By now everyone knows that Christopher Nolan has become one of the most powerful men in Hollywood, but few suspected the true magnitude of that power. According to a report from a the New Zealand website stuff.co.nz, Nolan may bring back Heath Ledger from the dead for one final performance as the Joker, in the upcoming third installment of his Batman franchise, The Dark Knight Rises.
Apparently, a few scenes with Ledger as the Joker were shot for The Dark Knight, but they never made it into the film due to concerns of pacing. The deleted scenes would offer a brief look at Ledger aas the Joker during the early moments of the film, and serve as a bridge between the two films.
“The idea is to use these fragments of cut scenes and use CGI to have The Joker appear one last time,” an unnamed source told the website. “Chris wants some continuity between movies and for the franchise to pay tribute to Heath and his portrayal of the Joker.”
Ledger passed away in 2008 following a prescription drug overdose. He was posthumously awarded the Oscar for best supporting actor for his role as the Joker.
“It would only be a fleeting moment in the movie and would only be included with the full consent of Heath’s family,” the source claimed.
The Dark Knight Rises will star Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, Gary Oldman, and Tom Hardy. Nolan is said to currently be talking to several actresses to fill two roles, one of which would be a villain, and the other a new love interest for Bruce Wayne. The film is scheduled to be released in 2012.
So what do you think? Is this a good move for the film, or should they stay away from the Joker altogether?
[Update: Well, almost as soon as the rumor began to gain traction, Christopher Nolan has said that Heath Ledger will NOT appear in the upcoming Batman film. It is possible that he is simply trying to mislead fans, but that seems unlikely.]
I would love to see Mark Hamill get a shot as The Joker!! and Carrie Fisher can play 'The weight-gaining-sci-fi-washed-up-bazooka-toting-hair-dresser-from-the-blues-brothers'
use it
why they bring back from the dead lot of acrors and it will be very interesting tribute moovie ……LOL.
This isn't a regular recast issue. Heath won an Oscar for his portrayal, and he didn't live to be able to even do press for the film. That makes this role nearly impossible to recast – even if the Oscar was a gift because he was denied the statue so an older actor could have it.
And Mark Hamill's Joker ran circles around Jack's.
As a huge joker fan, I thought the Dark Knight Joker was good for Nolan's vision. I see the Joker as a perfect mix of humor and homicidal tendencies..Ledgers was too homicidal and not so funny to me. They should totally bring him back though some way. Batman's not the same without Joker. Not a big fan of Depp playing him though.
I still think the Riddler should be top of the list. Make him dark and twisted .Similar to the baddy from Saw ,and you've got an amazing villian. But I do think Nolan will butcher this next movie. I for one do not think he's as great as the fan boys do.
I agree
… I'm sorry, but I have to get this off of my chest.
(Clears Throat) Ahem.
All of you people are ridiculous. The only comment I actually agree with is Mark who talks about Hugo Strange and Max Corts.
Can everybody just accept the fact that Heath Ledger is dead? Sure I think if he has this left over film, then he should use it. But the fact that everybody is recommending that CHRISTOPHER NOLAN one of the best and most talented in the Hollywood business; should do a recast and find someone who does a good Joker?
Do you have any idea how stupid that sounds? I'm pretty sure Chris knows exactly what he's doing. Think of all his past movies, he has not disappointed us not ONCE just yet.
If you want to see what happens to The Joker after Batman leaves him hanging by the leg to get to Harvey Dent. Then go onto Youtube and type in: "The Joker Blogs" and watch that web series. The guy does a pretty good job, but there are still some things about him I don't like imitating The Heath Ledger Joker.
Johnny Depp might do a "good" job. But think about it.
I honestly don't think he could do the laugh and voice. And all of us know how disappointing it can be if the villain or character is just not the same from another movie. For instance.
Rachel Dodson (Dawes) From Batman Begins: Katie Holmes. And then Rachel D. from The Dark Knight: Maggie Gyllenhaal.
Or how about Iron Man: Terrence Howard. And Iron Man 2's: Don Cheadle.
How about when all of us Watched EVERY single Blade Movie, and then the T.V. series came out and it just wasn't the same without Wesley Snipes.
Stop complaining and just wait. Because you just don't know… The Dark Knight Rises just might be the most awesome movie you'll ever see.
I'm excited because FRICK Inception was freaking AWESOME! Now I'm curious how awesome his next project is going to turn out.
Very well said.
When I first heard Heath Ledger was cast as the Joker, I did not think he fit the part. Then I saw the movie and I was in shock. my point is who's to say another actor cannot pull off the joker? I mean, A GOOD actor is exactly that….study the role, study the mannerisms, the voice, duplicate it, put a spin on it, make it your own…..thats acting…
Valid point on the recast, however, this recast would be different than a contract dispute, money issues, or project issue…this is due to death. Dumbeldore was recast due to death….maybe not the best choice, but death causes this issue, and the Joker cannot be left out of Batman
Calm down, Serg. Your heaps of praise are misplaced. The fact that the Holy Father Nolan allowed his protagonist to use the most annoying voice imaginable shows that he HAS, in fact, let down audiences. I pray Batman's gravelly voice doesn't grate on all movie goers in the next installment, cuz it absolutely killed an otherwise excellent film.
How about Johnny Depp as the Joker? He sort of has that Heath Ledger look to him and we all know what an awesome actor he is. I believe that he is talented enough and would be able to recreate that Joker image that we all were amazed at watching through Heath Ledger's talents.
How about Johnny Depp as the Joker?
How about I just kill myself now?
Johnny can play any character for any franchise