Batman Sequel Title & Casting Confirmed!
Source: Warner Bros. Pictures
July 31, 2006

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

Bale is still batman, I'm comfortable with that.

Not so sure about Heath Ledger though...

This would be a first for him. I haven't seen him play really any villians or antagonists in any of his movies, let alone one where his character is a psychotic, laughing, maniacal, homocidal, comic book villian. I think it'd be a bit of a challenge for him.

I know he's a good actor and all, but he was the best WB could find to play the infamous Joker?

into ?

I'm not sure if I could really see that working out...

im excited about this movie. Nolan is a great director and it has a great cast. Finally a decent set of films that portray Batman as he should be and not the lame George Cloony Batman or Val Kilmer batman =/

in response to you Ds all I have to say is that Batman started out as a joke... Bob kane sasid it himself that he wasnt meant to be taken so seriously. I personally enjoy the darker batman movies but the cornier ones are more correct to the original Batman comics

Not to lash out at you or Bob Kane or anything, but is any movie that's fictional supposed to be taken seriously? Especially one that's taken after a comic character?

Why would anyone take it seriously?

The first two Batmans with Keaton, had more of a darker side to it, but it was good.

The other two with Kilmer and Clooney, were ok. They were more for a good laugh as well.

But I enjoyed all of them, because that's what they're for... entertainment.

I hated all the batmans except for Batman Begins. They were really retarded. I hope this movie is as good as Batman Begins.

Well Bale is staring in the sequel, so it will still have that edge to it.

The only thing I'm unsure of is Heath Ledger.

What was wrong with the first one? Michael Keaton and especially Jack Nick were awesome. It will be some tough shoes to fill for Heath Ledger when he dawns the Joker costume.

I can't wait for this bad boy to come out. I loved Batman Begins and after it ended I said to myself I really hope they'll continue this. My dream came true after I saw this on the internet. I am also a little sketchy about Heath Ledger, but the role he played in The Patriot are putting my doubt away. 2007 is so far away but it should be worth it.

I am looking forward to the film as well, but I, as most seem to be, am still a bit iffy about Heath Ledger playing the Joker, just doesnt seem so good.