Liverpool’s historic Crown Court has been dramatically transformed into the gritty streets of Gotham City, serving as the primary setting for the highly anticipated DC Studios film, ‘Clayface’. Filming commenced on August 30th, with the iconic Derby Square location — including the Queen Elizabeth II Law Courts — undergoing a significant visual overhaul to depict a scene of urban decay and medical crisis for the blockbuster production.
Gotham Takes Root in Liverpool
The transformation of Liverpool’s city centre into the fictional metropolis of Gotham is now a tangible reality, generating considerable buzz and drawing crowds. Liverpool Crown Court, a prominent architectural landmark, has been repurposed as “Gotham Hospital.” The surrounding Derby Square has been meticulously dressed with an array of realistic props, including piles of rubbish, vibrant graffiti spray-painted onto walls, and numerous tents, creating an atmosphere of disarray. Adding to the immersive set design are Gotham-themed vehicles such as police cars, ambulances, and a Gotham Broadcasting Channel news van, all positioned to capture the essence of the crime-ridden city.
On Sunday, August 31st, the production crew actively shot scenes, featuring actors portraying doctors and nurses attending to a gurney. Further adding to the narrative, an actor with a heavily bandaged face and a blood-stained chest was observed interacting with the crew, hinting at the film’s intense storyline. The scale of the operation, with dozens of production vehicles parked across various city centre roads including Dale Street and Castle Street, underscores the significant investment and attention to detail being poured into this Hollywood venture.
Behind the Scenes: The Clayface Production
‘Clayface’, a new entry into the DC Universe (DCU), is helmed by director James Watkins, known for his work on ‘Speak No Evil’. The project is executive produced by Matt Reeves, who previously directed ‘The Batman’, although sources indicate this new film will not be set within the same continuity as Robert Pattinson’s Dark Knight. Welsh actor Tom Rhys Harries has been cast in the titular role of Clayface, a casting that has reportedly impressed DC Studios leadership. The film is being described as a “body horror film” and a “Hollywood horror story,” suggesting a darker, more visceral take on the classic Batman villain.
While the exact release date is keenly awaited, reports point towards a September 2025 premiere. The creative team also includes screenwriter Hossein Amini, who penned the latest draft of the script, with input previously provided by Mike Flanagan. The production is slated to feature other notable actors such as Naomie Ackie and Max Minghella, further building anticipation for this DCU installment.
Liverpool’s Growing Role in Hollywood
Liverpool has firmly established itself as a premier filming destination, earning the moniker “Hollywood of the North.” The city’s distinctive architecture and cityscape have repeatedly doubled for American metropolises, most notably New York and, of course, Gotham City itself. The success of ‘The Batman’s’ extensive filming in Liverpool in 2020, which utilized landmarks like the Royal Liver Building and St. George’s Hall, paved the way for further major productions. The Liverpool Film Office plays a crucial role in facilitating these high-profile shoots, having contributed significantly to the local economy through its support of over 1,500 productions, driving substantial investment and creating thousands of jobs.
This latest project by DC Studios reinforces Liverpool’s standing as a go-to location for major international film companies. The city’s ability to be transformed into such a variety of settings, combined with its dedicated film infrastructure and experienced workforce, makes it an invaluable asset to the global film industry. The ongoing development of studio facilities, including the ambitious Littlewoods project, is set to further solidify Liverpool’s status.
The Villain: Understanding Clayface
Clayface is one of Batman’s most enduring and visually distinct adversaries, known for his ability to shapeshift and alter his form, often into a malleable, clay-like substance. The character has had multiple iterations in comic book history, with the film reportedly focusing on the Matt Hagen version, a B-movie actor who gains his powers through an experimental substance. This adaptation promises to delve into the darker, potentially tragic aspects of the character, aligning with its horror-thriller genre classification. The presence of Gotham-specific elements like the Gotham Herald and graffiti referencing potential crime bosses like Carmine Falcone further deepens the immersion into the DCU’s portrayal of Gotham.
A City in the Spotlight
The filming of ‘Clayface’ in Liverpool is more than just a cinematic event; it’s a testament to the city’s vibrant creative sector and its growing importance in the global film landscape. The transformation of Liverpool Crown Court into Gotham Hospital has generated significant local interest and provides a clear indication of the scale and ambition behind this emerging DCU film. As production continues, the city is once again at the centre of Hollywood’s attention, ready to capture the imaginations of audiences worldwide when ‘Clayface’ is released.
