with James Mangold eyed to direct. Gunn is clearly open to exploring more horror and monster-based projects for his franchise. If Flanagan's Clayface movie gets approved, it'll be intriguing to see how the DC Universe tackles the Batman foe in his own project.
Source: Deadline
