Clayface, the latest addition to the DC universe, has arrived in cinemas today, showcasing Liverpool transformed into Gotham City as never before. The ECHO photographers captured incredible photographs from the immersive set when the production took over the city last year, and we have rounded up 50 of the best below.
Liverpool's Landmarks Transformed
The city was fully absorbed into the set, with the Philharmonic Hall becoming neon-soaked night club Vesuvius. The Cunard Building became Pinkney Tower, and the World Museum became Gotham City Courthouse. A massive fairground scene was shot at New Brighton's Adventureland, and Georges Dock Way became the City of Gotham Police Department.
Even the famous Ferry Across the Mersey is now officially part of the DC universe, as the Royal Iris sails against a CGI'd backdrop of the Gotham skyline.
Director's Vision
Director James Watkins has spoken about how Liverpool was vital to bringing his grand vision to life. In a quote shared with the ECHO, the director explained Batman creator Bob Kane created Gotham as a vision of New York. Speaking about Liverpool's influence, he said: "New York was inspired by Liverpool. It's amazing shooting in Liverpool. It's got such great buildings, such great architecture and such history."
Behind the Scenes
The photos capture the scale of the production, from nighttime filming and vintage cars in New Brighton to the transformation of Water Street and Derby Square. Actors including Max Minghella, Naomi Ackie, and lead star Tom Rhys Harries were spotted on set, with scenes filmed outside St George's Hall and the Queen Elizabeth II Law Courts.
The film, directed by Speak No Evil filmmaker James Watkins, is expected to lean into horror-thriller territory. Even when Liverpool was the backdrop to Gotham for the first time in 2022, it wasn't quite to the same scale as the enormous Clayface production.
