James Gunn’s DC Universe is slowly but steadily unfolding, and the latest surprise comes not from ‘Superman’ or ‘The Brave and the Bold’, but from the upcoming ‘Clayface’ movie. While fans have been eagerly waiting to see Batman’s corner of the DCU come to life, new set photos have now confirmed the existence of another iconic Gotham villain, The Penguin.
This unexpected reveal not only excites fans but also adds more depth to the growing mythology of Gotham City in Gunn’s reimagined superhero franchise.
The Penguin Spotted In Gotham As A Tease Of What’s To Come
Filming for ‘Clayface’ is currently underway in Liverpool, UK, with Tom Rhys Harries portraying the titular villain. While the film itself is centered around the tragic story of an actor struggling to remain relevant in Hollywood before becoming the monstrous shape-shifter, the set is already littered with clues about Gotham’s larger criminal underworld. One of the most striking Easter eggs captured in recent set photos shows graffiti art and posters spread across Gotham’s gritty streets.
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Among them, a poster bearing the phrase “behold the Penguin Man” features an image resembling none other than Oswald Cobblepot, aka the Penguin. This clever nod firmly establishes that Cobblepot exists in the DCU. Alongside The Penguin, the Joker also gets a shoutout with graffiti declaring “Jokers Rule” across the city’s walls. However, neither villain has been officially cast or confirmed for a full appearance.
This approach feels intentional. Gunn’s DCU timeline is designed to skip traditional origin stories and dive straight into a universe where heroes and villains are already in full swing. For Batman’s world, this means that figures like The Penguin, Joker, and Clayface aren’t fresh threats. They’ve already been making moves in Gotham for years.
For fans, this is thrilling because it suggests that by the time ‘The Brave and the Bold’ introduces the Caped Crusader, his enemies will already be formidable and fully established. It’s worth noting that Cobblepot’s inclusion doesn’t seem to be a throwaway Easter egg. Historically, The Penguin has been a power broker in Gotham’s underworld. Including him this early on hints at Gunn’s commitment to weaving Gotham’s criminal ecosystem into the foundation of the DCU.
Clayface’s True Identity Also Confirmed Through Set Photos
While the Penguin’s Easter egg is generating buzz, the set photos also deliver another revelation fans have been waiting for: the confirmation of which ‘Clayface’ the movie will focus on. For decades, multiple characters have taken on the Clayface mantle in DC Comics, from Basil Karlo to Preston Payne. However, it’s now confirmed that the 2026 R-rated horror movie will tell the story of Matt Hagen.
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The clue comes from a set photo featuring a crew member holding a newspaper prop. The headline read “ACTOR MATT HAGEN DEAD” alongside an image of Tom Rhys Harries. This finally answers one of the biggest fan questions about the project. We finally know now which Clayface iteration the movie would adapt. Choosing Matt Hagen makes perfect sense for the story. Hagen’s version of Clayface has always been steeped in tragedy.
He is an actor whose desperation leads him to a mutagenic substance that transforms him into a monstrous shape-shifter. His struggles fits perfectly within the framework of a horror movie, while also staying true to itself. So, if executed well, Clayface could easily stand out as one of the most unique villain origin films ever made.
