Sir Michael Caine was forced to skip the recent premieres of The Dark Knight Rises after taking a tumble during a stroll in New York last week.

The veteran star has been noticeably absent from the Big Apple and London red carpet events for the latest Batman film, and now his longtime friend Michael Winner has revealed the reason why.

sir michael caine
Sir Michael Caine with his Batman co-stars

Caine was walking along Lexington Avenue when he fell into a pothole, injuring his foot - and he had to seek medical help and have stitches.

Winner tells Britain's Daily Mail, "He is absolutely fine now. I spoke to his wife, Shakira, on the phone. He hurt his foot but he is back in Britain now and we're having lunch next week."

READ: The Dark Knight Rises - HuffPost Review

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    Tom Hardy, Anne Hathaway and Christian Bale

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    Prince Harry arrives at the premiere of the new Batman film

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    Morgan Freeman attending 'The Dark Knight Rises' premiere

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    Anne Hathaway, who plays Catwoman

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    Singer Pixie Lott

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    Christian Bale and Sandra Bale

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    Christian Bale and Sandra Bale

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    French actress, Marion Cotillard

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    British model, Jacqui Ainsley and British director, Guy Richie

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    Anne Hathaway

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    British actor, Tom Hardy and British actress, Charlotte Riley

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    Tom Conti, Morgan Freeman, Tom Hardy, Anne Hathaway, Christian Bale, Marion Cotillard, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Cillian Murphy arrive at the premiere of the new Batman film

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