Over the past several weeks, fans have been buzzing about leaked photos from the Liverpool set of Clayface, the first DCU film to fully showcase Gotham City. Images of props and set design quickly made the rounds on social media, with fans dissecting every detail as potential hints about the new DC Universe’s take on Batman’s infamous home city. 
The enthusiasm isn’t surprising: glimpses of maps, signage, and even nods to classic creators have given Gotham a lived-in look that feels packed with Easter eggs.
Among the details spotted were a Gotham City map showing Wayne Manor, Wayne Tower, and Wayne Industries, suggesting these pillars of Bruce Wayne’s world are already established in this timeline. Other finds included the Wayne Community Center, a nod to Gotham’s social fabric; a curious missing persons poster referencing artist Jim Aparo; a Gotham license plate that tips its hat to co-creator Bill Finger; and references to the fictional drug “bliss,” previously seen in HBO’s The Penguin. Fans even spotted Club Vesuvius and posters mentioning the Joker. Taken together, the world-building looked tantalizingly rich, prompting speculation about how much of this is true DCU canon.
Yet when asked about these details, DC Studios co-chief James Gunn urged fans not to read too much into them. Speaking to IGN, Gunn explained that most of the background items should be treated as artistic flourishes from the set design team rather than official canon. “You really have to take it as something the art department put together,” he said, emphasizing that not every prop passes across his desk. He also pointed out that some imagery, like a bat insignia from The Batman (2022), wasn’t even part of the production design, hinting that overenthusiastic onlookers or photo editors might have added it later.
To clarify how canon is actually managed, Gunn mentioned that DC Studios now has a dedicated overseer – Phil, the keeper of the DCU Bible – tasked with ensuring consistency across cities, maps, characters, and even background celebrities. Gunn suggested that Phil hadn’t reviewed all of the art department’s creations for Clayface, meaning many of the Easter eggs fans are obsessing over may be little more than placeholders or fun nods, not permanent fixtures of the DCU.
That hasn’t stopped speculation, of course. The appearance of the Gotham map, particularly the placement of Arkham Island at the city’s center and the sewer system funneling toward it, has inspired debate about whether these elements will stick around. Many fans found this design clever and cinematic, imagining villains having perfect access routes to Arkham. Others worry Gunn is intentionally downplaying the clues to preserve surprise announcements for later DCU projects.
As for crossovers, some fans pointed to the reused Liverpool locations and familiar props, wondering if Robert Pattinson’s Batman could somehow be tied into the DCU. Gunn dismissed that idea as well, noting that while The Batman and Clayface both filmed in Liverpool, they exist in completely separate continuities. The patrol cars and news vans, when compared closely, confirm the productions are distinct, and the similarities are more logistical than narrative.
Directed by James Watkins and written by Mike Flanagan, Clayface blends psychological drama with body horror, starring Tom Rhys Harries, Naomie Ackie, and Max Minghella. The film is slated for release in September 2026, giving fans plenty of time to continue speculating over what elements of Gotham they’ll eventually see translated into official DCU canon. For now, Gunn’s advice is simple: enjoy the Easter eggs, but don’t expect them all to matter.
3 comments
sounds like the art dept is trolling everyone lol
honestly think hes just playin coy, prob saving a bigger annoucement later
if Pattinson showed up in DCU ppl would lose their minds, but yea prob not happening