Caine set to be Batman's butler

Oscar-winning actor Michael Caine is headed to the bat cave.

The veteran British actor has agreed to play the role of Bruce Wayne's trusted butler Alfred in the new installment of Warner Bros’ Batman series, according to Hollywood reports.

It will be directed by Christopher Nolan who has already hired another fellow Briton, Christian Bale, to play the Caped Crusader.

The film is expected to start shooting next year for a 2005 release. In the meantime Caine is currently on screen in both Second Hand Lions and The Statement and is also expected to star with Sandra Bullock in the sequel to the romantic comedy Miss Congeniality.