DC Studios Peter Safran on Clayface, Skydance Acquisition and Future DCU Slate
In a discussion with IGN, DC Studios co-CEO Peter Safran confirmed that the studio’s upcoming film and television slate remains firmly on track following Warner Bros.’ acquisition by Skydance. Safran stated that new owner David Ellison expressed support for the existing long-term vision and intends to provide the resources necessary to execute it.
Clayface Launches the Skydance Era
Set for release as the first title under the new corporate regime, the R-rated body horror film Clayface represents the broad spectrum of tones and budgets DC Studios plans to deploy, according to Safran. Written by Mike Flanagan, the $40 million feature focuses on character-driven themes of obsession and identity rather than traditional superhero tropes. Safran noted to IGN that the psychological horror approach relies on practical character transformations to explore deeper human fears.
The film is set in Gotham City, which Safran described to IGN as a grittier and more dangerous environment. He explained that while future filmmakers tackling the setting will have creative freedom to use it as a starting point, a consistent baseline of a darker aesthetic will remain across the shared universe.
TV Projects Introduce Characters for Future Feature Films
On the television front, production is currently underway on The People v. Gorilla Grodd following the completion of the first season of Lanterns. Safran confirmed that a second season of Lanterns has not yet been greenlit, noting to IGN that the network and studio teams will wait to ensure a worthy successor before moving forward. Television projects serve as an expanded narrative space to introduce characters who can later transition to feature films, citing Aaron Pierre’s John Stewart as an example ahead of his appearance in next summer’s Man of Tomorrow.
Animated projects are also advancing through various stages of development. Safran told IGN that scripts are underway for Absolute Batman with Scott Snyder, while Tom King has completed an eight-episode adaptation of Mister Miracle starring Josh Hutcherson as Scott Free and Mackenzie Davis as Big Barda. Additional advanced animated titles include Creature Commandos Season Two, My Adventures with Green Lantern, Starfire, and DC Superpowers, alongside an early-phase Joker anime project.
Production Updates on Batman and Superman
Addressing marketplace overlap, Safran confirmed to IGN that the studio avoids dueling live-action Batmans by scheduling Batman: Part Two and the animated film Dynamic Duo for 2028. While acknowledging current production issues on Matt Reeves’ sequel, Safran praised the footage shot thus far. Meanwhile, Man of Tomorrow is currently in post-production, with marketing and distribution plans to be determined alongside theatrical distribution executive Josh Goldstine.
Regarding DC Studios co-boss James Gunn, Safran noted that no decision has been reached regarding his next directing project following his work on the Superman follow-up, Peacemaker Season Two, and Creature Commandos. Safran added that Gunn maintains continuous enthusiasm for the studio’s overarching slate.
Disclaimer: The views and cultural analyses presented in this article are for informational and entertainment purposes only.