Andy Serkis to Return as Alfred in *The Batman 2*

Actor and filmmaker Andy Serkis is set to return as Alfred Pennyworth in **The Batman 2**, with filming scheduled to kick off this June in London. Serkis confirmed his involvement during a recent interview promoting his animated film **Animal Farm**, which is set to premiere on May 1, 2026. ### Managing a Packed Schedule One of the key questions about Serkis’s return was how he would juggle his busy commitments. Besides **The Batman 2**, directed by Matt Reeves, Serkis is also working on a major project within J.R.R. Tolkien’s universe—**The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum**, slated for release on December 17, 2027. Despite his tight schedule, Serkis assured fans he can handle both roles. He mentioned that he will join the **The Batman 2** production later in the filming process, not from the very beginning, but during the later stages. ### Returning Cast and New Additions The sequel will see the return of Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne/Batman and Colin Farrell as the Penguin. Rumors suggest that Scarlett Johansson and Sebastian Stan might also join the cast, with Stan reportedly in talks to portray Harvey Dent, aka Two-Face. ### Success of the First Film and Franchise Growth The original **The Batman** was a significant milestone for Warner Bros., marking a shift back to traditional theatrical releases after experimenting with simultaneous streaming and cinema debuts. The film grossed over $772 million globally, demonstrating strong audience interest in this fresh take on the iconic Dark Knight. Building on that success, the franchise has expanded further. The spin-off series **The Penguin**, released in 2024, was well-received and earned nine Emmy Awards, bolstering the franchise’s popularity and building anticipation for future installments.