"Batman Begins" Sequel: New Title (And Joker Casting Confirmation!)

Jen Yamato writes: "We've just heard big news on the "Batman Begins" sequel front, and it includes confirmation of the director, casting of the Joker, and the new title for the next "Batman Begins" installment!

Warner Bros. has confirmed to RT that the already-announced 2008 "Batman Begins" sequel will again be directed by Christopher Nolan, and that Christian Bale's Bruce Wayne will face off against none other than Heath Ledger as The Joker. That's right, after a few weeks of speculation, we can say for sure now that Ledger ("Brokeback Mountain," "Casanova") can add maniacal clown-faced psychopath to his IMDB portfolio!

As if it couldn't get any more exciting, there's also a new title: "The Dark Knight"!


Watch out for the onslaught of "BrokeBat" jokes


Expected to return are "Batman Begins" stars Bale (duh), Michael Caine as Bruce Wayne's loyal butler Alfred, Morgan Freeman as gadget guy Lucius Fox, and Gary Oldman as the young (future) Commisioner Gordon.

Jonathan Nolan (Christopher's bro) is on script duty, which he also shared with Chris on the upcoming Christian Bale-Hugh Jackman starrer, "The Prestige." Jonathan also wrote the short story that his bro turned into the hit thriller "Memento," if that gives you any idea of what we can look forward to.

"Batman Begins"

""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 [Warner Bros. President of Production Jeff] 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.""

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That's a cool title but it could change.. They went through several names before settling on Batman Begins. I also think that it will end up as Batman: The Dark Knight for advertising purposes.

I am no that excited about this.. I thought that BB was a good film but nothing special (I much more preferred Superman Returns). Bale was awesome in it but his over the top Batman voice kinda spoilt it and I also didn't like Nolans handling of the fight scenes (although he's never done action before so I'll give him a break) where it was all shakey and up close..

Howver a Batman vs. Joker film should be good, especially with a more younger, formiddable looking actor playing him. As long as we get a Joker that's more pyschopath than clown like Jack Nicholsons..

why would they call the Sequel to Batman Begins, Batman Begins? cause hes not begining in the Sequel?
Shouldn't it be cauled Batman?

I wasn't too sure on Heath at first. I mean, it's abit of an odd choice.

But.. now i can see it..

Of all the names floated for the Joker, they had to pick the worst one.
I believe I shall go outside and run amok until my rage is vented.

I am lost. I thought these were supposed to be about Bat's early years and Jack did not beceome the Joker until much later.

David Tennant would have been an ace Joker!

Hey Burnside that's a cool manip, I've seen it posted somewhere else too... I think in terms of looks then Heath does look alright but I've never seen him act so I don't know if he can pull it off in the sense...

IMO Joker should look something like this


Joker, from fanfilm 'Batman: Dead End'

Maybe not as 'dirty' looking but I think something like this would suit the tone and style of Nolans Batfilm

I heard Paul Bettany was a name floated around for the Joker, he woulda been a good choice, I think. But after seeing Burnside's photo, Heath certainly has the right look. Ledger's way too "pretty boy nice guy" from what I've seen of him, though.

^ those pictures look creepy. but i think Ledger is a good idea. I think he can pull it off. if he doesnt who cares.

ROFL!!! I agree totally that Heath is not the man for the role AT ALL!!

I dont believe he has the depth as an actor required to pull off the Joker's particular brand of maniacal insanity!

I was in shock when I read Heath would be joker but I think this will be very intersting. There will be so much hype about this movie by the time it comes out that even if it does suck-the tickets will sell. I will definetly be going to watch this in the movies as I did Batman Begins. The pics ^^^ definetly shows Heath as a good joker. Will be very intersting. I love Heath but with all the makeup and such that he'll have on-I'll stick with Christian Bale.

those pics of heath,are they from the movie or no?

No, if you look at the details and the wrinkes in the shirt and smile and all that stuff-you will notice it was done my computer imaging. It was done to give us a good idea of what we can expect. I think alot of people would think 'Heath, no way' and then look at the pic and give it more thought and be like 'hey, he might not be bad' I mean Heath definetly could pull Joker off with that mouth.

true,excited to see what he brings

i have no doubt that heath ledger will play a good part, but im dissapointed that they chose him for joker...not that i had anyone else in mind, i just dont like the pretty boyness of him

I believe the Joker character was always portrated best by Mark Hamil. If he was only a bit younger, He'd have been chosen over Heath any day.