Liverpool's iconic city centre has undergone a dramatic metamorphosis, its historic architecture now the backdrop for the gritty, rain-soaked streets of Gotham City. Yellow taxi cabs, American-style newsstands, and Gotham City Police Department vehicles have descended upon St George's Plateau, signaling the arrival of a major Hollywood production shrouded in secrecy under the codename 'Clayface'.
The transformation has captivated residents and sparked intense speculation online, as film crews work to bring a new chapter of the DC Universe to life, further cementing Liverpool's reputation as a premier destination for blockbuster filmmaking.
Key Takeaways
- A major Hollywood production, codenamed 'Clayface', is currently filming in Liverpool city centre.
- The codename strongly suggests the project is part of the DC Universe, as Clayface is a notable Batman villain.
- Key landmarks, including St George's Hall and William Brown Street, have been transformed to resemble Gotham City.
- This project reinforces Liverpool's status as a go-to location for major films, previously serving as Gotham in Matt Reeves' 'The Batman'.
Gotham's Dramatic Return to Merseyside
For the second time in recent years, Liverpool is standing in for one of fiction's most famous cities. The area around St George's Hall and Lime Street is now virtually unrecognizable, meticulously dressed to portray the dark, atmospheric world of Gotham. The production has spared no detail in its quest for authenticity.
Onlookers have spotted a fleet of distinctive yellow cabs, a staple of American cityscapes, lining the streets. Custom-built newsstands plastered with Gotham-centric headlines and advertisements add to the immersive environment. Perhaps most notably, official-looking Gotham City Police Department (GCPD) cars and Gotham Action News vans are parked throughout the area, confirming the setting beyond any doubt.
A Familiar Disguise
This isn't the first time Liverpool's neo-classical architecture has provided the perfect canvas for Gotham. The city played a pivotal role in the 2022 blockbuster 'The Batman', directed by Matt Reeves and starring Robert Pattinson. Key scenes, including a dramatic funeral sequence and the film's climactic finale, were shot at St George's Hall and the Liver Building, earning the city praise for its convincing portrayal of the troubled metropolis.
The current filming operation is extensive, resulting in several road closures and diversions around the city centre. The scale of the production underscores the significant investment and trust Hollywood places in Liverpool's locations and infrastructure.
Unpacking the 'Clayface' Mystery
While production details are being kept under tight wraps, the working title 'Clayface' offers a significant clue for comic book fans. In the DC Comics lore, Clayface is a formidable adversary of Batman, a shapeshifting supervillain with a tragic backstory.
Who is Clayface?
Several characters have taken on the Clayface mantle, but the most famous is Basil Karlo, a B-list actor driven mad after being replaced in a remake of his classic horror film. He adopts the persona of the film's villain, Clayface, to exact revenge. Later versions of the character grant him superhuman abilities, allowing him to change his physical form, mimic others, and melt into a puddle of living clay.
"The choice of 'Clayface' as a codename is almost certainly not a coincidence. It points directly to a project deeply embedded in Batman's world, whether it's a sequel, a spin-off series, or something entirely new within James Gunn's rebooted DCU," comments a pop culture analyst.
The codename has fueled speculation that this project could be a direct sequel to 'The Batman' or perhaps a new series for the Max streaming service, expanding on Matt Reeves' dark and realistic take on the Caped Crusader's universe.
Liverpool: The Hollywood of the North
The return of Gotham's film crews solidifies Liverpool's growing status as a powerhouse in the film and television industry. The city's versatile architecture, world-class facilities, and the crucial support of the Liverpool Film Office have made it an irresistible choice for producers worldwide.
Filming by the Numbers
According to the Liverpool Film Office, the film and TV industry has had a significant economic impact on the city region. In 2022 alone, it is estimated to have generated over £21 million for the local economy, supporting jobs and showcasing the city to a global audience of billions.
Liverpool's cinematic resume is impressive and diverse, including major franchises and acclaimed dramas:
- The Batman (2022): Stood in for key locations in Gotham City.
- Captain America: The First Avenger (2011): Stanley Dock was transformed into 1940s New York.
- Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016): St George's Hall and the Cunard Building featured prominently.
- Peaky Blinders (TV Series): Numerous city locations, such as Powis Street, were used to recreate 1920s Birmingham.
This consistent stream of high-profile productions not only boosts the local economy but also generates a sense of civic pride and excitement. For now, Liverpudlians are once again enjoying the surreal experience of watching their home city play a starring role in a Hollywood blockbuster, eagerly awaiting the day they can see the familiar streets of Merseyside on the big screen, cloaked in the shadows of Gotham.
