‘DC filming felt like I was really in Gotham City’

Jenny ColemanBBC News, Liverpool

Conor McReynolds A police car with Gotham Police written on the side drives along a road. A green sign in the background says Gotham Docks in white capital letters. Film crews are in the background with lights. — Part of North John Street doubled up as Gotham Docks for filming of the new DC Studios movie

“I live in Gotham City. Big deep breath. I live in Gotham City.”

This was Batman superfan Conor McReynolds’s reaction after he watched Liverpool being transformed into a film set for the new DC Studios movie Clayface.

He has been a lifelong fan of the cape crusader and said it was “a real thrill to get the feeling of actually being on the streets of Gotham City”.

Liverpool Crown Court in Derby Square was transformed into Gotham Hospital with a temporary emergency entrance sign at the entrance as it became part of the film set.

Fake graffiti appeared on walls and litter was strewn across the streets to recreate the fictional city best known as the home of Batman.

Conor McReynolds An American style Hot Dog stall and car are parked on a Liverpool city centre street. Film crew are moving cables and props. — A hot dog stall, American cars and a fire hydrant appeared on North John Street

“The level of detail on the sets was really astounding,” Mr McReynolds added.

North John Street became almost unrecognisable as American cars and street furniture were brought in for the filming.

Members of the public gathered to watch and said it was “incredible” to see the city transformed.

Out In Liverpool Film crew are stood outside Liverpool Crown Court which is being used as a film set. A red sign across the front of the building says Emergency Entrance in white capital letters. A large amount of film crew are gathered as filming takes place with actors stood on the steps. — Actor Eddie Marsan (centre on steps) was spotted during filming outside Liverpool Crown Court

Part of North John Street was transformed into Gotham Docks and the Aloft Hotel appeared to be a courthouse with the City of Gotham flag and American flag seen flying on the building.

Mr McReynolds said: “Small details like Gotham licence plates on cars, Gotham-specific graffiti on walls and advertising for businesses within the DC Universe, such as Jitters Coffee, from Superman’s home city of Metropolis really give the whole thing a feeling of authenticity.”

He said it was wonderful to see how many local people were involved in the production.