For many people, it would be tough to beat the cinematic portrayals of Alfred Pennyworth offered up by Michael Caine and Michael Gough.
However, there is a considerable amount of buzz over Jeremy Irons’ new take on Bruce Wayne’s butler, whom he has previously described as being ‘more hands on.’
Speaking to Empire Magazine (via Squareeyed), Irons revealed that he was interested in finding a new angle for the character: “I knew we would be finding a different angle on Alfred,” Irons said, “So I thought of him as my own.”
It’s clear that the veteran British actor’s incarnation will be quite different from the Caine/Gough versions: “Alfred has lived longer than Bruce, and so perhaps has a clearer perspective on life,” the 67-year-old actor said.
“As well as having been in loco parentis to Bruce,” Irons continued, “his only remit in life is to protect him. And, as those of us who have raised children, let alone Batmen, will know, that is quite a wide remit.”
Interestingly, Alfred does not take reside in Wayne Manor in Dawn of Justice, according to Irons. He also hinted at more reveals on his special-ops background, which we’re really excited about hearing more of: “He’s a man who can actually do anything if he has to,” says Irons.
Alfred is often overlooked as a major player in the Batman mythos but, quite simply, no Alfred, no Batman… or at least not for very long. We loved Gough and Caine but we can’t wait to see this new take no nonsense Alfred.
Marc
Marc is a self-confessed nerd. Ever since seeing Star Wars for the first time around 1979 he’s been an unapologetic fan of the Wars and still believes, with Clone Wars and now Underworld, we are yet to see the best Star Wars. He’s a dad of two who now doesn’t have the time (or money) to collect the amount of toys, comics, movies and books he once did, much to the relief of his long-suffering wife. In the real world he’s a graphic designer. He started Following the Nerd because he was tired of searching a million sites every day for all the best news that he loves and decided to create one place where you can go to get the whole lot. Secretly he longs to be sitting in the cockpit of his YT-1300 Corellian Transport ship with his co-pilot Chewie, roaming the universe, waiting for his next big adventure, but feels just at home watching cartoons with his kids….
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