Michael Caine says he assumes he is in 'Batman 3', which is directed by Christopher Nolan

10/01/2010 by Corinne Heller

Sir Michael Caine says he "assumes" he will reprise his role as Batman's assistant Alfred Pennyworth in the third Batman film from director Christopher Nolan.

"It will probably start in May next year," Caine, 77, recently said on the UK-based BBC Radio 1's Breakfast Show. " I assume I'm there. In the movie business you never believe anything, you assume. But I've been in the last four Chris Nolan pictures."

The British actor confirmed that Christopher Nolan, who directed the previous two films in the series, has been named as the director of the third Batman movie. Nolan also recently confirmed the news to EmpireOnline.com. His brother Jonathan Nolan, who co-wrote The Dark Knight with him, is penning the screenplay.

"He's my lucky charm," Caine said. "He thinks I'm his lucky charm. I loved doing those movies. I'm hoping to do another one."

The still-untitled movie's production companies Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures have not commented. The film is set for release on July 20, 2012.

"Batman 3" is the third in a series that began with Batman Begins in 2005 and followed with the 2008 movie The Dark Knight, which earned Heath Ledger a posthumous Academy Award for his chilling performance as the Joker.