‘The Batman’ Cast Roundup: Andy Serkis In Talks to Play Alfred, Colin Farrell for The Penguin

The Batman is a step closer to completing its roster of villains and main protagonists. Veteran CGI actor Andy Serkis is in negotiations to play Bruce Wayne’s trusty butler, Alfred Pennyworth. Meanwhile, following Jonah Hill’s exit from the negotiations, Colin Farrell is set to bring life to Oswald Cobblepot, AKA The Penguin, as he is also in talks to star in the role.

With Matt Reeves at the helm, it looks like the Planet of the Apes director is keen on showing a completely fresh take on the Dark Knight through an incredibly distinct cast. Robert Pattinson is attached to play the role of Batman and is already garnering massive fan approval across social media. Zoë Kravitz is set to play Selina Kyle/Catwoman, with Paul Dano among the trio of villains as Edward Nashton/Ed Nygma, AKA The Riddler. If Farrell’s deal pushes through, he will be completing the initial rogue gallery that Reeves is planning to highlight in The Batman.

Reeves recently confirmed that Westworld star Jeffrey Wright will play Gotham City Police Department Commissioner and well-known Batman ally Jim Gordon. Serkis will join the previous slate of actors who have played Alfred in recent years—William Austin, Alan Napier, Michael Gough, Michael Caine, and Jeremy Irons. Sean Pertwee and Jack Bannon portrayed Alfred in the recently wrapped Batman prequel series Gotham and in Epix’s Pennyworth respectively.

Serkis’ addition as the Wayne butler is a bold decision for Reeves, considering how the actor’s style differs from that of how we’ve seen Alfred portrayed in the big and small screen throughout the years. Farrell, on the other hand, makes for an unconventional take on the Penguin and frankly a welcome idea considering the director’s vision for The Batman. The movie plans on focusing on the character’s detective skills as he also comes across a slew of villains in the form of Catwoman, The Riddler, and Penguin. The Batman will reportedly gear up for production in early 2020, with its current release date on June 25, 2021.

TheWrap first reported on Serkis’ casting, with Deadline reporting on Farrell’s upcoming role as well.