James Gunn Tells Us The Real Reason He Greenlit Mike Flanagan’s Clayface, And His Answer Convinces Me That The DC Universe Is On The Right Track

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As a long-time comic book enthusiast who has witnessed countless attempts at bringing DC Universe to life on the silver screen, I must say that James Gunn and Peter Safran are truly shaking things up with their approach. The focus on quality storytelling and character development is music to my ears, having seen too many half-baked projects in the past.

This has been an incredibly productive week in the development of James Gunn and Peter Safran’s new DC Universe, or the DCU. The biggest splash was created by the arrival of the Superman trailer, giving us our first real look at actor David Corenswet in action. In addition, Gunn’s animated project Creature Commandos continues to roll along, potentially catching audiences off guard with an extremely emotional backstory for the unusual Weasel (Sean Gunn) in Episode 4. So far, the DCU has been dictated by story and character, so while we know that upcoming DC projects will focus on Supergirl and the Green Lantern Corps, sometimes we hear about a curveball that has us scratching our collective heads.

I’d liken it to a chilling cinematic experience, crafted by the brilliant mind behind both “Doctor Sleep” and “The Haunting of Hill House,” none other than Mike Flanagan.

Information from marketing hinted that Clayface, a recurring Batman antagonist, would show up in Creature Commandos before its January end. However, I didn’t anticipate news of a Clayface film. During the DC event in Los Angeles for the Superman trailer, I managed to speak privately with James Gunn, and when I asked about this development, he confirmed it.

My constant mantra is ensuring we create a screenplay that shines. This surpasses any other consideration. So when Mike Flanagan proposed an idea involving Clayface, I didn’t immediately consider it. But his idea was so captivating that I thought, ‘Let’s give it a try! Let’s write it!’ He crafted the script with such enthusiasm that I recognized its potential. It was simply a matter of quality over quantity. Then we had to determine, ‘How does this fit into our existing plans?’

Building the DCU in this manner is truly inspiring. Unlike past attempts at creating a cinematic universe, where studio executives would prematurely announce a 10-year plan of projects and specific release dates, seemingly more interested in securing potential box office hits than carefully crafting a coherent world. A more organic approach to development is essential for a believable universe.

I concur with James Gunn and Peter Safran’s approach of building a cohesive universe while avoiding the immediate requirement to link all elements from the start. Various tales such as Creature Commandos, Superman, Lanterns, Peacemaker, and Supergirl can exist within the DCU, but they don’t necessarily have to intertwine for narrative purposes. This approach provides filmmakers and writers with ample flexibility to present innovative ideas, like a Clayface story, without an immediate connection to the established universe. Additionally, it allows for projects like The Authority or Swamp Thing movies to continue in development until their scripts are perfected, rather than being rushed due to release dates. In Gunn’s words, “Quality is our top priority.

The Clayface movie raises a few interesting questions. Will the DCU Batman appear in the film? And will the current Clayface release date of September 2026 hold, given the fact that Matt Reeves’ The Batman: Part 2 is expected to drop the following month? It feels like ONE of them will blink and shift. But I love the way that Gunn already is teasing Clayface, and I trust in Flanagan to deliver the goods. The DCU continues to grow, and will only expand more in 2025.

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2024-12-20 18:07