After new Clayface set pH๏τos have suggested that Robert Pattinson’s Batman is in the DC Universe franchise, James Gunn addresses the confusing images. As several projects are in the works for the DCU’s Chapter 1: “Gods and Monsters” line-up, one of them includes a DC villain’s own solo movie for 2026.

The Clayface movie is currently in production, as it will bring Matt Hagen into Gunn’s franchise while also marking his live-action debut. Since the James Watkins-directed film began principal pH๏τography, there have been several exciting DC Easter eggs to emerge from various set pH๏τos and videos from the Caped Crusader’s larger mythology.

However, a new set image that has recently gained traction was one that features Pattinson’s Batman logo on a trash can from the set, which sparked theories that his Bruce Wayne is joining DC Studios’ main continuity after all. But as one audience member asked Gunn on Threads, the co-CEO addressed the situation in the following post:

James Gunn: Although the trash can is from the set I have a hard time believing the bat was put there by the art department, but if so it never came across my desk (I don’t have time to ok every piece of set dressing.)

There have been theories floating around about the actor seemingly joining this franchise because Clayface has been filming on the same locations as 2022’s The Batman. The British DC star is set to reprise the role in The Batman 2 movie in 2027, with principal pH๏τography set to begin in April 2026.

What James Gunn’s Batman Comments Mean

As much as audience members wish for the two universes to be one and the same, Gunn has been on the record multiple times that The Batman universe will remain an Elseworlds property. Despite speculations and rumors floating around, the set image is clearly just a situation where the logo was attached without DC Studios’ authorization.

It’s also key to take into account that there are several Batman villains in the DCU that aren’t and wouldn’t fit in Matt Reeves’ franchise, given his more grounded take on the mythology. Through the set pH๏τos and videos that have emerged so far, it has become even clearer that the Elseworlds-based property doesn’t fit the DCU.

Our Take On James Gunn’s Batman Comments

It’s clear from Gunn’s response that there will be instances where others will take actions, possibly to spark this kind of confusion with the audience, from a simple sticker being stuck to a trash can. It’s also entirely possible that this was a simple mistake by the art department that didn’t get caught in time.

Since The Brave and The Bold movie is still in the works, there are already separate plans for the DCU’s Gotham City hero that don’t align with Pattinson’s iteration. Hopefully, future Clayface pH๏τos and videos will give more clues about the new Batman in Gunn’s continuity.