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"
From the official release:
""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."
