In an interview with IGN, Peter Safran detailed the studio's approach to Gotham's aesthetic, emphasizing that while each filmmaker will bring their unique vision, a core consistency will remain. Safran stated, "what we've always said is that there's a consistency to the look but the next filmmaker that tackles Gotham, they [can] use it as a starting point, they can all feel different." He clarified that the city's inherent grittiness will be a constant, noting, "Gotham is a grittier, dirtier place... it’s not going to become Paris, and that's always going to be consistent."

Director James Watkins, helming the Clayface film, has reportedly done an excellent job capturing this essence. Safran praised Watkins for "layering in the darker, grittier feel" while also offering glimpses of Gotham's potential elegance, particularly within the more affluent areas. This suggests that the 2026 release will not only delve into Matt Hagen's origin story as the infamous shape-shifting villain but also serve as a crucial visual benchmark for future Gotham-centric projects.

The question of Batman's presence in Clayface has also been a point of discussion. Lead actor Tom Rhys Harries, who portrays Matt Hagen, teased the possibility of his character being aware of the Dark Knight within the film's timeline. Harries hinted, "we have footage... and I don’t know how much I can say. But yes, we had discussions about that at length." Whether this awareness translates into a direct on-screen appearance, perhaps through archival footage similar to Batman's cameo in Creature Commandos, remains to be seen. Given Clayface's R-rating and horror focus, any interaction or reference would likely be integrated into its darker tone.

Further adding to the evolving narrative of DCU's Batman, co-CEO James Gunn recently confirmed a significant shift for The Brave and The Bold. On Threads, when asked if plans for the film had changed creatively since its 2023 announcement, Gunn simply responded, "Yep." Originally, the film was set to explore Bruce Wayne's relationship with his biological son, Damian Wayne. This confirmation from Gunn indicates that the direction for the DCU's primary Batman feature is undergoing revisions, and fans will be keen to see if Clayface, with its foundational role, offers any subtle hints about these new creative choices. The Clayface film is set for release on October 23, 2026.