As the DCU‘s Batman movie looms, the nascent franchise’s upcoming installment has already teased a significant backstory change for one of Batman’s most iconic villains. The move helps to prove how the DCU is forging new paths for DC adaptations as Matt Reeves’ The Batman trilogy ostensibly runs alongside upcoming DCU movies.

So far, the franchise’s only film is Superman, with Supergirl set for release one year later on June 26, 2026. This first installment alone has already departed from the darker tones embraced by the DCEU, establishing Superman as a beacon of hope in a vibrant setting that evokes the golden and silver ages of comics.

This has led many to surmise that the DCU’s Batman will follow suit, flying in the face of years’ worth of precedent and re-establishing a more colorful rendition of the Caped Crusader. A recent couple of set pH๏τos have lent weight to these theories, hinting that a certain Batman villain will be more evocative of early DC Comics depictions.

Clayface’s Penguin Tease Sets Up A Very Different Background For The Villain Than Is Often Used

The second DCU movie slated for release in 2026 is Clayface, an unexpected adaptation spotlighting one of Batman’s most recognizable yet underappreciated villains. It will also strike a decidedly different tone to Superman, leaning into an R-rated comic book adaptation and the horror genre.

Although Clayface is among the most underutilized members of Batman’s rogues gallery, the same can’t be said for the Penguin. Not only has the villain appeared in two high-profile, live-action Batman movies, but he recently starred in his own, self-тιтled series starring Colin Farrell in a particularly grounded origin story.

The Penguin also appears in some recently revealed set pH๏τos for Clayface. The images show city walls covered in graffiti and posters, one of which reads “Behold the Penguin Man” with an illustration of a man who closely resembles Oswald Cobblepot, AKA the Penguin.

The image seems to suggest that the DCU’s Penguin’s origins are rooted in the circus, which is a far cry from Colin Farrell’s Oz Cobb. This, in turn, suggests that the DCU’s Penguin will be a far more tragic character, with the poster hinting that his looks will cause him to be used as a circus curiosity.

Why Clayface Has Already Set Up The Penguin To Be So Different

With no solid word on when The Batman – Part II and The Batman – Part III will be released, it is becoming increasingly likely that the grounded trilogy will be released simultaneously with the DCU’s own take on Batman and his supporting characters. It stands to reason, therefore, that the DCU would want to differentiate itself.

One of the main issues with having two depictions of the same character occupying the silver screen at the same time is that it could be confusing for casual moviegoers. Another is that it could lead to over-saturation and a subsequent decline in interest that could negatively affect both franchises.

Ensuring that two of the same character are as distinctive as possible is consequently of paramount importance. Whether the DCU’s version is more lighthearted or more tragic (as the depiction of him being sold as a circus curiosity might suggest) than The Batman‘s remains to be seen, but the poster hints that he will be distinct nonetheless.

It remains unclear whether Clayface will feature the DCU’s version of the Penguin in-person. Whatever the case, it is likely to contain plenty of exciting first looks at Batman-adjacent characters and places.