‘Gotham’ Season 4 Spoilers: This Actor Was Almost Cast As Alfred

“Gotham” really outdid itself in terms of villains this Season 4, especially with the introduction of the creepy Scarecrow (Charlie Tahan) and now the psychotic Professor Pyg (Michael Cerveris).

But surprisingly, Cerveris told Comic Book that he initially auditioned for a different role in the series. Had things worked out as he planned, Cerveris would have taken on the role of Alfred Pennyworth.

“I actually have auditioned for Gotham a number of times over the years,” Cerveris admitted. “The very fist time being, I auditioned on for the pilot of ‘Gotham’ for the role of Alfred which, you know, thank God they had the sense to cast [Sean Pertwee] because he’s brilliant in the part and there couldn’t have been anybody else to do it.”

But because of his friendship executive producer and director Danny Cannon, Cerveris said he never gave up on the show. He once again auditioned for the part of Arkham Asylum Warden, which eventually went to Damian Young.

However, the fates finally smiled kindly upon Cerveris this Season 4 since he landed the role of Professor Pyg. And he couldn’t be happier about it.

“With Professor Pyg, I really feel like this is the only role I should ever have played on Gotham and did the stars align the way they were supposed to,” the actor said.

For now, Pyg is going after the corrupt cops of Gotham City. But the show’s co-executive producer John Stephens told USA Today that the villain’s plans will change “episode by episode,” and the things he will be doing will lead up to a “horrific reveal.”

Robin Lord Taylor, who plays Oswald Cobblepot in the series, even told Collider that his character will eventually come face to face with Pyg. “Ho, ho, let me tell you! Hands down one of my favorite, top five scenes of the entire series, we just shot last week. It’s a huge, big climax scene in episode nine, which involves Professor Pyg, played by Michael Cerveris, who is the absolute best. It’s a competition between him and Oswald, is what I can say,” he said.

“Gotham” Season 4 airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. EDT on Fox.