The film set for the upcoming DC Universe Clayface has transformed Derby Square in Liverpool city centre
11:33, 31 Aug 2025Updated 11:49, 31 Aug 2025
Film crew prepares a shot as part of the filming of DC Studios’ Clayface(Image: Liverpool ECHO)
Liverpool’s crown court building was transformed into “Gotham Hospital” as filming got underway on the latest DC Studios film Clayface. Work started on Saturday to transform Merseyside’s law courts on Derby Square in Liverpool’s city centre into the DC Universe film set.
Derby Square was littered with rubbish, fake graffiti had been stencilled onto walls and dozens of tents had been put up. A temporary sign on the court building showed it had been transformed into Gotham Hospital with a large red emergency entrance sign erected over the front door.
Vehicles including Gotham Police cars, ambulances and a Gotham Broadcasting Channel news van had also been parked around Derby Square. The ECHO previously reported yesterday how it was believed the film set was for the 2026 film Clayface.
This was confirmed this morning, Sunday, with production crew holding signage stamped with Clayface. Filming on Derby Square began this morning, with the crew shooting multiple takes of doctors and a nurse taking a gurney out of the back of an ambulance and quickly transporting it through the front door.
An actor with his face heavily bandaged and blood staining his bare chest was also seen speaking with the production crew.
Dozens of locals gathered to watch the shoot, with some asking the security if the man with his face bandaged was the protagonist Clayface. This was not confirmed.
A bandaged actor speaks with the production crew on the set of Clayface(Image: Liverpool ECHO)
Clayface is expected to be released in September next year, with Deadline reporting that Tom Rhys Harris would be playing the character in the horror-thriller. The film is based on the comic book character which haunts the fictional Gotham City.
Speak No Evil director James Watkins is leading the project, while The Batman director Matt Reeves will serve as an executive producer.
However, according to a report from IGN last year, it is not believed to be set in the same film universe as the 2022 film The Batman, featuring Robert Pattinson.
A shape-shifting creature made of magical clay haunts Gotham City, alternating between villain and ally of Batman. Multiple tragic figures have taken on the Clayface mantle over the years.
A set for the Clayface movie in Derby Square, Liverpool city centre on Saturday(Image: Liverpool Echo)
Dozens of production vehicles were parked around the city centre on roads including Dale Street, Castle Street and by the town hall.
The ECHO reported yesterday how filming on the Hollywood film started at the former Merseyside Police HQ on Canning Place in the city centre.
Batman crews were previously spotted throughout the city during filming in 2020. Director Mr Reeves confirmed in August of that year that 75% of production would take place in Liverpool.
According to Culture Liverpool, filming in Liverpool generated nearly £35m for the city region in the last financial year, supporting 1,129 jobs.
See eight pictures of the Clayface film set HERE.