Dark Knight, The

 

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September 6, 2006 - It looks as though Phillip Seymour Hoffman has turned down the offer to play The Penguin in the upcoming Batman film THE DARK KNIGHT.

"A full offer was made to Phillip Seymour Hoffman for the role of Cobblepot/The Penguin," writes a Batman-on-film source. "Hoffman was very cautious about accepting the role following his Oscar win (Capote), and has since declined the part."

Chris Nolan has also spoke recently saying that both Sean Penn and Hoffman won't be in the upcoming film. He did not say if the parts were ever offered or if it was simply Internet speculation.

August 28, 2006 - According to Batman-on-Film, Sean Penn was actually offered the role of the Joker in the upcoming sequel to BATMAN BEGINS. Penn, a little bit older than Brokeback Mountain star Ledger, which is interesting considering they're doing a young 'Joker' storyline, reportedly nixed the part. You may remember Christian Bale [drunkenly] revealed that the filmmakers were chasing Penn for the role at one point. It's not for Sean though, it seems.

August 1, 2006 - The upcoming sequel to BATMAN BEGINS, entitled THE DARK KNIGHT, may feature Philip Seymour Hoffman as The Penguin.

Batman on Film writes, "This comes in from one of my best sources who previously gave up the scoop Katie Holmes and Ken Watanabe's casting in BEGINS, as well as confirming an offer had made to Ledger). Here goes:

"As you have long suspected, the two main villains in the BATMAN BEGINS sequel will be The Joker and The Penquin. I can confirm that an offer has been made to Philip Seymour Hoffman for the role. Yet Hoffman has indicated that he may not get involved in the sequel." [Batman-on-Film.com]

August 1, 2006 - Warner Brothers has sent out a press release announcing that the upcoming sequel to BATMAN BEGINS will be titled THE DARK KNIGHT and feature Heath Ledger as the Joker.

"I'm excited to continue the story we started with Batman Begins," Christopher Nolan said in a statement. "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."

Filming on THE DARK KNIGHT is expected to get underway in early 2007.

July 31, 2006 - An interesting rumor making rounds around the Internet is that Ryan Phillippe is a possible choice as Harvey Dent in the upcoming BATMAN BEGINS sequel.

This is just a rumor, he has not been confirmed in the role. Another name that has been dangled is Liev Schreiber.

Harvey Dent would likely be a friend of Batman's in the upcoming film, only to turn into Two Face in the third installment.

July 21, 2006 - According to Latino Review, Heath Ledger has been offered the part of The Joker in the upcoming BATMAN BEGINS sequel.

Latino Review writes, "We were first to tell the world that Brandon Routh was going to be the new Superman. Now here we are at it again as we just got word from A VERY TRUSTED SOURCE that the offer last night was officially made to Heath Ledger to star as The Joker in the Batman Begins Sequel! As Ari Gold on HBO'S Entourage would say: Heath Motherfuckin' Brokeback The Joker Ledger!"

You can go here to read their full article. [Latino Review]

July 11, 2006 - Michael Caine, who reprises the role of Alfred in Christopher Nolan's upcoming Batman sequel film, told Turner Classic Movies that the follow-up to 2005's hit superhero film will feature the classic nemesis the Joker. Caine's remarks, reported on iFMagazine, would appear to confirm rumors about the sequel's villain, which was hinted in the finale of Batman Begins. [SciFiWire]

June 28, 2006 - In a recent interview, Robin Williams talked about the possibility of playing Joker in Batman Begins 2. Cinescape's story on the news is here.

"Oh God, I'd love to do that one," Williams said regarding playing the Joker.

Other actors mentioned as possibilities for the role were Adrian Brody or Paul Bettany. While it seems Bettany was looked into regarding the part, news suggests that it is unlikely he will get the role.

You can read the full Robin Williams interview with IGN here.

February 7, 2006 - Brokeback Mountain star Jake Gyllenhaal is being touted as Gotham City district attorney Harvey Dent in the next Batman sequel, along with Paul Bettany, who may play the Joker. Gyllenhaal would play Gotham City's good-guy lawyer, who mutates into his alter-ego, Two-Face, in the third film. In the sequel, Batman would team with Harvey Dent to destroy the Joker, according to moviehole.net. Tommy Lee Jones formerly played Dent/Two-Face on the big screen in Batman Forever. Star Christian Bale is set to return, as well as Michael Caine as butler Alfred.

August 10, 2005 - Producer Charles Roven told SCI FI Wire that "the cast is signed on for a sequel, the script is in the works, new cast members are being discussed and the only delay is an OK by director Christopher Nolan."

Roven states that Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Katie Holmes and Gary Oldman have all signed on for the sequel to BATMAN BEGINS. The producer said it is possible the film could move ahead without Nolan if he doesn't come on board but Roven said, 'it was a spectacular experience with Chris [Nolan], and he kept everyone involved and was very collaborative.' [Sci-Fi.com]

July 5, 2005 - Batman-on-Film.com is reporting an uncofirmed rumor that actress Isla Fisher might be considered for a role in the sequel to BATMAN BEGINS. Word is that Katie Holmes was not signed to do a sequel and it was never intended that she would. The rumor is that Fisher could be Batman's new love interest. Fisher has been in such films as SCOOBY DOO, I HEART HUCKABEES, and WEDDING CRASHERS. [Batman-on-Film.com]

July 4, 2005 - Rumors are going around that pop star Justin Timberlake is being considered for the role of Two-Face in the follow up to BATMAN BEGINS. An anonymous source stated, "Justin would be a perfect choice. He is getting more and more into a film career alongside his music one." [Tonight.co and Bang Media International]