Christopher Nolan is known and appreciated for his work and for giving the best version of Batman with The Dark Knight trilogy. Starring Christian Bale in the title character, it features an ensemble cast, the movie series was not only a box office success but is also considered one of the best Batman films of all time. Before Bale was officially cast in the role, many actors tried to land the role. However, it was not the same for Batman’s companion, Alfred Pennyworth.
Before officially casting the character, the filmmaker initially wanted the Marvel star Anthony Hopkins as Batman’s trustworthy butler. However, he turned down the offer and it eventually went to the 90-year-old English actor Michael Caine.
Anthony Hopkins Refused to Star in The Dark Knight Trilogy
Many actors have expressed their wish to star in a Christopher Nolan film, as he is known for giving several blockbusters in Hollywood. However, it’s not the same for everyone as many have refused to star in his films despite being offered a prominent role.
Anthony Hopkins also did something similar, when he received the offer to star alongside Christian Bale in The Dark Knight trilogy. Before casting Michael Caine as Alfred Pennyworth, the trusted and longtime companion of Bruce Wayne, aka Batman, Nolan offered the role to the Thor actor.
While the actor has not given any specific reason for rejecting the offer, Nolan has also not made any public comments about Hopkins’ decision. Caine went on to reprise his character in all three films under the $2.4 billion franchise. However, despite the massive success of the franchise, Hopkins has not shared any regret over his decision.
And it was not the first time, the 85-year-old actor failed to star in a DC project. He has been losing offers for DC projects dating back to 1997 when he refused to star in Joel Schumacher’s DC film Batman & Robin.
All DC Offers That Anthony Hopkins Lost Over the Years
While Anthony Hopkins turned down the offer for the role in The Dark Knight franchise, it was not the first time he received an offer for a DC project. Prior to being considered as Batman’s companion, he was also among the actors shortlisted for the role of Mr. Freeze in the 1997 film Batman & Robin.
However, the filmmaker finally cast The Terminator star Arnold Schwarzenegger in the movie. After losing the role of the DC villain, he was also offered to star as Superman’s biological father Jor-El in the 2006 film Superman Returns alongside Brandon Routh. And unlike The Dark Knight franchise, he was also interested in portraying the character.
But as Bryan Singer took over the project as director, he chose Marlon Brando as Jor-El. “I think Brett was out of line with something and they said thank you very much,” he said after losing the role. The Oscar winner has also said that despite being ready to accept the part, he never heard from Brett Ratner, who was initially attached to the project as a director.
Read More: Unparalleled Brilliance: Christopher Nolan’s Top 10 Films That Transcend Boundaries
Source: Digital Spy
