Jeremy Irons Says The Critics Were Right About 'Batman V Superman', Remains Optimistic About 'Justice League'

Jeremy Irons' Alfred Pennyworth was one of the best parts of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, a welcome font of warmth and humor in an otherwise pitch-dark movie. Nevertheless, he's well aware of the drubbing that the film has received from critics, and he's even inclined to agree that it "deserved" those terrible reviews. But don't worry — he sounds more optimistic about Justice League, in which he'll reprise his role as Batman's loyal butler. And not just because the role gives him "a bit of an income," as he puts it. 

In an interview with The Daily Mail, Irons acknowledged that Batman v Superman had been panned by reviewers:

Deservedly so. I mean it took £800 million, so the kicking didn't matter but it was sort of overstuffed... It was very muddled.

Indeed, one of the most common critiques of Batman v Superman was that it was simply trying to do too much. The film simultaneously functions as a Man of Steel sequel and a Justice League prequel and the start of a new Batman film series. The fact that most of the action is driven by a villain with an impossibly convoluted plot doesn't help matters, either. However, Irons believes the messiness that plagued Batman v Superman won't be a problem with Justice League:

I think the next one will be simpler. The script is certainly a lot smaller, it's more linear.

Irons gets points for being candid, but he's far from the only one who's taken notice of Batman v Superman's failings. In the weeks since Batman v Superman's disappointing reception, Warner Bros. has taken steps to steer their superhero franchise back on source. The studio's added Ben Affleck as an executive producer on Justice League, created a new DC Films division, and reduced producer Charles Roven's involvement in the franchise, although the effects of the last two decisions will be felt more in the films following Justice League.

Irons returns as Batman's loyal butler Alfred in Justice League, which is currently shooting under Batman v Superman director Zack Snyder. The film opens November 17, 2017.