The Batman, directed by Matt Reeves, is a gritty, noir-infused take on Gotham City, featuring Robert Pattinson as the latest incarnation of the Dark Knight. While the film’s setting feels uniquely atmospheric, the shooting locations are scattered across the United Kingdom and Chicago, blending real-world settings with digital enhancements to bring Gotham to life.
Though much of The Batman was filmed in the United Kingdom, the film drew inspiration from various locations, particularly Chicago. The production designers incorporated elements from both cities, utilizing CGI to craft a sprawling Gotham City. This unique fusion of real places with fictional elements created the perfect backdrop for Pattinson’s darker portrayal of the iconic superhero.
Key Filming Locations Across the UK
Several of the movie’s defining scenes were shot in and around London and Liverpool. These cities helped establish the gothic atmosphere of Gotham. From neo-Gothic architecture to urban backdrops, the film used a combination of real buildings and digital artistry to create the imposing cityscape.
Two Temple Place – Mayor Mitchell’s House
In a pivotal scene, the exterior of Mayor Mitchell’s house, where a key press conference takes place, was filmed at Two Temple Place in London. This stunning neo-Gothic mansion, built in 1895, now serves as a public exhibition space, lending its stately atmosphere to the political intrigue unfolding in Gotham.
Many of the film’s iconic city scenes were filmed in Liverpool, notably around the Wellington Column and the Steble Fountain near William Brown Street. These locations were digitally transformed to resemble a bustling, neo-classical cityscape akin to Times Square, contributing to the film’s urban vibe.
St. George’s Hall – The Bank of Gotham
The Bank of Gotham’s infamous vandalized facade was brought to life by using the south face of St. George’s Hall in Liverpool. This magnificent 19th-century building is a central landmark in the city, offering a dramatic setting for the scenes involving criminal activity in Gotham.
Chicago’s Influence on Gotham
While much of the film’s production took place in the UK, Chicago made its mark on the film. The city’s iconic architecture and public spaces were used to shape Gotham’s aesthetics. One of the film’s most memorable shots, featuring an elevated train station, was filmed at Chicago’s Adams and Wabash station.
The Wabash Subway Station Scene
A key subway scene was initially planned for filming at the real Wabash station but was later recreated in London on a soundstage. Director Matt Reeves and his team purchased a subway car before the pandemic halted production. Ultimately, the scene was brought to life using detailed replicas, combining practical and digital effects.
Gotham City Police Department – The Marshall Suloway Bridge
A thrilling chase scene with Batman riding his motorcycle through Gotham’s streets was filmed on the Marshall Suloway Bridge in Chicago. The area’s diverse architecture was digitally altered to match Gotham’s aesthetic, and the Gotham City Police Department’s tower was added using CGI.
The Batman is notable for its blend of real-world locations and digital manipulation. The film’s skyline, including shots of bridges and high-rises, was constructed with CGI to evoke the feel of New York, while other locations like the Williamsburg Bridge in New York served as visual inspiration for Gotham’s infrastructure.
Wayne Tower – A Homage to Chicago’s Tribune Tower
Wayne Tower, a critical feature of the Gotham skyline, was inspired by Chicago’s iconic Tribune Tower. The building’s neo-Gothic architecture, combined with CGI, created a towering structure that looms over the city in the film. The tower’s location was digitally altered to place it near Grant Park, further enhancing the gothic atmosphere.
The Batcave’s Secluded Entrance
The entrance to the Batcave, a crucial location in the film, was filmed at the Kingsway tramway subway in central London. The interior of the Batcave, along with other key sets like Wayne Tower and Selina Kyle’s apartment, was constructed on sets at Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden.
The Iceberg Lounge, run by the Penguin (played by Colin Farrell), was filmed at the Printworks London club in Canada Water. This former printing plant was transformed into a 5,000-capacity venue in 2017 and served as the perfect setting for the film’s high-stakes, nightclub scenes.
Studio Magic Behind the Gotham Renewal Corporation
The Gotham Renewal Corporation, where pivotal scenes unfold, was filmed using StageCraft technology at Warner Bros. Studios. This innovative tool, developed for The Mandalorian, uses ultra-high-resolution LED screens to create real-time, immersive cityscapes behind the actors, blending real and virtual worlds seamlessly.
Gotham’s City Hall, with its imposing Gothic architecture, was filmed at Liverpool’s St. George’s Hall. While the building itself was digitally altered to match the fictional setting, the stunning exterior remains a notable feature of the film. The interior, however, was built on a set at the Cardington Airship Hangar 1 in Bedfordshire.
Royal Liver Building – Gotham’s Police Station
The iconic Royal Liver Building, located in Liverpool’s Pier Head, served as the inspiration for Gotham’s police station. Built in 1911, this skyscraper is one of the first of its kind in Europe. Its clock tower, which is central to the film’s narrative, further enhances Gotham’s gothic tone.
The thrilling Batmobile chase scenes were filmed at Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey, southwest of London. This abandoned airport runway provided the ideal setting for the high-speed pursuit, which involved a fleet of vehicles. Additional sequences were filmed at the Coryton oil refinery in Essex.
The Dark History of Gotham Orphanage
The ruins of the Gotham Orphanage were filmed at Hartwood Hospital, a former psychiatric institution in Scotland. The hospital, abandoned since 1998, has fallen into disrepair, providing a chilling backdrop for scenes that highlight Gotham’s troubled history and Batman’s own origins.
Gotham Square Garden – Filming Locations in Chicago and London
The exterior of Gotham Square Garden was filmed at the James R. Thompson Center in Chicago, while the interior scenes were filmed across two London locations: The O2 arena and a water tank on the Warner Bros. Studios lot. These varied locations helped bring the film’s climactic action sequences to life.
The Batman combines real-world locations and digital effects to create a compelling and atmospheric rendition of Gotham City. Whether filming in the UK or Chicago, the filmmakers utilized a diverse array of settings to bring the dark and gritty world of Gotham to life. Through creative production and the use of iconic landmarks, the film captures the essence of Batman’s urban playground while maintaining a modern, noir-inspired edge.
