Batman takes over London: Bank transformed into snowy Gotham City as sequel films in capital

Bank junction was transformed into Gotham City at the weekend as filming for the new Batman film takes over central London.Videos shared on social media on Sunday, October 4, show the iconic London landmark given a dramatic Gotham makeover, with fake snow falling on the ground and signs for the fictional Gotham Transit Authority appearing at the scene.Other apparent set dressing includes references to the fictional Bank of Gotham, while footage appears to show a Batman stunt double making his way towards a subway entrance.A Gotham Transit Authority sign was spotted at the film setGeorge (@art_vandelay8)The footage was reportedly taken at around 7pm, with fans quickly speculating that the mysterious production could be The Batman: Part II, starring Robert Pattinson.The sequel, directed by Matt Reeves, has been filming in London since June, with Pattinson returning as Bruce Wayne and the Caped Crusader. Film London previously confirmed that the highly anticipated production had descended on the capital, although plot details have been kept firmly under wraps.It is currently unclear whether Pattinson himself was present at Bank, with the figure seen in the footage appearing to be stunt double Rick English, who has worked on previous Batman films as well as the James Bond and Mission: Impossible franchises.One TikTok commenter, Callum Butler, claimed the shoot was for The Batman: Part II, writing: “It’s for Batman pt 2, just saw another vid where they took the subway signs down to the station and it had ‘bank of Gotham’ on it.”Another user, Nex.exe, claimed the production had previously been filming outside the National Theatre, writing: “They were doing stuff outside the national theatre the other day involving a garbage truck and motorbike.”Fake snow fell around the Gotham City film setGeorge (@art_vandelay8)On X, one fan account also shared footage from the apparent set, claiming: “New set video shows Batman appears to be fleeing down the subway entrance to escape the GCPD!”The apparent Gotham transformation comes after months of anticipation around the sequel, which will see Pattinson reprise his role from 2022's The Batman.Matt Reeves is returning to direct the film, with Jeffrey Wright as Jim Gordon, Andy Serkis as Alfred Pennyworth and Colin Farrell as Oswald “Oz” Cobb, also known as the Penguin. New cast members include Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan and Brian Tyree Henry.A Subway station entrance was erected for the latest shootGeorge (@art_vandelay8)The film's story remains closely guarded, with Warner Bros yet to reveal official plot details.The Batman: Part II was originally due to arrive in 2027 but has since been pushed back to February 18, 2028. Reeves previously unveiled the first look at Pattinson returning as Batman during production.Read MoreThe latest footage has sent fans into a frenzy, with the transformation of one of London's most recognisable landmarks making it increasingly difficult for the production to keep its Gotham identity under wraps.The latest shoot is far from the first time London has been transformed into Gotham for the franchise.The Standard previously shared footage of The Batman: Part II taking over the area around St Paul's Cathedral, with production crews, lighting rigs and extras filling St Paul's Churchyard as the capital was transformed into the fictional city.Details of the film have yet to be announcedGeorge (@art_vandelay8)The latest scenes show the production is continuing to make use of some of London's most recognisable landmarks.London has long doubled for Gotham in the Batman franchise, with the first The Batman also using locations across the capital, including Two Temple Place and Printworks.