Batman Vs Superman: 7 Key Details To Make Jeremy Irons The Definitive Alfred

4. History With The Waynes

In some storylines, Alfred's father Jarvis served the Wayne family before his son ever did. The Pennyworths and the Waynes go way back, and recent storylines like Scott Snyder's "Court of Owls" further explores the long-standing servitude Alfred provides at Wayne Manor. Michael Caine alluded to this history several times throughout the Dark Knight Trilogy, stating how multiple generations of Waynes have come and gone and recalling how he first heard Bruce's cries echo through the halls of the mansion. This history is important and can be shown up on the screen in many different ways, affirming the fact that while Alfred and Bruce are not blood relatives, they are family. "Family" is not a term that exactly leaps to mind when considering Jeremy Irons alongside Ben Affleck. Given how very little we actually know about Batman vs. Superman outside what we can glean from Man of Steel and the subsequent bizarre casting choices, the film could just as easily depict Alfred and Bruce on rocky terms - as much was rumored about the involvement of Dick Grayson, who has shaky times with Batman during which he transforms from Robin into Nightwing. Alfred, too, takes a much-needed vacation from Wayne Manor at one point in the comics, bringing to mind an essential element of his character that is just as important as his history with the Waynes...