Stockport Plaza, a Grade II-listed art deco building, appears in the trailer for the upcoming DC superhero movie Clayface, which has received over 6.7 million views in 21 hours. The historic venue is shown in overhead shots surrounded by Times Square-style digital advertisement boards.
Clayface film details
Clayface is an origin movie based on the DC Comics character who becomes both an enemy and ally of Batman. The film follows an up-and-coming actor transformed into a being made of clay after experimental medical trials. Tom Rhys Harries plays Matt Hagen/Clayface, with BAFTA-winning actress Naomi Ackie as Dr Caitlin Corr. The Handmaid's Tale actor Max Minghella appears as a Gotham City police detective, and British actor Eddie Marsan has an undisclosed role.
Directed by James Watkins and produced by Guardians of the Galaxy writer and director James Gunn, the film has a $40 million budget. It is set for US release on October 23.
Filming locations
Most filming took place at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, with on-location shoots in Liverpool, Brighton, and Greater Manchester. The historic Castlefield arches served as a homeless bunker camp, kitted out with graffiti, telephone boxes, and Gotham City Police District posters. Stockport Plaza's exterior was used for red carpet movie premiere scenes featuring Harries.
The Philharmonic Hall in Liverpool was transformed into the Vesuvius nightclub, shown with crowds outside and American-style yellow taxis.
Stockport Plaza history
Stockport Plaza first opened on October 7, 1932, designed by architect William Thornley. It served as a 'super cinema' and a bingo hall before a £1.9m restoration in 2009 returned it to its original configuration. The venue has hosted performances by Sir Ken Dodd, Jerry Lewis, and Stockport band Blossoms, and has been a filming location for Life on Mars, Peaky Blinders, and Russell T Davies' series Nolly.
A member of the Stockport Memories group on Facebook commented: “Stockport Plaza all looking a bit different.”
