From www.superherohype.com


As a follow up to last year's blockbuster Batman Begins, Christopher Nolan is set to direct Warner Bros. Pictures' The Dark Knight, written by Jonathan Nolan, based on a story by Christopher Nolan and David Goyer. The film will be produced by Emma Thomas, Charles Roven and Christopher Nolan. Additionally, Christian Bale will resume his role as Bruce Wayne and Academy Award nominee Heath Ledger has been cast as The Joker. The announcements were made today by Jeff Robinov, President of Production, Warner Bros. Pictures.

Christopher Nolan revamped the Batman franchise in 2005 with the immensely successful Batman Begins, starring Christian Bale in the title role, which chronicled the early years of the superhero. Nolan first garnered attention from critics and fans in 2000 with the groundbreaking drama "Memento," which he wrote and directed. He went on to direct the thriller "Insomnia," starring Al Pacino and Robin Williams, and recently wrapped production on "The Prestige," with Hugh Jackman and Bale.

Bale was most recently seen in the ensemble cast of Terrence Malick's "The New World." His other credits include "Little Women," "Portrait of a Lady," "Metroland," "American Psycho," "Laurel Canyon" and Steven Spielberg's "Empire of the Sun," which was his first starring role.

Ledger most recently earned Oscar Golden Globe, BAFTA and SAG Award nominations and won the New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Ennis Del Mar in the award-winning drama "Brokeback Mountain." His other credits include "Casanova," "Monster's Ball," "Lords of Dogtown," "The Brothers Grimm" and "The Patriot."

"Chris' unique vision is what made 'Batman Begins' such an outstanding film and we could not imagine anyone else at the helm of 'The Dark Knight,'" said Robinov. "We also can't wait to see two such formidable actors as Christian and Heath face off with each other as Batman and The Joker."

"I'm excited to continue the story we started with 'Batman Begins,'" added Nolan. "Our challenge in casting The Joker was to find an actor who is not just extraordinarily talented but fearless. Watching Heath Ledger's interpretation of this iconic character taking on Christian Bale's Batman is going to be incredible."

Production is set to begin on The Dark Knight in early 2007.

That's good news! Christian Bale's Batman was best. But Heath Ledger as The Joker......? Hmmm....I think Jude Law is good for The Joker.

That's good news! Christian Bale's Batman was best. But Heath Ledger as The Joker......? Hmmm....I think Jude Law is good for The Joker.

Yeah, I haven't seen anything that would indicate that Ledger can pull off the Joker, ..... but maybe he can ..... Not that hopeful about it, though.

I thought Crispin Glover would be a good Joker. But then again, it would have been nice to have a different villain.

Good news. I am agog (said my dictionnary )!

The first one first very nice! Well, the first one, of the new films!

Joker to Batman: Why can't I quit you?



AC

Joker to Batman: Why can't I quit you?



AC

I could see that line actually being used in a much later Batman movie. I just hope this sequel doesn't have a plot device that, if corrected, would eliminate over half the movie, or a character going against their grain just to facilitate a huge explosion.

Jude Law would make a good Joker, unless there's a Bat-Nanny in the movie.

I thought Crispin Glover would be a good Joker. But then again, it would have been nice to have a different villain.

Weird. i thought the exact same thing.

I could see that line actually being used in a much later Batman movie. I just hope this sequel doesn't have a plot device that, if corrected, would eliminate over half the movie, or a character going against their grain just to facilitate a huge explosion.

Jude Law would make a good Joker, unless there's a Bat-Nanny in the movie.

Bat-Nanny...? What is it?:confused:

Bat-Nanny...? What is it?:confused:

Heath Ledger busted up his marriage when he opted to sleep with his children's nanny.