Jeremy Irons might have just hinted toward a major character’s appearance in the upcoming Justice League movie. There has been a lot of buzz lately about Ben Affleck’s solo Batman film, which most are referring to as The Batman (unconfirmed title). Several news outlets have been reporting on recent comments made by Jeremy Irons which might give an idea of when the studio plans to start filming the highly anticipated film. While speaking with Variety recently, Jeremy Irons was asked if his character, the great Alfred Pennyworth, would have more of a role in the upcoming Justice League film than his previous appearance. Here’s what Irons had to say:
Similar, but then, of course, Ben’s going to make a Batman film next summer. He promises me there’s going to be a bit more of Alfred in that. In the Justice League we have seven major lead characters and I’m the butler to one of them. It’s clear I will not be dominating that film.
Wait a second! Did Irons’ just drop a major hint about Justice League when he said “seven major lead characters” will be featured? A few years back we all saw the simple, yet fun, Justice League posters that proclaimed “United the Seven,” but so far the only confirmed members for the upcoming film have been Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, the Flash, and Cyborg; that only adds up to six! Will we possibly be seeing Green Lantern make an appearance as the 7th member of the league? Yes, it is little to go one, but we can still get our hopes up.
Jeremy Irons was one of the highlights of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice as his portrayed a more dutiful and involved Alfred that previous films have shown. We saw Irons’ character working on upgrades for the Batsuit, flying the Batplane remotely, and warning Bruce that the wine cellar could be facing a drought; certainly a jack of all trades, this Alfred. When asked about how Irons took to the character, he said:
I remember an evening with Paul Getty, who was a neighbor of mine, now sadly dead. We drove up to his lovely house. A very nice gentleman opened up the car door. Then another very nice gentleman took the car and parked it somewhere. Another nice gentleman took my coat. And then another nice gentleman gave me a glass of champagne. And all those nice gentleman were SAS. I thought, that’s Alfred. He’s a man who will take care of his boss, whether he’s making coffee or pouring champagne or flying his airplane.
Jeremy Irons certainly fits into the role, as he follows in the footsteps of other esteemed actors who will be remembered for their portrayals as well; the list includes Michael Caine and Michael Gough. Among other questions, Variety did take a moment to ask how Irons felt about the backlash from the media regarding Batman v Superman: Dawn of Superman and whether or not he was troubled by it.
Not at all. I was very pleased by the numbers. Zack seems to get a hard time from the press, which is strange. I don’t know if it has to do with the sort of secrecy that surrounds the making of it all. But the audience liked it, which in the end is all that matters.
Jeremy Irons returns to the role of Alfred Pennyworth next year when Justice League debuts on November 17, 2017.