Film crews thought to be linked to the much-anticipated Batman sequel have returned to Merseyside, with sightings near the Birkenhead Tunnel. The old entrance to the tunnel on Rendel Street was covered by large fencing earlier this week as teams were seen on site. Within the closed area, a white car with blue trim bearing the markings “GCP” – thought to represent Gotham City Police – could be spotted.
Second Sighting in Two Months
This is the second time in as many months that crews have been seen transforming the Liverpool City Region into Gotham City. In May, various vehicles were spotted outside St George’s Hall, including cars mocked up to appear as Gotham Police cruisers and yellow US-style taxis. The Birkenhead tunnel was also used in the dead of night with police cars, while Robert Pattinson’s stunt double was seen on top of a moving car.
Trade publications have listed Liverpool as a filming location for the long-awaited DC Comics sequel. However, the Liverpool Film Office or Warner Bros – who are producing the film – have yet to confirm the nature of the two-day setup on the Wirral.
Previous Batman Filming in Liverpool
During the height of COVID-19 restrictions, the first Batman film starring Robert Pattinson grossed around £578 million worldwide when released in 2022. The sequel was officially confirmed for an October 2027 cinema release. Liverpool has featured prominently in the Batman franchise, with the Liver Building doubling as the Gotham City Police Department building and Batman swooping down from it. Shooting also took place at Anfield Cemetery for a scene involving Batman and Catwoman, and stunt doubles were seen on location for a motorbike shot.
Six weeks ago, cameras were spotted outside St George’s Hall with the Bat symbol adorned on them. The Liverpool Echo understands that visit was part of a technical recce by the studio, rather than a full formal shoot. Principal photography was confirmed to have begun by director Matt Reeves and cast members via social media.
Economic Impact of Film Production
The Batman is the latest in a series of major productions secured for Liverpool in the last seven years through the Liverpool Film Office. Since 2019, more than 1,600 productions have filmed in the city, generating £150 million for the local economy. The Liverpool Film Office is part of Liverpool Council, funded by the city budget, earned income, and external grants. To date, it has invested £2.8 million, with fund-supported productions receiving more than 60 award nominations and 19 industry awards, including four BAFTAs and two International Emmys.
Liverpool has become the most filmed area in the UK outside of London. Last year, the Batman spin-off Clayface also shot in the city, around Liverpool Crown Court in Derby Square. The famous Philharmonic Hall was transformed into a nightclub named Vesuvius for the first teaser trailer released last month. The film is scheduled for release on October 23.
The Liverpool Echo contacted the Liverpool Film Office and Warner Bros for comment but had not received a response at the time of publication.
