No, The Batman’s Alfred Didn’t Work With Robin’s Parents In The Circus

Warning: SPOILERS for The Batman

The Batman seemingly teased a circus connection between Alfred Pennyworth and Robin’s parents, but the line in question is likely being misinterpreted. Since the events of The Batman take place early on in the vigilante career of Robert Pattinson’s Bruce Wayne, there are only a handful of prominent characters from the comics included around him. This includes several well-known villains, as well as Wayne’s trusty butler Alfred, played by Andy Serkis. The Batman puts a fresh spin on Alfred—one that many viewers believe includes a connection to Dick Grayson’s parents.

At one point in The Batman, during a conversation with Bruce, Alfred recalls his time in “the circus”. This line immediately made DC fans’ ears perk up, as those familiar with the Batman mythos know the circus is an integral part of the origin of Dick Grayson, Batman’s first Robin. Dick and his parents were part of a circus act known as the Flying Graysons. However, Dick’s life was changed when his parents died during one of their performances, leaving him an orphan and paving the way for him to eventually become Batman’s boy wonder. Due to The Batman mentioning Alfred’s affiliation with the circus, there is now a growing misconception that the Wayne family butler could’ve been part of the same circus as the Graysons.

While the term circus is most widely associated with the type of performance the Flying Graysons are part of, it seems that The Batman is referencing a different type of circus when it comes to Alfred’s past. The movie subtly teases a very different origin for the butler than previous live-action adaptations, one that includes changing the darker backstory of Serkis’ Alfred to include him serving in British Intelligence. This was confirmed in a canon prequel novel for The Batman and is what Alfred’s circus line is more than likely referencing. “The Circus” is another name for British Intelligence that originates from John Le Carre’s many spy novels. So, while the circus might have a specific connection to Robin’s comic history, The Batman‘s mention works better as a reference to “The Circus” and Alfred’s time with MI6.

The idea that Alfred Pennyworth was previously a member of a more traditional circus simply doesn’t make much sense with how The Batman presents him, even if it had nothing to do with Robin’s parents. Andy Serkis’ Alfred has a distinct edge to him that likely comes from his past as a spy. This espionage backstory further points to “The Circus” having the same meaning as John Le Carre’s codename. The mix-up is understandable as most audiences might not be familiar with this terminology and immediately connect the circus to Batman’s comic mythology. While that can oftentimes unveil fun Easter eggs or create unique theories, The Batman doesn’t appear to be setting up Robin through Alfred’s backstory.

The Batman might not have meant to connect Alfred to Robin’s parents, but that doesn’t mean the movie is devoid of set up for Batman’s future sidekick. The movie repeatedly features the Mayor’s son, who might not be an orphan but has lost his father. Many theories suggest The Batman 2 could turn the Mayor’s son into Robin, even though director Matt Reeves said this wasn’t his intention. Bruce Wayne also learns how terrible living conditions have been for Gotham’s orphans, which could inspire him to adopt one young boy named Dick Grayson. In any case, The Batman could still include seeds for Robin’s future introduction, but Alfred working with Robin’s parents isn’t one.