Derek Jacobi
Another renowned stage presence, (Sir) Derek Jacobi recently came to the attention of the younger generation with his appearance in Doctor Who episode “Utopia” as an elder incarnation of The Doctor’s nemesis, The Master. Unusually gentle and empathetic, as he demonstrated in his breakout role in I, Claudius (which won him a BAFTA), Jacobi could make for a softer, more rundown Alfred, someone who’s had his demons, who’s faced his trials and tribulations, but is still guided by an overwhelming love for his ward.
Ciaran Hinds
From Caesar to Mance Rayder, there’s something about Ciaran Hinds that just draws you in. Irish, and with an air of gravitas and steely authority, he’s made a career out of playing priests and kings. Another component of the Harry Potter films, he’s one of those recognizable British character actors who manages to have a positive impact on everything he’s in. Hinds would certainly make for gruff, engaging Alfred, though he might not possess the rapier with the character demands.
Jonathan Pryce
Another valuable bit player in major Hollywood franchises like Pirates of the Caribbean and G.I Joe, Jonathan Pryce has done it all: from starring in Terry Gilliam’s Brazil to playing a Bond villain in Tomorrow Never Dies, big-screen musical adaptations (Evita) and Olivier-winning Shakespeare (Hamlet). Mercurial yet peculiarly weighty, Pryce’s Alfred could be unobtrusive, entering with a tray before stepping back into the shadows, alluring, intriguing, and quietly impressive.
Tim Curry
Definitely a cult figure, Tim Curry has made a name for himself in outrageous and terrifying roles, from hyper-sexualized Dr. Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show to demonic clown Pennywise in Steven King miniseries It. While this outlandish, larger-than-life figure might not seem an ideal candidate for a demure valet, Curry is nevertheless wonderfully expressive and, suffice to say, now approaching 70, he’s mellowed somewhat. Having played a butler in Clue – albeit a faux, comedy one – his Alfred could prove well a masterly portrait of self-restraint.
Sam Neill
Unassuming and boyish even at 65, New Zealander Sam Neill is best known for playing quiet, reflective characters in films that are anything but: he played a Russian sea captain in Hunt for Red October and, most memorably, paleontologist Alan Grant amidst the rampaging dinos of the first Jurassic Park. Not British enough, you say? Well, believe it or not, Neill was shortlisted to play Bond back in 1987, losing out to, of all people, none other than Timothy Dalton. About time he got his revenge.
Ian McShane
His Emmy-winning role as the combative Al Swearengen in HBO’s Deadwood may have ruled him out for many people, but, for many years, Ian McShane was Lovejoy, a cheeky East Anglia-based antiques dealer. While recent appearances may have been more reflective of his Swearengen persona, such as a sadistic Santa Claus in Season Two of American Horror Story, McShane has the class and could bring an enlivening streak of soulful darkness to Bruce Wayne’s manservant.
And onto Part 4.
