Actor-filmmaker Andy Serkis is set to return as Alfred Pennyworth, the butler and mentor to Robert Pattinson’s Bruce Wayne/Batman in Matt Reeves’ upcoming sequel to the 2022 film, as per media reports.

According to US-based entertainment portal Deadline, Serkis confirmed his return to the Batman franchise while promoting his latest animated film Animal Farm.

Pattinson is returning as Batman, while Colin Farrel is set to reprise his role as The Penguin. It will feature Sebastian Stan as Harvey Dent and Scarlett Johansson in a yet-to-be-titled role, Deadline reported.

Production for the film will begin in June.

“I'm pretty certain it’s all going to work out. Yeah, we’re working on it, but I think it’s all looking good,” Serkis, known for his work in the Lord of the Rings franchise and Black Panther, told Collider in a past interview.

Serkis is also set to feature in the upcoming prequel film Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, slated to release on December 17, 2027.

Reeves’ dark and gritty version of Gotham and the Caped Crusader was widely-acclaimed following its release in 2022. The Batman was followed by the HBO Max series The Penguin starring Colin Farrel, which bagged nine Emmys.