Alfred Pennyworth is the single best thing through the entire Batman franchise. It’s safe to say that the Batman movies have had their ups and downs, and in fact, have oscillated between the two extremes in a way seldom seen in most A-list series. 1997’s Batman and Robin nearly killed comic book movies altogether, while 2008’s The Dark Knight serves as a point of comparison for the entire superhero genre to this day; yet, it’s Bruce Wayne’s loyal butler who has always been the strongest component of The Caped Crusader’s big screen adventures.
To a significant degree, Alfred’s strength as a character can be attributed to the extremely talented actors who have played him. Alan Napier assumed the role in the 1960’s Batman television series, along with its 1966 film adaptation. Both are remembered today as relics of the campy, light-hearted tone Batman had taken on during that era, and are beloved for that very reason. Napier’s portrayal of Alfred fits right in with the style of the series, with the erudite and well-mannered Alfred even donning a mask himself from time to time.
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Modern audiences came to know Alfred with Michael Gough’s portrayal in the Tim Burton and Joel Schumacher Batman movies released between 1989 and 1997, with the strength of Gough’s performance highlighted by the series’ extremely jarring tonal shift. Burton’s films went from dark to downright nihilistic between the original Batman and 1992’s Batman Returns, while Batman Forever and Batman and Robin steadily drifted the series back towards the camp of the 60’s era. Through all four movies, however, Gough’s performance never departed from his portrayal of Alfred as the wise, gentlemanly sage of Wayne Manor.
Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy would completely change the face of comic book movies, with Nolan making an effort for each film to occupy a different genre. This time, audiences were treated to Michael Caine delivering an outstanding new rendition of Bruce’s famed butler. Caine’s Alfred adopted the mantle of a genuine father figure, while acting as a guide as Bruce builds himself into Batman. The Dark Knight Rises would also see Alfred draw the line at Bruce’s seemingly suicidal return as Batman before they part ways in sorrow, only for Alfred and Bruce to finally find closure with one another in the final scene.
The role of Alfred would next fall to Jeremy Irons in Zack Snyder’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Irons’ Alfred attempted to be a voice of reason for a Bruce Wayne whom he can clearly see is going off the deep end, witnessing Bruce’s hostility towards Superman and desperately trying to convince him that “He is not our enemy!” Irons’ Alfred would also inject some levity in the film, saying “In your dreams, Alfred” at the idea of Bruce finding true romance and smugly stating “No sir, you don’t” when Batman comments that he doesn’t deserve Alfred.
Andy Serkis is next up to tackle the role of Alfred in Matt Reeves’ The Batman, with his portrayal of Alfred sure to bring something different to the character. By the same token, despite Jeremy Irons having reprised the role in Justice League, the changes implemented by the film’s reshoots departed the movie heavily from Zack Snyder’s vision, meaning that Alfred’s role in the increasing hyped “Snyder Cut” seems likely to mark another major difference between the two versions. Nevertheless, when one examines the big screen career of Batman as a whole, it is undeniable that Alfred Pennyworth is its most consistently stellar and well-executed element.
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- The Batman (2021) release date: Jun 25, 2021
- The Suicide Squad (2021) release date: Aug 06, 2021
- Black Adam (2021) release date: Dec 22, 2021
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- The Flash (2022) release date: Jul 01, 2022
- Aquaman 2 (2022) release date: Dec 16, 2022
