Alfred Pennyworth, trusted butler to Batman, has appeared in live-action film and television numerous times, but only one is the best and it’s not Michael Caine. Alfred is a character nearly as old as Batman himself and first appeared in Batman #16 in 1943. In fact, he debuted just in time to appear in the Dark Knight’s first live-action serial Batman (1943). William Austin portrayed the character in the 15-chapter series and can be credited with giving Alfred his signature look. Prior to Austin, Alfred was a heavy bumbling gent; a far cry from the slim pencil-mustachioed character familiar to modern audiences.
Now, nearly 80 years later, nine actors have appeared as Alfred Pennyworth, not including Andy Serkis’ upcoming performance in The Batman. With so many varying interpretations of the character, audiences are bound to have their favorite. Nonetheless, there are a few factors to take into consideration when searching for the best live-action Alfred. To be the best, said Alfred needs to demonstrate certain characteristics that are always present in his comic book counterpart. These characteristics define who Alfred is and his place in Bruce’s world; without them, Alfred is just another butler.
Michael Caine’s Alfred is frequently cited as the most compelling live-action adaptation, because of his emotional scenes with Christian Bale’s Batman. However, there is another actor who is often overlooked in the conversation. Regardless of one’s thoughts on the television series Gotham, Sean Pertwee’s Alfred Pennyworth deserves recognition. Having appeared in all 100 episodes of the series, Pertwee was given five seasons to explore Alfred and his relationship with a young Bruce Wayne. It’s this time and relationship that allowed Sean Pertwee to become the best Alfred instead of Michael Caine.
The performance which Michael Caine delivers in Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy works exceptionally well in the franchise. The character accomplished precisely what Nolan needed him to do for Bruce’s journey. Michael Caine’s elderly Alfred was able to provide Bruce with sage advice and medical treatment. However, his age limited his involvement in Bruce’s activities, though his SAS experience was mentioned on several occasions. Conversely, Sean Pertwee’s youthful Alfred was able to showcase his SAS expertise and be intimately involved in Bruce’s training and the protection of Gotham City. Pertwee struck a strong balance between a butler and a capable companion.
Upon reviewing Caine’s tenure as the character, one sees how insignificant the support capabilities of his role are, whereas Pertwee was integral to Bruce’s journey and training. Nevertheless, there’s a more critical role Alfred plays in Bruce’s life; enduring emotional support. Alfred is Bruce’s default father and therefore must maintain unwavering care for Bruce. Unfortunately, this is where Michael Caine fails. Caine’s Alfred leaves Bruce after a series of disagreements. Though it all works out in the end, it’s a move that goes against Alfred’s nature. Though Pertwee’s Pennyworth had disagreements with David Mazouz’s Bruce, he never abandoned his duties.
There was a distinct fatherly nature to Pertwee’s role in the series and a drive to ensure Bruce’s safety. It’s this essential relationship that is often lacking in other live-action Batman adaptations. Pertwee was a fully rounded character fully capable of anything Bruce required thanks to his younger age, experience, and love for Bruce. Consequently, Sean Pertwee’s Alfred was not only to be Bruce’s mentor and begin his combat training, but he was also wholly supportive of Bruce. These factors are what make Pertwee Batman’s best Alfred Pennyworth, not Michael Caine.
