Runcorn’s Silver Jubilee Bridge was transformed into a wintry stretch of Gotham City on Saturday evening as filming continued for The Batman Part II.
Production crews took over the landmark bridge connecting Runcorn and Widnes, covering sections of the road and several vehicles in fake snow before cameras began rolling later in the day.
Filming continued into the night, with footage from the area appearing to show an ambulance travelling across the bridge while being followed closely by a motorcyclist dressed in dark clothing.
A helicopter was also seen repeatedly circling above the bridge and surrounding area, capturing the action from the air as the nighttime sequence unfolded below.
The rider appeared to be wearing an outfit similar to Bruce Wayne’s “Drifter” disguise from the first film, which allowed Robert Pattinson’s character to move around Gotham without attracting attention.
The sequence was reportedly filmed several times, with additional vehicles later brought onto the bridge to create a busier Gotham City road scene.
Passengers travelling with Avanti West Coast may even have been treated to an unexpected behind-the-scenes glimpse of Gotham. One of the operator’s trains passed across the neighbouring railway bridge while a scene was being filmed, giving passengers a potentially spectacular view of the snowy set, vehicles and helicopter in action.
Although Robert Pattinson could not be clearly identified during the filming, the motorcycle, clothing and snowy surroundings have given fans an early glimpse at what appears to be a dramatic chase sequence from the upcoming sequel.
The Silver Jubilee Bridge was closed to allow the production to take place, with motorists diverted across the Mersey Gateway Bridge. Shuttle buses were also provided for pedestrians and cyclists travelling between Runcorn and Widnes.
The latest filming follows further production activity around the Liverpool City Region, with the Queensway Tunnel between Liverpool and Birkenhead also being used to recreate the roads and tunnels of Gotham City.
Crews previously filmed close to the Liverpool entrance of the tunnel, while more recent scenes have taken place near the former Rendel Street entrance in Birkenhead. Gotham City Police Department vehicles and other specially created props have also been spotted around the region.
Liverpool City Region played an important role in Matt Reeves’ first Batman film, released in 2022. St George’s Hall, the Walker Art Gallery, County Sessions House, Anfield Cemetery and the Royal Liver Building were among the local landmarks used to create the dark streets of Gotham.
The decision to use the Silver Jubilee Bridge adds another instantly recognisable North West location to the sequel. Its huge steel arch, industrial surroundings and dramatic nighttime lighting provided a fitting backdrop for the new scenes.
Robert Pattinson is set to return as Bruce Wayne and Batman, with Matt Reeves once again directing. Plot details remain under wraps, although the fake snow used during filming suggests audiences could see a colder and more wintry version of Gotham when the Dark Knight returns.
The Batman Part II is currently scheduled to arrive in cinemas in February 2028.
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