Movies News

Michael Keaton to play Joker

By Joshua Tyler Oct 12, 2005, 21:07 GMT

Since its triumph at the box office this summer, ‘Batman Begins’ sequel rumors have been flapping fast and furious around Hollywood. DarkHorizons has an update on where they think the project stands.

First they tackle the issue of The Joker, who’s already been touted as the villain in the next Nolan-powered ‘Batman’ film. They say that most of the names being bandied about are nothing more than smoke and mirrors. According to them, the short list to play the character right now consists of Paul Bettany, Ryan Reynolds, Johnny Depp, and in a big shocker, former Batman Michael Keaton!

But the DH rumor-mill says Joker won’t be the only villain in the next Batman flick. Two-Face may make an appearance, but only in his pre-Two-Face persona of District Attorney Harvey Dent. That will set up a third film, in which Dent becomes the scarred, evil, two-sided nemesis of the caped crusader.

They add that some secondary characters from the Batman comic universe may show up for a go-round in the next film, as they did in ‘Batman Begins’. This time, look for a cameo by Oswald Cobblepot (The Penguin), scripted as a “Harvey Weinstein type”.

One point of real contention about the next movie has been whether or not Katie Holmes will return. So far the answers have been mixed, but DH says she’ll be back… only maybe not for the entire film.

Ultimately, it’s all still rumor and it’ll be a long time before we have definite answers from Warner Bros. or director Christopher Nolan. Don’t take anything too seriously until someone involved finally goes on the record about where the next ‘Batman’ movie will take us.