Not every Christopher Nolan movie is a mystery waiting to be solved. But when Dunkirk‘s cast was finally announced, there was a significant name missing: Michael Caine. Ever since Nolan cast Caine as Alfred Pennyworth in Batman Begins, the veteran actor has appeared in each of Nolan’s films. Dunkirk broke that tradition, if only slightly, because fans could have easily missed Caine’s cameo appearance if they didn’t know where to listen.

Via Entertainment Weekly, Nolan told NJ.com that Caine made an audio cameo in Dunkirk (our review here), after the interviewer recognized Caine’s voice during the movie. “It’s shocking to me that a lot of people haven’t [noticed Caine] when he has really one of the most distinctive voices in cinema,” exclaimed Nolan. “I wanted very much to squeeze him in here. It’s a bit of a nod to his character in Battle of Britain. And also, it’s Michael. He has to be in all my films, after all.”

Caine played Squadron Leader Canfield while appearing alongside the all-star cast of Battle of Britain; which was set shortly after the miracle of Dunkirk and during Germany’s most aggressive military campaign against the British.

It’s worth noting that Caine was a child during World War II, so he was too young to serve in the military at the time. He later joined the British Army’s Royal Fusiliers, and was on active service during the Korean War.

Nolan has mentioned many times that he considers Caine to be a very close friend, and it’s likely that he will continue to appear in Nolan’s films for as long as he can. Hopefully, Caine will once again have a big role in Nolan’s next epic movie.

What do you think about Michael Caine’s vocal cameo in Dunkirk? Transmit your thoughts in the comment section below!

Image: Warner Bros. Pictures