Movies - TV
Michael Caine Had A Tight Deadline To Decide If He Would Play Alfred In Batman Begins
By ERNESTO VALENZUELA
When Christopher Nolan arrived at Michael Caine’s house one morning to meet the actor for the first time and give him the “Batman Begins” script for Caine’s consideration, Caine thought that the script was for him to hold onto and read overnight. However, Nolan said bluntly to Caine, “No. I want you to read it now. And then I'm going to take the script away with me.”
Caine was doubtful when Nolan initially pitched the film to him that day. He told Empire, “I was expecting a 'Memento'/'Insomnia'-style thriller. And I got 'Batman Begins.' Which completely took me by surprise. I thought that this was a big risk by Warner Bros. Giving this massive, expensive movie to a guy that directed two very small-budget thrillers. But I needn't have worried.”
Thankfully, Caine accepted the role of Alfred, whose appearances in “The Dark Knight Trilogy” are filled with some of the most profound and quotable moments in each of the three films. Nolan's version of Alfred also set a precedent for future comic book movies to provide more depth and humanity to supporting characters.