Fanart showcases a terrifying version of Clayface that might align with Matt Reeves' vision of the character, depending on ifThe Batmandirector decides to lean further into the fantastical elements of the villain’s mythology forThe Batman 2.
Reeves' approach toThe Batman Part 2was described as a “deep dive” of these characters into “emotional jeopardy,” which is a method for Reeves to continue testing Batman in new and creative ways that push him further into, presumably, the comic book versions that audiences know. This has been the approach of Christopher Nolan and Zack Snyder, which Snyder has described as construction by deconstruction. This also would have been Ben Affleck’s approach to the canceled Batman movie featuring Deathstroke. So, if the latest rumor forThe Batmansequel is anything to go by, then Reeves may use Clayface in some capacity to push Batman even further. Now, fan art envisions what a Reeves' Batverse Clayface could look like.
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After hearing that the villain could appear inThe Batman Part 2, an Instagram artist namedMizuriaushared a terrifying and even deeply tragic look at what Clayface could look like.The story of Clayface, like Mr. Freeze and Two-Face, could easily fit within the tone that Reeves has already established, depending on howThe Batmandirector re-imagines this villain. For instance,The Batmangrounded well-known characters like Riddler and Catwoman in ways that reflect the human condition that points to societal problems like wealth inequality, police corruption, and the relationship between trauma and mental health, which has the potential to push people into radical ideological circles. Clayface would do the same forThe Batman Part 2by covering the dangers of the film industry and beauty standards in a sequel depicting another detective noir story for a villain who could be anyone at any time.
Assuming Reeves wants to dive deeper into the fantastical than what was established in the first film, then this edit reflects a tone that would best align with thecomic origin of Clayfaceand how they could be portrayed. However, there is much debate on whether this could break Reeves' Batverse, as the golden age version of Clayface is more grounded and would be tonally consistent withThe Batmanrather than the fantastical mud monster that can shape-shift at will. The golden age Clayface would lend itself to practical effects, rather than CGI, and could still align with the same tone that depicts a terrifying and tragic being that this Clayface edit so perfectly captures.
Even so, that doesn’t mean there is no place for a fantastical version of Clayface on the big screen, asReeves and Gunn’s plans for Batman won’t overlapbetween the Elseworld Batverse and the new DCU.
The Batman 2is scheduled to be released on June 11, 2025.
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