Registered: Aug 2003
Location: On Top of a Beautiful Woman.
Posts: 2146

LOS ANGELES, California (Hollywood Reporter) -- Batman is heading into a sequel, titled "The Dark Knight," and he will face off against the Joker, this time played by Heath Ledger.

Christian Bale, the star of last year's "Batman Begins," will reprise his role as Bruce Wayne/Batman and Christopher Nolan is returning to the directing chair.

Ledger, Oscar-nominated this year for his role in "Brokeback Mountain," resurrects a murderous role memorably played in 1989 by Jack Nicholson in Tim Burton's "Batman."

"Batman Begins" was a critical and commercial hit, and relaunched the Warner Bros. franchise.

An early 2007 start date is being eyed for the sequel. Before then, Bale and Nolan will be in theaters this fall with the Disney release "The Prestige."

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Registered: Oct 2003
Location: Tampa, Florida
Posts: 2565

You have to admit, he has the smile for it.

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Registered: Aug 2001
Location: planet of the apes
Posts: 1198

What does everyone think of Ledger as The Joker? I think it's good that they've haven't gone for the obvious and it's certainly an interesting choice. He's still very young though, so the make-up will have to be really good.

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Registered: Jul 2003
Location: Yankeeville, NY
Posts: 8500

I hope they are seeing something that I don't. So far the only thing I see in this casting call was money being passed under the table.
He's never impressed me much as an actor.

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Registered: Mar 2004
Location: hot and sunny california
Posts: 4210

I like Ledger but as The Joker I dont know i heard the other choice was sposed to be Adam Brody

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Registered: Nov 2003
Location: Chillin' in Cali
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Registered: Aug 2006
Location: New Castle, PA
Posts: 39

Personally I'm a little bit leery of the choice, but I'll wait to see the movie to make my official decision. It may end up working out, but I can't see anyone topping Jack.

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Registered: Aug 2003
Location: The Apartment Across The Hall
Posts: 6715

I think Anthony just convinced me with those manips. I've never been a fan of Heath Ledger's acting but I trust Nolans judgement. That first manip just screams Joker to me, he has the best grin for the part than any actor i've seen so far. I'm not completely sold yet but my concerns about him not resembling the Joker are gone. And let me add that is an amazing title for the sequel. Can't wait.

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Registered: Jul 2003
Location: Brisbane, Australia
Posts: 4002

same. i was really skeptical about heath in this role but those pics look pretty convincing that he would at least look the part.

i'm really really hoping that he pulls off what i can't see happening and gets the performance down too

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Registered: Aug 2001
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 1871

Sean Penn was the first choice to play Batman's biggest foe, The Joker, in the Batman Begins sequel, according to internet reports. Top Batman fansite Batman-on-Film.com reports Penn was offered the role ahead of Heath Ledger, who will play the villain in The Dark Knight - but he turned the part down. Penn's good friend Jack Nicholson played The Joker in the first 1989 Batman movie

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Registered: Feb 2004
Location: North Charleston, SC
Posts: 581

I had heard early buzz that Johnny Depp might be up for Joker and was pretty into that idea, but Ledger is a decent actor and I think he can pull it off. I thought Nolan did good enough casting for the last film that I am confident he knows what he's doing.

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Registered: Sep 2006
Location: Lala land
Posts: 8

I totally thought of Johnny Depp too. I think the joker is a tough role. Jack Nicholson totally pulled it off, mainly because he's got the acting chops, and the ability to poke fun at himself. The actor's got to be able to do comedy.

Other ideas...Jim Carey (I feel like he could pull it off even though played another villain). Or what about Leo?

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Registered: Aug 2004
Location: In the Weight Room
Posts: 602

i heard the joker was going to be Paul Bettany

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