James Gunn Defends the DCU's Approach to Interconnected Stories, Doesn't Want Movies Like Clayface to Exist Just to 'Set Up' Crossovers

DC Studios co-chairman James Gunn has defended the DCU's approach to interconnected stories, saying he doesn't want movies like Clayface to exist just to "set up" crossovers.

Clayface poured into the DCU when it brought the tragic story of Matt Hagen (Tom Rhys Harries) to theaters yesterday. A bloody body horror movie with a firm R rating, its October release date makes sense as it molded its way into the comic book movie universe with a more adult story, but not everyone is happy with the film's place in the universe.

Despite solid scores from critics and fans (IGN gave it a 7/10 review), there are DC watchers who have continued to complain that executives like Gunn and co-chairman Peter Safran haven't done a good job of using smaller stories to build toward bigger tie-in projects. For reference, the DCU technically started with animated series Creature Commandos before heading to theaters with Superman. …