Following "Superman" and "Supergirl," the third film in the DCU, "Clayface," is currently shooting in Liverpool, UK. Recently leaked set photos have offered the first look at the film's lead actor, a map of the DCU's Gotham City, and the appearance of a little-known Batman villain.
Based on the set photos, "Clayface" will mark the DCU's first live-action depiction of Gotham City, though the story's time period remains a mystery. The presence of both 1970s-era cars and modern news vans has created suspense about the setting. Some fans speculate the classic cars may simply be props for a film-within-a-film, depicting the protagonist's life before his disfigurement.
Photos released by the Daily Mail show actor Tom Rhys Harries, who plays Clayface, covered in bloody bandages.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the plot centers on a rising actor who is disfigured in a mob hit and is forced to turn to a scientist described as being in the vein of Elizabeth Holmes.
The mobster responsible for his disfigurement has been revealed as Jimmy “Red” McCoy—a villain who first appeared in 1940's "Batman" #4. Front pages for the "Gotham Gazette" and "Gotham Herald" detailing the incident were also spotted on set.
Notably, the "Gotham Gazette" logo shares its design with the one used in Matt Reeves' "The Batman" universe, further blurring the lines for fans between the DCU and "Elseworlds" projects.
Back in February, James Gunn explained why "Clayface" belongs in the DCU rather than Reeves' crime saga. He stated that Clayface is a classic Batman villain and that it was crucial to build his origin story within the DCU, as his character's abilities extend beyond the grounded, realistic scope of Reeves' universe.
Further details from the set, including a full map of Gotham City confirming the existence of Wayne Manor, Wayne Tower, and Wayne Enterprises, have been shared online:
Also spotted on set was "V for Vendetta" actor Eddie Marsan, who was photographed at a press conference outside a hospital. His role has not yet been disclosed, but he could be playing a GCPD detective or a politician.
"Clayface" is directed by James Watkins from a script by Mike Flanagan and is slated for a September 2026 release.
via： Daily Mail THR