The historic building is still instantly recognisable
Stockport Plaza appears in the upcoming DC superhero movie Clayface(Image: DC/Warner Bros.)
A historic Stockport building is to feature prominently in an upcoming superhero movie which is set to release later this year.
Clayface is an origin movie based on the DC Comics character of the same name who later becomes both an enemy and ally of Batman. The movie follows an up-and-coming actor who is transformed into a being made out of clay after undergoing a series of experimental medical trials.
In the film, which will be released in the US on October 23, Tom Rhys Harries takes on the leading role of Matt Hagen/Clayface, whilst BAFTA-winning actress Naomi Ackie will appear alongside him as Dr Caitlin Corr.
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Clayface, which forms part of the DC Universe series of films alongside the likes of Supergirl and Man of Tomorrow, will also star The Handmaid’s Tale actor Max Minghella as a Gotham City police detective, whilst British actor Eddie Marsan is also set to appear in an undisclosed role.
The majority of filming for the movie took place last year at a soundstage at the Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden space, but a large number of on-location shoots were also held across Liverpool, Brighton and Greater Manchester.
Tom Rhys Harries takes on the leading role of Matt Hagen/Clayface in the upcoming DC film(Image: DC/Warner Bros.)
The historic Castlefield arches doubled-up as a homeless bunker camp, with the location kitted out with graffiti, telephone boxes and posters referring to the Gotham City Police District. Directed by James Watkins and produced by Guardians of the Galaxy writer and director James Gunn, the body horror flick has a budget of $40 million.
Stockport Plaza was also used in the film, where the exterior of the Grade II-listed art deco building was used for scenes featuring a red carpet movie premiere which included the main star Harries appearing on set.
The Plaza is now instantly recognisable in scenes which appear in the trailer, which has received over 6.7 million views in just 21 hours. In the trailer, overhead shots of the building are shown on numerous occasions, where the theatre is surrounded by Times Square-style digital advertisement boards.
The art deco Stockport Plaza was first opened in 1932
“Stockport Plaza all looking a bit different,” a member of the Stockport Memories group on Facebook posted following the release of the trailer. The short tease for the film also shows the Philharmonic Hall in Liverpool as it is transformed into the Vesuvius nightclub. In the brief shots, it shows a crowd of people outside the venue as American-style yellow taxis are parked up.
Stockport Plaza was first built in first opened in October 7, 1932 and was designed by architect William Thornley. Over the years, it has also served as a ‘super cinema’ and a bingo hall. The building was subjected to a £1.9m restoration in 2009 which saw it restored to its original 1932 configuration.
Over the years, the theatre has hosted performances from the likes of Sir Ken Dodd, Jerry Lewis and Stockport band Blossoms. It has also served as a filming location for Life on Mars, Peaky Blinders, and Russell T Davies’ series Nolly, starring Helena Bonham Carter.