Andy Serkis is coming back for “The Batman Part II.”
The actor, who plays Bruce Wayne’s butler Alfred Pennyworth, is the latest star officially attached to Warner Bros.’ sequel, as confirmed by Deadline.
“Essentially, what required solving was reconciling Serkis’ production days on DC Studio’s The Batman II with that of the next New Line film he’s prepping, Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, due out on Dec. 17, 2027,” the outlet writes. “Looks like he’s going to make both shoots work.”
Director Matt Reeves’ follow-up to 2022’s “The Batman” starts shooting in June 2026. That puts the film’s possible release date around late 2027.
The character of Alfred is an important one, as he’s typically Bruce Wayne’s closest confidant. That’s why it’s puzzling the star took so long to sign up. However, in fairness, 2026 is a busy year for Serkis.
He just directed Angel Studios’ animated movie adaption of George Orwell novel “Animal Farm.” In addition, he’s about to return to Middle-Earth as he takes on directing duties for “The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum.”
Serkis famously provided performance capture for Gollum in Peter Jackson’s original trilogy, earning a BAFTA in the process.
These projects are why Serkis’ inclusion in “The Batman Part II” might be delayed.
Speaking with ScreenRant, Serkis said he “won’t be joining [The Batman II production] immediately,” but “by the end of the year, I will be”.
That indicates Serkis will miss the June shoot, which takes place in London. Maybe his role is smaller in the sequel, confined to Wayne Manor, and thus easier to shoot from a single interior location.
‘The Batman Part II’ Release Date
There is no official release date for “The Batman Part II.” It starts shooting in June 2026, which puts the possible release date around late 2027.
How Much Did ‘The Batman’ Make?
“The Batman” made $369.8M in the US and over $772M worldwide. Its sequel is expected to perform similarly well.
By comparison, DC Universe’s other brand-leading comic book hero, Superman, generated $624M worldwide in his 2025 film, “Superman.”
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