Sir Michael Caine was knighted in 2000

The Hollywood Reporter suggests Sir Michael will soon be cast in the big-budget film.

Christian Bale is confirmed to play crime-fighter Batman in the movie by director Christopher Nolan.

The pivotal role of Alfred the butler was played by Michael Gough in all the Batman films since 1988.

Revival

The script for the as-yet-untitled film is being written by Nolan, who won a best screenplay Oscar for 2000's Memento, and David Goyer.

Sir Michael has won two Oscars of his own for his supporting roles in The Cider House Rules and Hannah and Her Sisters.

This will be the fifth Batman film since it was revived by Warner Bros in 1988, when Michael Keaton played millionaire playboy Bruce Wayne by day and superhero by night.

Val Kilmer starred in 1995's Batman Forever but the franchise stalled following the disastrous reception of Batman and Robin in 1997 with George Clooney in the lead role.