The new film Clayface marks the live-action debut of the classic Batman villain, but fans are left wondering about the DC Universe's iteration of the Caped Crusader. The film's ending provides closure for Matt Hagen's story, but not for the existence of Batman in this continuity.
Is Batman in Clayface?
While Batman is not explicitly mentioned or seen in the film, its narrative is set in Gotham City, a place where the DCU's Batman already exists. This Batman previously made an animated cameo in Creature Commandos, a show that also introduced the animated DCU version of Matt Hagen's Clayface, voiced by Alan Tudyk. DCU Studios co-boss James Gunn confirmed that this animated Batman is indeed the DCU Batman, intended as an important part of the universe.
Director James Watkins echoed this, stating that Batman exists in the world of Clayface, but the movie focuses solely on Matt Hagen's story, much like Joker focused on its titular character within a larger city. The DCU's live-action Batman is anticipated to appear in Batman: The Brave and the Bold and possibly Superman, though the latter's lineup seems extensive.
Both Clayface and Creature Commandos precede the events of Superman, which is set in 2025. The animated series Lanterns, referencing Batman in its 2026 sequences, suggests the DCU Batman became active sometime between 2016 and 2024.
Clayface Ending Explained
Clayface concludes without any mid- or post-credits scenes. The film's climax sees Matt Hagen, seeking revenge on those who wronged him, confront Dr. Caitlyn Corr. Caitlyn, who developed the experimental nanobot process that restored Hagen's face but caused his shape-shifting affliction, had developed feelings for him while treating him. Despite becoming engaged to detective John Borrelli, she ultimately chooses not to betray him.
Caitlyn returns home to find Matt has killed John and is impersonating him. She tasers Matt, sending him through a window. As he writhes, she retrieves a tablet to initiate a self-destruct sequence for the nanobots. Outside, Matt transforms into his monstrous, comics-accurate Clayface form. He pleads with Caitlyn to let him die, and she activates the sequence, causing him to melt into the sewer.
Later, Caitlyn provides police with her research. While walking home, she is unnerved by strangers' faces. She buys a newspaper detailing Matt's downfall, and a homeless man asking for money performs a familiar actorly bow. The film reveals this homeless man is indeed Matt, who has survived by creating new forms. He has also mimicked Caitlyn. When he tries to enact a fantasy of a life with her, his monstrous true form recedes, and he cries out in despair.
How Clayface’s Gruesome Final Form Was Realized
Director James Watkins, along with stars Tom Rhys Harries and Naomi Ackie, discussed the creation of Clayface's final form. The design underwent extensive iteration to honor the comics while remaining grounded for live-action. Watkins emphasized maintaining focus on Harries's eyes to convey the character's pain and heartbreak.
To achieve the final look, practical effects were used and digitally augmented. Ackie mentioned a stand-in, a 6'10" actor, who portrayed Clayface on set. For the climactic scene between Caitlyn and the transformed Matt, the stand-in took over from Harries. Harries described the filming of this sequence as a lengthy process, with significant input from various departments to realize the character's transformation. He noted Matt's lack of awareness about his impending monstrous fate throughout the film, attributing his actions to an inadvertent fall into love.