The DC Universe (DCU) is buzzing with speculation after a recent set photo for the upcoming Clayface movie ignited a flurry of Joker theories. While Clayface, starring Tom Rhys Harries as Matt Hagen, is slated for release in late 2025, a seemingly innocuous detail has fans convinced James Gunn is subtly weaving a complex narrative around the Clown Prince of Crime.

The photo in question, circulating widely on social media, shows a set decoration featuring what appears to be a distinctive playing card – the Joker's iconic card. This isn't the first instance of Joker references popping up within the DCU under Gunn's leadership. Previous hints and teases have left many wondering just how deeply the Joker will be integrated into the new canon.

What Does This Mean for Joaquin Phoenix's Joker?

The biggest question on everyone's mind is how this all connects to Joaquin Phoenix’s acclaimed portrayal of the Joker. While Phoenix’s Joker exists in a separate, quasi-standalone universe, Gunn has hinted at potential connections. Could this Clayface reference be a bridge between the two? Or is it a deliberate misdirection, designed to keep fans guessing?

Clayface and the Joker: A Tangential Connection?

It's important to note that Clayface and the Joker don't have a significant, direct history in the comics. Matt Hagen’s transformation into Clayface is rooted in a scientific accident, not a direct entanglement with the Joker’s schemes. However, in the DC Universe, characters frequently cross paths and influence one another. The Joker's chaotic nature could easily disrupt Hagen's life, leading to his tragic transformation.

Theories Abound: From Cameos to Orchestrated Chaos

The theories swirling around this set photo are diverse. Some believe we might see a cameo from Joaquin Phoenix's Joker, however unlikely. Others posit that the card is a symbolic representation of the Joker's influence, a subtle foreshadowing of his presence in the broader DCU. A more radical theory suggests Gunn is planning a narrative where the Joker, even without a direct appearance, orchestrates events from behind the scenes, manipulating characters like Clayface to achieve his own twisted goals.

Gunn's Masterful Teasing

James Gunn is known for his strategic use of teases and Easter eggs. This Joker reference is undoubtedly part of that pattern, designed to generate excitement and speculation. It’s a reminder that the DCU is a meticulously crafted world, where every detail, no matter how small, could hold significance.

As we await the release of Clayface, the Joker questions continue to dominate the conversation. One thing is certain: James Gunn is keeping us guessing, and that’s precisely what makes the DCU so compelling. The anticipation for what’s to come is palpable, and fans are eagerly dissecting every clue in search of the next piece of the puzzle.