Just a few days after FOX renewed its Batman prequel series Gotham for a fifth and final season, Epix has given a series order to a new Batman prequel series titled Pennyworth created by Gotham showrunner Bruno Heller. The first season will include 10 episodes, which will likely debut in 2019.
The drama will revolve around Alfred Pennyworth, the best friend and butler to Bruce Wayne (aka Batman). It explores Alfred's origins as a former British SAS soldier who forms a secret company and goes to work with Thomas Wayne - Bruce's billionaire father, in 1960s London.
Despite coming from the same creative team as FOX's Gotham, there will not be any connections between the two dramas. Sean Pertwee plays Alfred on Gotham and is not involved in the new series. Other actors who have played the character include Jeremy Irons, Michael Caine, Michael Gough, Alan Napier and William Austin.
Heller wrote the premiere, which will be directed by Danny Cannon. Both will executive produce. Warner Bros. Television, DC Entertainment and Primrose Hill Productions produce.
"As genuine fans of these classic DC characters, as well as the incredibly talented Bruno Heller and Danny Cannon, we couldn't be more excited to make Epix the home of this series," said Michael Wright, President, Epix. "We can't wait to work with Bruno and Danny - along with Peter Roth, Susan Rovner, Brett Paul and the team at Warner Horizon - on this fantastic origin story."
"Michael and his colleagues have created the perfect venue for original storytelling, and all of us working on Pennyworth are thrilled to be on the Epix slate," said Heller and Cannon.
