Liverpool is preparing to see some familiar locations on the big screen as DC Studios’ new horror film Clayface arrives in cinemas on Friday 23 October 2026.
The highly anticipated film, starring Tom Rhys Harries as Batman villain Matt Hagen, was partly filmed in Liverpool, with several well-known locations transformed into the fictional streets of Gotham City.
From the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall to the Queen Elizabeth II Law Courts, production crews brought the DC universe to life across the city, complete with Gotham City signage, American-style street scenes, emergency vehicles and dramatic action sequences.
Tom Rhys Harries spotted filming Clayface in Liverpool
Welsh actor Tom Rhys Harries takes on the lead role of Matt Hagen, a rising Hollywood actor whose life changes dramatically after an attack leaves him severely disfigured.
During filming in Liverpool, Harries was photographed shooting scenes in an area behind London Road, close to the former TJ Hughes department store.
The location had been transformed into a rundown Gotham City street, featuring graffiti-covered walls, American-style cars, fire hydrants and a makeshift basketball area.
One scene photographed during production showed Harries carrying bags and looking towards a building as two teenagers approached. The actor’s character appeared to have his face partially concealed beneath a hood.
The detailed set dressing gave the Liverpool street a completely different appearance, creating the atmosphere of a neighbourhood in Gotham City.
Dramatic hospital scenes filmed in Liverpool’s law courts
Liverpool Central Library and World Museum also provided another backdrop filming involving Clayface being transported into the Liverpool court dressed as Gotham City Hospital.
The character was seen lying on a hospital trolley, covered in blood and bandages, as filming continued.
The sequence involved Dale White, a stunt performer standing in for the film’s leading actor, highlighting some of the practical work involved in bringing the character’s story to the screen.
Liverpool’s law courts transformed for Gotham City scenes
The Queen Elizabeth II Law Courts provided another backdrop for filming, with scenes involving members of the press waiting outside the building.
Photographers were positioned around the court steps as a character, concealed behind umbrellas, was filmed leaving the building.
Actor Max Minghella was photographed at the location alongside actress Sonita Henry.
Filming took place in heavy rain, with photographs capturing Minghella between takes holding a bottle of water.
The city’s distinctive court building provided an impressive setting for the Gotham City sequence.
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall becomes a Gotham City nightclub
One of Liverpool’s most recognisable cultural venues was also given a Hollywood transformation.
The Liverpool Philharmonic Hall was used for a night shoot involving scenes outside a nightclub.
The production featured doormen, customers and members of a fictional Gotham City television news crew.
Actress Joana Ribeiro was photographed wearing white during a scene in which her character appeared to be interviewed by reporters outside the nightclub.
The filming brought a completely different atmosphere to the famous Hope Street venue, showing how Liverpool’s existing architecture can be adapted for major film productions.
What is Clayface about?
Directed by James Watkins, Clayface takes a darker approach to the DC universe, combining elements of horror and psychological thriller.
The story follows Matt Hagen, a successful actor whose promising career is destroyed after a violent attack leaves him disfigured.
Desperate to regain his former appearance, Hagen undergoes an experimental treatment that has unexpected consequences, setting him on a dangerous path towards becoming Clayface.
The film also stars Naomi Ackie, Max Minghella, Eddie Marsan and David Dencik.
Based on the DC Comics character, the film has been produced by a team including James Gunn, Peter Safran and Matt Reeves, with a screenplay by Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini.
Clayface has also been produced on a comparatively modest budget for a major superhero film, with recent reports placing production costs at around $40 million (£30 million). This makes it one of the lowest-budget productions in DC Studios’ current cinematic universe, taking a different approach from the large-scale superhero blockbusters audiences have become accustomed to.
Liverpool continues to attract major film productions
Liverpool has become a familiar location for major international productions, with its historic buildings, distinctive architecture and varied streets regularly attracting filmmakers.
The city previously provided a backdrop for Gotham City in the 2022 blockbuster The Batman, starring Robert Pattinson.
Now, with Clayface heading to cinemas, audiences will once again have the opportunity to spot familiar Liverpool landmarks transformed into locations from the DC universe.
For local film fans, the release provides another opportunity to see Liverpool’s streets and buildings featured in a major Hollywood production.
Clayface arrives in UK cinemas on Friday 23 October 2026.
