James Gunn Defends the DCU's Approach to Interconnected Stories, Doesn't Want Movies Like Clayface to Exist Just to 'Set Up' Crossovers

DC Studios co-chairman James Gunn has defended the DCU's approach to interconnected stories, saying he doesn't want movies like Clayface to exist just to "set up" crossovers.

Clayface poured into the DCU when it brought the tragic story of Matt Hagen (Tom Rhys Harries) to theaters yesterday. A bloody body horror movie with a firm R rating, its October release date makes sense as it molded its way into the comic book movie universe with a more adult story, but not everyone is happy with the film's place in the universe.

Despite solid scores from critics and fans (IGN gave it a 7/10 review ), there are DC watchers who have continued to complain that executives like Gunn and co-chairman Peter Safran haven't done a good job of using smaller stories to build toward bigger tie-in projects. For reference, the DCU technically started with animated series Creature Commandos before heading to theaters with Superman . Peacemaker Season 2, Supergirl , Lanterns , and Clayface then followed.

While standalone Wonder Woman and Batman movies are in the cards, projects like The People v. Gorilla Grodd seem to be further along than most, with crossover moments mostly limited so far. So, what gives? Gunn has an easy answer that might leave impatient fans wanting more, but for him, it's a solution that will keep the DCU telling quality stories for years to come.

"I couldn't agree more," he said when replying to a fan defending the cinematic universe on Threads. "DCU is just an alternate universe; we can enter at any location or time and tell THAT story. I dislike the idea that individual stories aren't meaningful unless they lead to something else."

Gunn continued, saying it's "strange" to see "people not understanding this" considering Star Wars has taken a similar approach for decades. He did admit Disney's sci-fi franchise may not have the "tonal variety" of something like the DCU , which has so far ping-ponged between serious drama and action to comedy and, most recently, horror. Still, he wants fans to know that, no matter how different each movie or show may be, there is still connective tissue holding them together.

"The Superman Saga starts with Superman and travels into Man of Tomorrow and onward, and contains many characters we've introduced in other stories," he continued in a follow-up post . "But that doesn't mean those other stories only exist to set up what's happening there. I would love people to be seeing Clayface because it's a great, fun horror movie unto itself, not because of where else Clayface will show up three movies from now."

While not everyone is pleased that DC Studios doesn't want to dive head first into crossover event films, one of the reasons others have actually been excited for Clayface is its promise to weave its way into the universe with a new Gotham City. We won't talk about whether Batman or Bruce Wayne make any appearances here , but with plenty of footage taking viewers through one of DC's most iconic locations, it's clear Gunn and co. are more interested in continuing to lay a worthy foundation rather than speeding into a big team-up movie like the Justice League .

Gunn took his time on social media today to touch base on a few other projects in the works. Creature Commandos Season 2, for example , will arrive after Man of Tomorrow's premiere next year. Speaking of the Superman sequel, a small group of people has now seen director's cuts of the film , with Gunn calling the process "exciting" as he tries "to recut over the week and screen the latest version for a few new eyes every Friday."

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Meanwhile, Elseworlds sequel, The Batman Part 2 , is still seemingly on track for its February 18, 2028, release date despite recent behind-the-scenes shuffling . For an update on the status of the DCU's Batman, you can click here . Finally, for everything else in the DC movie pipeline, we've got you covered here .

Michael Cripe is a freelance writer with IGN. He's best known for his work at sites like The Pitch, The Escapist, and OnlySP. Be sure to give him a follow on Bluesky (@mikecripe.bsky.social) and Twitter (@MikeCripe).