EXCLUSIVE: Andy Serkis issues disappointing update on The Batman II - but says it will be 'epic'
The Batman: Part II is set to begin filming next spring, with Andy Serkis returning as Alfred Pennyworth
Andy Serkis has hinted at his comeback as Alfred Pennyworth in the eagerly awaited follow-up The Batman: Part II, though confesses he's yet to lay eyes on the screenplay.
The much-anticipated sequel featuring Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne/Batman is set to begin filming next spring, with an October 2027 release date pencilled in - five years after the original movie hit cinemas.
During this period, Serkis has helmed his animated adaptation of George Orwell's Animal Farm and served as executive producer on the forthcoming Prime Video series, The Girlfriend.
Chatting to the Mirror at the show's premiere, the actor disclosed he's not among the chosen few fortunate enough to have perused Matt Reeves' screenplay for the superhero epic.
"There's not a lot I can tell you, because there's not a lot I know," he reveals, reports the Express.
"Other than Matt's obviously finished the script because he posted a picture of the script."
Acknowledging he hasn't glimpsed the completed screenplay himself, he continued: "There's very little I know about it, other than it's epic."
The performer renowned for bringing Gollum to life in The Lord of the Rings saga was championing The Girlfriend's launch ahead of its 10th September debut.
Featuring Olivia Cooke and Robin Wright, the programme explores dual viewpoints of an affluent mother clashing with her son's fresh romantic interest.
Wright helmed the opening three instalments, with Serkis commenting on her efforts: "To have a vision and maintain that vision whilst being inside such a psychologically complex character, it's a real challenge.
"And she just made it seem effortless. Just remarkable. Her relationship with the crew and DP, the choices she made, all the way down the line was just faultless.
"I really applaud what she's done, both in front and behind the camera, I think it's a remarkable achievement."
Serkis stands amongst a select few cast members confirmed for their return to the Batman franchise, alongside Jeffrey Wright reprising Jim Gordon and Colin Farrell back as the Penguin.
Farrell has, however, perused the screenplay, though he's anticipated to feature minimally as the infamous Gotham City criminal mastermind following his standalone HBO series from last year.
"I haven't got much to do on it, just a little bit," he recently revealed to Deadline. "I read the script and it's extraordinary."
Filming for The Batman: Part II is commencing as James Gunn's separate DC Universe gains momentum with the freshly revealed Superman sequel, Man of Tomorrow.
Meanwhile, the forthcoming supervillain picture Clayface helmed by James Watkins from a screenplay by Mike Flanagan is presently filming in Liverpool, with Tom Rhys Harries embodying Batman's metamorphic adversary.
The Girlfriend premieres Wednesday, 10th September on Prime Video.