While Michael Caine may seem for some fans like the definitive Alfred for Bruce Wayne, Jeremy Irons was cast in the role of the trustworthy butler in Zack Snyder's Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. And since the cinematic universe which began with Man of Steel is different from the Nolan one, it is obvious that the characters will also be different - such is the case of Alfred too, who (as it seems) will appear in fewer scenes than Michael Caine's character.

A different Alfred, brought by Jeremy Irons

Jeremy Irons is the one that said that Alfred, although still a very important person in Bruce's life, will be seen in fewer scenes. The actor also said how different his portrayal will be.

If in Nolan's trilogy Alfred was more like the voice of reason of Bruce, in Zack Snyder's film the character will be more hands-on: “He is quite a different Alfred than we have seen so far. Zack Snyder had very clear views about what he wanted. I would just say he’s more hands-on perhaps than just a butler.”

Of course, this short description could lead to some rumors - and one of these concerns Alfred's past. In Nolan's portrayal, Alfred was a former mercenary. In Batman v Superman, the butler could be a former Royal Marine, with extensive martial-arts and sharpshooting skills.

Comic book origins

This in turn would lead some to believe that this new Alfred is based on the butler from Batman: Earth One. And this means that the new Batman received the most of his training from him, and not from Ra's al Ghul.

Of course, it isn't known yet whether Alfred will also see some fistfight action in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (as revealed a couple of months ago, Bruce will visit an underground fighting ring). However, given the rumored comic book origins, it isn't hard to see that happening.