Alfred Pennyworth is more than just a butler in the DCU. He’s also someone who cares a lot for Bruce Wayne since he’s the only family he has left after his parents were murdered. He’s his guardian, friend, support, and sometimes, the guy in the chair, as he helps Bruce balance his day job with his nighttime activities.
Many people played the stern yet loyal butler, but who played the role well, and why? What makes their performance stand out compared to the rest of the other actors who played Bruce’s guardian? After all, DC has produced numerous Batman stories through film and television, which also showcased the different sides of Alfred Pennyworth.
10. Douglas Hodge – Joker
It’s really interesting to see what Alfred is like prior to the death of Thomas and Martha Wayne. In Joker, we see this guy, played by Douglas Hodge, act as some sort of bodyguard, rather than a paternal father figure. And it makes sense considering that Bruce still has his parents, so all he could do is ensure that Bruce is safe, especially from the strange and dangerous people in Gotham City. At the same time, this Alfred seems to be more meaner compared to other portrayals. Either he’s a younger version of himself, or that’s who he really is, and he mellowed out after Bruce became an orphan.
9. DC’s Titans
Alfred in DC’s Titans didn’t have a credited actor since he only appeared through phone calls with Dick Grayson and offscreen flashbacks. Even if Dick had a grudge against Bruce Wayne and left to do his own thing, Alfred continues to help Nightwing out. He cared for Dick so much that he believes that Bruce isn’t responsible enough to do it himself due to his Batman duties. While it is unfortunate that he doesn’t have a lot of screentime or major appearances in the show, he still cared for this young man, even when he left.
8. Enn Reitel – Batman: The Telltale Series
Just like some adaptations of Alfred, the one featured in the Telltale games is someone almost similar to what we see in Zack Snyder’s DCU; someone who assists Bruce Wayne in his Batman duties. At the same time, their friendship is somewhat complicated since Alfred hid the truth about Bruce’s parents’ corruption. Depending on the player’s choices, Bruce could either forgive this man or continue to hold a grudge (even let him lose an eye), but this just shows that Alfred is also a complicated person, who will do anything to protect Bruce Wayne.
7. Michael Gough – Batman, Batman Returns, Batman Forever, and Batman & Robin
The Alfred in the original Batman franchise is more than just a paternal figure to Bruce Wayne, he’s also someone that Robin could confide in whenever he has something on his mind. He’s still the fateful butler in the Wayne family and apparently is related to Barbara Wilson (aka Batgirl). It’s interesting how he became someone that must be saved in the final installment, something that’s rarely seen since he’s either caught between the crossfire or someone supporting the Bat-team on the sidelines.
6. Clive Revill & Efrem Zimbalist Jr. – Batman: The Animated Series
Alfred in the 1992 to 1995 animated series seems to be like an audience stand-in when Batman reveals that something’s up. He’s also sometimes seen as the comedy guy, despite his British and snooty stature, coming up with puns in hopes to see Bruce laugh. But at the end of the day, he’s still the caring butler that Bruce needs and will help him whenever he can.
5. Ralph Fiennes – The LEGO Batman Movie
Say what you want about The LEGO Batman Movie, but this Alfred really does act like the paternal figure Bruce needed growing up. Sure, he allows him to play vigilante, but he also reminds the young master to live his life and raise his son. He’s the only one who’s keeping this guy grounded, and letting him know that he could be more than just a sad and moody person.
4. Jeremy Irons – DCU
The Alfted in the SnyderVerse and The Flash is more than just a butler that takes care of Master Wayne, he’s also Batman’s “guy in the chair.” From helping the Justice League to save the world, to helping Bruce with the technology to become the Dark Knight himself, he assists Bruce in becoming the hero that he’s always meant to be. In other words, he’s a useful asset to the Justice League. Shame he wasn’t around in Michael Keaton’s universe in The Flash.
3. Andy Serkis – The Batman
Alfred in Matt Reeves’ The Batman was more than just a guardian for Bruce Wayne; he was also there to protect him, so much so that he’s willing to withhold the truth from this young man and help him balance his day and night duties. By this point, anyone who’s aware of Batman’s story knows how important this man was to Bruce, and that seeing him become a victim of one of Riddler’s deadly traps was devastating to watch.
2. Michael Caine – The Dark Knight Trilogy
It’s not often that we hear about Alfred’s past before he became the butler we know today. He was someone who used to work for the government and the army, hence he could give some perspective whenever Bruce does this Batman duties. This version of Alfred isn’t too much of a paternal figure, but more of a supporter of the his young charge, perhaps even a friend and someone who could give some wisdom towards. Also, don’t say you didn’t cry with Alfred when he told Bruce at his grave that “he failed him,” and then cheered when he reunited with Bruce in that cafe.
1. Sean Pertwee – Gotham
We rarely see what Alfred is like when raising Bruce as a child before he became Batman. Fortunately, Gotham is a series set immediately after the period Martha and Thomas Wayne were murdered, and we got to see a glimpse of that existence, as well as how Alfred used the skills he earned when he served the British Army to protect this young boy from harm. Have you ever seen this butler kick butt and harm bad guys in other adaptations? Or teach Bruce how to fight in order to protect himself? This was someone who protected Bruce before he could do it himself.