Andy Serkis to Reprise Role as Alfred Pennyworth in The Batman II

Serkis' return aligns with his commitments to New Line's Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, set for release on December 17, 2027. Deadline reported that the production days for both films have been reconciled to allow Serkis to participate in each. Serkis recently directed the animated film Animal Farm, distributed by Angel Studios, which opens on May 1.

The cast for The Batman II includes Robert Pattinson returning as Bruce Wayne and Batman, Colin Farrell as The Penguin, Scarlett Johansson, and Sebastian Stan as Harvey Dent.

Serkis stated in an interview with Collider that he is certain the scheduling will work out.

“I’m pretty certain it’s all going to work out. Yeah, we’re working on it, but I think it’s all looking good.”

Per Screen Rant, Serkis indicated he will not join the production immediately but plans to do so by the end of the year. The Batman II is produced by DC Studios under Warner Bros. Serkis is represented by CAA and Principal Entertainment LA.

Batman Franchise The original The Batman, released in 2022, marked Warner Bros' return to a traditional theatrical release following the day-and-date Covid-era strategy known as the Popcorn Project. The film opened to $134 million domestically and grossed $369.8 million in the United States, with worldwide earnings exceeding $772 million.

The feature led to the HBO Max spin-off series The Penguin, which received nine Emmy Awards, including one for Cristin Milioti as Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie. Colin Farrell won an Actors Award, a Golden Globe, and a Critics Choice Award for his performance as The Penguin.

The Batman II continues the grounded, noir-inspired take on the Batman universe established by Reeves.