AceShowbiz - Compared to franchises like the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Star Wars, the DC Universe (DCU) remains in an earlier phase with fewer projects, meaning fans don’t have as many installments to track. Yet, questions about where each movie or TV show fits within the shared universe timeline still arise as new releases approach. DC Studios co-head James Gunn has already confirmed that this summer’s Supergirl is set chronologically between Superman and Man of Tomorrow, matching the order of their releases. However, the timeline placement is a bit more complicated when it comes to Clayface, the DCU’s second movie scheduled for 2026.

After the initial teaser trailer for Clayface dropped, a user on Threads asked Gunn whether the film takes place before or after the events of Superman. Gunn replied simply, “Before,” adding that Clayface is “the first DCU film out of chronological order.” This clarification is an important piece in understanding how Clayface fits into the broader DCU timeline.

This timeline decision helps resolve a lingering plot hole related to the character. Clayface appeared in a supporting role in two episodes of the animated series Creature Commandos, which premiered in late 2024. While the character’s appearance was exciting, it caused some confusion because the upcoming Clayface movie is focused on the origin story of Matt Hagen’s transformation into Clayface. According to the teaser, Matt is an actor who suffers a brutal attack and disfigurement, prompting him to undergo an experimental treatment that turns him into a metahuman. Prior to Gunn’s timeline confirmation, fans debated whether Clayface was set before or after Creature Commandos. If the movie took place after the series, the storyline would have felt inconsistent.

While Gunn has only stated that Clayface occurs before Superman and other DCU films, it’s reasonable to infer that it also precedes the events of Creature Commandos. This sequencing would explain how a fully formed Clayface can exist during the series, as Matt Hagen would have already completed his transformation and adapted to his new reality. Fans can expect more details about the connection between the movie and the show to emerge in the months ahead.

There is also the possibility that the Clayface character in the movie and the one in Creature Commandos could be different individuals. In DC comics lore, multiple people have assumed the Clayface mantle. Matt Hagen is the second character to do so, following the original Basil Karlo. However, it remains unclear if DC Studios wants to introduce two versions of Clayface so close together. For the sake of narrative clarity, it may be preferable to focus on one main Clayface across all DCU projects, allowing the character to be thoroughly developed before exploring other versions.

If the Clayface in the movie and the series are indeed the same character, the film is designed to be accessible to viewers who may not have seen other DCU content. One of Gunn’s goals for the DCU is to reduce the amount of “homework” fans need to do in order to follow a story. The ideal is for each movie or show to stand on its own while subtly weaving in broader shared universe connections. Although balancing standalone storytelling with universe-building may become more challenging as the DCU expands, Clayface is expected to deliver a chilling, self-contained horror movie experience perfect for Halloween viewing.

In summary, James Gunn’s confirmation that Clayface takes place before Superman and likely before Creature Commandos clears up confusion about the character’s timeline. This strategic placement not only resolves a previous plot inconsistency but also sets the stage for a focused origin story about Matt Hagen’s terrifying transformation. Whether the film and animated series portray the same Clayface or different ones remains to be seen, but the DCU’s approach aims to keep stories engaging and accessible for all audiences.

What are your thoughts on the new timeline update for Clayface? Do you think the film and the animated series should share the same character, or should multiple Clayfaces exist in the DCU? Join the discussion below and share your views in the ComicBook Forum!