Pennyworth, also known asPennyworth: The Origin of Batman’s Butler, has been axed at HBO Max. The little-known series ran for three seasons across three years after producing thirty episodes.
Pennyworthoriginally aired on Epix for its first two seasons before moving toHBO Maxfor its third (as it turns out, final) season. Jack Bannon starred as a younger version of Batman’s butler-slash-father-figure,the incomparable Alfred Pennyworth. Though some may question how a narrative based around Alfred might work, the character is known for his military background, and the prequel series focused on his time in the British Special Air Service, where he fought against fascistic organizations plotting to take over the British government.
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PerDeadline, the move comes after DC’s newest slate was announced.Pennyworthwas not on the docket, and, unfortunately, the streamer confirmed the series had been cancelled. “While HBO Max is not moving forward with another season ofPennyworth: The Origin of Batman’s Butler, we are very thankful to creator Bruno Heller and executive producers Matthew Patnick, Danny Cannon and John Stephens, along with Warner Bros. Television, for their brilliant, unique, gripping depiction of the origin of Alfred Pennyworth, one of the most iconic characters in the Batman world," a spokesperson for HBO Max said. “An incredible blend of action, drama and humor, for three seasons,Pennyworth: The Origin of Batman’s Butlerhas taken fans on a mind-bending ride into Alfred’s eccentric world and the beginnings of cutting-edge super heroes and super villains.”
Pennyworth’s cancellation comes amidst a flurry of similar moves at DC.TitansandDoom Patrolare ending after their current seasons, though the writers of those shows say that they knew about the writing on the wall, so to speak, and wrote proper series finales. It’s currently unknown ifthePennyworthwriters knew that a cancellation was imminent or if the news caught them off-guard.
Previously,Pennyworthwas criticized by some for its change of subtitle. The addition of theOrigin of Batman’s Butlertitle made the name of the series a mouthful, and the series was never a ratings killer. When outlets reported on the clunky name change that appeared to be trying to bait fans of Batman into watching the show, fans responded with memes and mockery.
It was unlikely thatPennyworthwould surviveJames Gunn’s DC slate. With Gunn and Peter Safran at the helm, DC Studios seems to be headed in a different direction thatPennyworthdid not fit into. Though several obscure characters are being brought to the big screen as part of this slate, Alfred is probably best to use as a supporting character in the Batman mythos. Alfred Pennyworth will likely appear inThe Brave and the Bold, while Andy Serkis plays the character in Matt Reeves’The Batmantrilogy.
Pennyworthseasons 1-3 are available on HBO Max.
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