Clayface set leaks have given fans their first impression of DCU’s Gotham, and potential clues regarding this new universe’s Joker and Zatanna. One set leak featured a protest flyer condemning the corruption in Gotham, whose bottom text read, “Jo in the Joker.”
Zatanna connection spotted on the set of 'CLAYFACE'.
She regularly performs at Club Vesuvius.
(📸@MarshbubbleUK) pic.twitter.com/PukdLkgg62
— DC Film News (@DCFilmNews) September 9, 2025
While it’s safe to say that Clayface won’t see Joker and Zatanna in their entirety, these references could serve as a vehicle to flesh out DCU’s Gotham. Moreover, Zatanna’s involvement, in particular, opens the door for one of the more underrated Batman romances.
Zatanna and Batman’s Romance Deserves More Love
Most Batman stories center around the Caped Crusader’s romance with Catwoman or Talia Al-Ghul, and given The Brave and the Bold‘s direction, the latter seems to be likely in the DCU, at least for Batman’s DCU entrance. But with Zatanna potentially part of the new DCU, writers can elaborate on their underexplored bond.
Unlike most of Batman’s love interests, who get to meet Bruce as the Caped Crusader, Zatanna had known Bruce since they were fairly young. Detective Comics #833–834 (2007) reveals that the duo did share a romantic past, and Batman: The Animated Series did imply some sort of romance between the two.
Unfortunately, most stories continue to limit their interactions to a professional bond, which is a shame, as it’d be thrilling to see the duo explore a deeper, romantic relationship in their prime. Although it’s a long shot for the DCU, especially with Damien involved, here’s hoping for Gunn to subvert expectations.
Will Batman Appear in Clayface? Our Thoughts
The turnaround from Clayface getting greenlit to entering production has been impressive, largely thanks to Mike Flanagan‘s script, which got James Gunn and Safran on board to tell the story for the big screen.
Although the movie, led by Tom Rhys Harries, will be an origin story for Matt Hagen’s character, this hasn’t stopped the speculation surrounding Batman’s potential involvement. With all the easter eggs rolling around, from a marketing standpoint, the revelation of DCU’s Batman in the forthcoming horror does make sense, as it’d definitely pull more crowd into the theatres.
However, Gunn has made it clear that the Batman casting won’t begin until a script is finalized, making Batman’s cameo in the movie unlikely, which is currently being shot. Unless Robert Pattinson is being brought into the DCU, which seems unlikely, the prospect of Batman marking his DCU debut in a R-rated body horror seems unlikely.
Irrespective of when DCU’s Batman marks his arrival, fans can still enjoy the World’s Finest in 2027, which will see the release of Man of Tomorrow and The Batman: Part II.
Are you excited for Clayface?
Clayface hits theatres on September 11, 2026 (USA).
