While being honored at an International Film Festival, Jeremy Irons briefly discussed his role as Alfred Pennyworth in director Zack Snyder's Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice. "He is quite a different Alfred than we have seen so far. Zack Snyder had very clear views about what he wanted," he said. "I would just say he's more hands-on perhaps than just a butler." Irons also described his part in the film as "not a large role". Mark this as another distinction between Zack Snyder's take on Batman and the most recent version delivered by Christopher Nolan. In Nolan's trilogy, Michael Caine's Alfred was an integral part of each film as the voice of reason and pragmatism for Christian Bale's Bruce Wayne. Expect Ben Affleck's Bruce Wayne to have a different relationship with his legal-guardian. Perhaps Irons take on the character will be more along the lines of the Batman: Earth One Alfred, who is a former soldier of the Royal Marines, master martial artists and sharpshooter. In this version of The Dark Knight's origin, Bruce Wayne actually receives the bulk of his training from Alfred.
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice arrives in US theaters on March 25, 2016. It is directed by Zack Snyder and written by Chris Terrio, with story credits for Snyder and David S. Goyer. The film stars Henry Cavill as Superman, Ben Affleck as Batman, Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor, Amy Adams as Lois Lane, Jason Momoa as Aquaman, Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman, Ezra Miller as The Flash, Ray Fisher as Cyborg and Jeremy Irons as Alfred Pennyworth. Jena Malone is rumored to be portraying Robin. Similar rumors surround Scott McNairy and longtime Superman pal, Jimmy Olsen.