Often described as an anti-hero, Morbius is a living vampire from the Marvel Universe. Like Spider-Man, this antagonist features in his own film, which was recently released in cinemas all over the UK.
It might be the first time that Michael Morbius has appeared in film, but it seems the producers and directors have gone all out when it comes to filming. In fact, with a star-studded cast including Jared Leto, Matt Smith and Michael Keaton, filming took place in some incredible locations in both London and Manchester.
A British Big Apple
In the film, we see Morbius, who is suffering from a rare blood disorder, trying to save others from the same illness. These scenes are set in New York, but the city might not appear as we know it. In fact, London and Manchester were made to look and feel like America’s busiest city, and it’s not the first time either.
Over the years, a number of productions have taken place in Manchester. This includes the likes of Peaky Blinders, Captain America: The First Avenger, Sherlock Holmes, Tolkien and Netflix’s Strangers, to name a few.
The first production may have taken place in the northern city as early as 1898. A combination of incredible architecture, relatively cheap costs and varied landscapes meant it was a very popular choice in the early and mid-20th century. Sing As We Go!, Cotton Queen, Holidays With Pay, and Cup-Tie Honeymoon were some of the first films to be made in Manchester during this time.
So, why Manchester?
You might be wondering just why so many box office producers and directors have chosen Manchester as their base over the years. It’s simple: the architectural variety is just so impressive. Not just that, but Manchester’s Northern Quarter seems to have more similarities with the Big Apple than you first might think.
Just picture a traditional scene from a New York street: red bricks, fire escapes, a post-industrial look, and large warehouses. This is exactly what you can expect to see in Manchester and the Northern Quarter.
The city is also home to luxury locations like the Albert Hall and more backstreet and underground settings, which are perfect for those sullen characters. There are also plenty of green spaces, which provide a welcome contrast to city scenes. This adaptability makes it great for both period and modern films.
A favourite for Ritchie
Possibly one of the most famous films to have taken place in Manchester is Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes. This film again saw filming take over the likes of the Northern Quarter and Ancoats. However, it’s not just the incredible filming locations that have got fans talking over the years. Indeed, the interpretation of the books has left tongues wagging.
First, we saw Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce, from 1939 to 1946, depicting the tale of Sherlock Holmes and John Watson and their comical companionship. Next up, saw Jeremy Brett appear as Sherlock Holmes in a more serious role, leading many to question whether the first Sherlock Holmes to appear in 1939 was really the ‘real’ character.
Fast forward to 1985 and we were taken back to Sherlock’s childhood with Ian McKellen. And, more recently, Martin Freeman and Benedict Cumberbatch appeared on our screens as John Watson and Sherlock Holmes. With the latter performance being more like the first Sherlock we knew, many are wondering whether the real Sherlock Holmes ‘masterpiece’ has even been produced yet.
Of course, as the popularity of these characters has grown over the years, so has the surrounding material. Different entertainment like interactive video games, puzzles, and theatre productions are a popular way for fans to stay engaged with the franchise. There are even slot games like Sherlock of London and Sherlock’s Casebook that are available to play in LeoVegas Casino, who is known for their generous free spins no wagering offers.
If you’re a film fan in the Manchester area, you’ll be pleased to know that plenty of other films are currently using the city for its scenes. This includes The Full Monty and possibly a new season of Shameless, which is currently in talks.
