Clayface is already earning rave reviews for bringing something deliciously grotesque to the superhero genre. Critics have praised Tom Rhys Harries for his haunting portrayal of Matt Hagen, while the film’s practical makeup effects and stomach-churning transformations have drawn comparisons to body-horror classics like The Fly and The Substance. Better yet, this DC outing stands firmly on its own, without demanding a PhD in Batman lore.

But while critics are busy celebrating the film’s gruesome charms, some fans on X, especially after a thought from, have found an entirely different reason to dissect it. After watching Clayface, a few viewers believe James Gunn may have effectively “hijacked” the project for the DC Universe, pulling it away from Matt Reeves’ original creative plans. Apparently, the real horror story might involve more than one man losing his face.

That reaction adds a fascinating twist to Clayface’s already complicated behind-the-scenes journey. The project was initially developed by Matt Reeves and his production company, 6th & Idaho, alongside writer-director Mike Flanagan, as a genre-driven story connected to Reeves’ darker Batman universe. However, after James Gunn and Peter Safran took charge of DC Studios, Flanagan pitched the psychological horror concept to the new leadership in March 2023.

Gunn and Safran reportedly embraced the idea but ultimately moved Clayface into the mainline DC Universe rather than the separate Elseworlds continuity featuring Robert Pattinson’s Batman. Reeves, however, did not disappear from the picture, remaining attached as a producer alongside James Gunn, Safran, and Lynn Harris. Now, with critics applauding the finished film and fans questioning its creative home, the debate over who really shaped Clayface has acquired a monstrous new dimension on X.

“We Started Developing It”: Matt Reeves Reveals ‘Clayface’ Was in the Works Before James Gunn Took Over DC

And with Reeves still in the credits but Clayface now firmly in Gunn’s DCU, fans on X are debating whether this was a creative collaboration or a particularly well-dressed case of cinematic grand theft.

Some X users are clearly convinced that Clayface has fallen victim to a DCU takeover, branding James Gunn everything from a “hijacker” to a “thief” for allegedly pulling the project away from Matt Reeves’ cinematic playground. One fan even suggested that Tom Rhys Harries seemed eager to join Reeves’ The Batman saga, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the debate over where the horror film truly belongs.

"You can tell it was originally a Matt Reeves project then Gunn clearly hijacked it for the DCU lmao," a user started

"He need to use this Batman that we already like instead of trying to find some random dude to do a different version. This one would be perfect contrast to the current Superman," another added.

"You can also tell that Tom Rhys wanted to be part of Matt Reeves's The Batman saga," a user commented.

"It was and still is a reeves project," another declared.

"He didn't hijack anything," a user concluded.

"Just bring The Batman to DCU," said a user.

However, other fans have vehemently disagreed, arguing that Mike Flanagan pitched Clayface to James Gunn and Peter Safran after an earlier attempt fell through. They believe the DC Studios chiefs deserve credit for greenlighting Flanagan’s passion project, rather than being accused of taking it from Matt Reeves. Quite the perspective, considering Matt Reeves himself was congratulating the team a minute ago. Ultimately, the debate has turned Clayface into a battle over creative ownership and DC’s competing cinematic universes.

Peter Safran Confirms Batman Is Active During 'Clayface' Despite Not Appearing in the Movie

What do you think of the X discourse? Do you really think James Gunn hijacked the project from Matt Reeves? Let us know in the comments!