Andy Serkis Reveals ‘The Batman’ Sequel Shoot Is Running Long, and Alfred Is Still Waiting in the Wings

Few superhero sequels have had a road as bumpy as Matt Reeves’ follow-up to ‘The Batman’. It was originally scheduled for October 2025, then postponed to October 2026, and later rescheduled for October 1, 2027. Warner Bros. has since delayed it a second time, pushing it to February 18, 2028.

Cameras are finally rolling, though. Production on ‘The Batman: Part II’ kicked off in London, with Reeves sharing a photo of the film’s slate on social media. The shoot is based at Warner Bros. Leavesden, with filming locations including London and Liverpool.

Now one of the film’s returning stars has offered a fresh look at how the schedule is shaping up. Andy Serkis, who plays Alfred Pennyworth, said on The Chris Evans Show that filming has been extended beyond Christmas and into the new year. He explained that he has not yet shot his scenes as Alfred for this sequel, and that his work is set to begin immediately after the holiday.

Serkis’ comments confirm that the production is running longer than many had expected. For a film that has already been delayed multiple times, that may sound like a worrying sign. In context, though, it could simply mean the production is taking the time Reeves wants.

It also fits what Serkis said earlier in the process. Serkis noted at the time that it might be a while before he returns, and he described the film as “emotional.” His later start is not necessarily a sign of a smaller role. The first film’s lengthy shoot suggests there is plenty of time for his scenes to be worked into the schedule.

The sequel brings back Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne and Batman. Colin Farrell returns as Oz Cobb, the Penguin, Jeffrey Wright is back as James Gordon, and Serkis rounds out the returning ensemble. Newcomers have also been reported, including Scarlett Johansson and Sebastian Stan as Harvey Dent.

Charles Dance has also joined the cast, adding another veteran name to the mix. Plot details remain scarce, and Warner Bros. has kept the story largely under wraps. Serkis himself said he couldn’t give specifics on how the film picks up the relationship between Alfred and Bruce.

The shoot has had its own twists. In October, Warner Bros. said Steven Soderbergh was stepping in to help Reeves wrap the final weeks of filming, while Reeves stressed that he is not stepping away from the sequel. That kind of support suggests the studio is determined to keep the project moving.

The extended schedule may also reflect the size of the production. This is the follow-up to a film that grossed more than $772 million worldwide. Expectations are high, and Reeves has a reputation for taking his time.

Serkis is also juggling other commitments. He is set to direct ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum,’ which has been scheduled for December 17, 2027. A shoot that stretches into the new year makes his schedule an even more interesting puzzle for the production team.

Serkis has previously expressed confidence about balancing both projects. He said he is as “hungry” for the movie as fans are, and he has teased that the story is a continuation in some ways and completely different in others. His enthusiasm suggests he is eager to get back into Alfred’s suit and suit jacket.

For now, fans will have to wait for more news from the set. If Serkis’ timeline holds, his Alfred scenes should begin shortly after Christmas. The film itself is not expected in theaters until February 2028.

That is a long wait, but the pieces are coming together. A strong returning cast, a returning director and a production that is still moving forward all point to a project that is being built carefully.

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