‘Clayface’ confirms Batman exists in DCU as Peter Safran teases live-action Gotham

Batman previously appeared as a silhouette in ‘Creature Commandos’ season 1

Batman is active in Gotham during the events of Clayface, DC Studios co-CEO Peter Safran has confirmed, offering a fresh clue about the superhero’s place in the developing DC Universe.

Speaking to Collider, Safran explained that the upcoming horror film will introduce audiences to the DCU’s live-action version of Gotham City, even though Batman’s specific activities during the story have not been revealed.

“We haven’t really talked about what he’s doing during the actual events of Clayface,” Safran said. “But Batman is there. This is the introduction to the live-action Gotham.”

He also pointed to the animated series Creature Commandos, which previously featured a brief silhouette of Batman. The moment appeared in the sixth episode of its first season, showing the character standing on a rooftop overlooking the Penguin’s nightclub.

The confirmation adds to the references establishing Batman’s presence in the DCU. The character was also mentioned in the sixth episode of Lanterns, when Hal Jordan complained about Batman using the Bat-Signal in Gotham. Guy Gardner, another Green Lantern, has also been associated with taking over the signal.

Despite its darker tone, Clayface belongs to the main DCU continuity rather than the separate Batman universe created by filmmaker Matt Reeves. However, the franchise has yet to reveal a live-action DCU Batman, announce casting for the role or confirm details of a standalone Batman film.

The project also forms part of DC Studios’ wider plans to introduce characters associated with Gotham. Poison Ivy is reportedly set for a live-action debut in the DCU, although further details about that project remain limited.

Tom Rhys Harries stars as Matt Hagen in Clayface, which is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on October 23.