On The Set Of HBO Max's 'Batgirl' | With Exclusive Behind The Scene Pictures
Despite my relatively small hometown of Glasgow not being Scotland’s capital and not as well known throughout the rest of the world, it has become somewhat of a popular filming destination for some big movies. In the last two years alone, it has seen the glitz and glamor of Hollywood on several occasions with the likes of The Batman (starring Robert Pattinson), The Flash (starring Ezra Miller along with Michael Keaton’s triumphant return to the role of the Dark Knight) and Indiana Jones 5 (starring the legend that is Harrison Ford) using the city center as an American backdrop.
To many, it may seem like a strange choice. However, for those of us who call the city home, it is not actually that hard to see why. Our architecture is something to behold and several of our city center streets do look like something straight out of an American movie. The gothic style also makes it perfect for Batman, especially the aesthetic created by Tim Burton. So much so, that the upcoming Batgirl movie has also been filming here for the last few weeks.
RELATED: First Look At Leslie Grace's Batgirl Costume
The city center has been transformed into Gotham with many old shops having Gotham-esque signs and decorations put up. The production team has clearly been working hard to change the city into Gotham but has also spent a lot of time covering the streets with polystyrene and fake snow. The décor does not reveal much in terms of plot, but with the fake snow and the abundance of Christmas trees, it is a safe bet to say some of (if not all) of the show will take place during the festive holiday season, much like Batman Returns.
Batgirl sees actress Leslie Grace take up the mantle as one of Batman’s proteges and the secret identity of Barbara Gordon. The movie will apparently also include Michael Keaton as the caped crusader again. Details of the plot are scarce, as to be expected, but we do know the movie will see Batgirl go up against the villain Firefly, played by veteran actor Brendan Fraser. J. K. Simmons will also be returning as Commissioner Jim Gordon (a role he played alongside Ben Affleck’s Batman).
The casting itself has piqued the interest of many fans, as Keaton’s inclusion would suggest it is set within Burton’s Batman universe, but Simmons’ inclusion suggests differently. Having said that, it is likely Simmons will just be playing the role he did before since the actor who played Gordon in the Burton movies (Pat Hingle) sadly died many years ago.
Whilst Keaton has yet to be seen anywhere, both Leslie Grace and Brendan Fraser have been spotted in Glasgow. There are photos snapped of Fraser coming out of one of the city’s restaurants and Grace seen actively filming some of her scenes. On top of the amazing scenery, fans have witnessed some of the stunts likely to appear in the show, with some managing to catch a stuntman standing atop one of the city’s rooftops supported by a crane.
We have managed to get a look at the outfit Grace’s Batgirl will wear, but there is still a lot of speculation as to what Keaton’s batsuit will look like. There have been some teases for what he will wear in The Flash, but nothing concrete. That did seem to change when one fan spotted a mural on one of the city’s buildings which seemed to show Batman in all his glory. The suit is very similar to the one worn by Keaton in 1992’s Batman Returns, just a bit more modern. However, the mural has since been blocked from public view hinting that this was a spoiler not meant to be seen. You can check out a photo of it below which was uploaded to social media:
The movie is scheduled to be released on HBO Max later this year, but until then, you can check out some of the exclusive photos we managed to take while walking through the sets below:
