Showbiz News
Heath Ledger to play The Joker
Monday, 24th July 2006, 12:12



LIFE STYLE EXTRA (UK) - Heath Ledger is set to play The Joker in the 'Batman Begins' sequel.

The Australian actor was apparently officially offered the much sought after role on Wednesday (18th July 06).

Website LatinoReview.com revealed the news, saying: "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 was officially made to Heath Ledger to star as The Joker in the 'Batman Begins' sequel!"

The 'Brokeback Mountain' star is the latest in a long line of respected actors to be linked to the role.

Robin Williams was reportedly desperate to land the part, British actor Paul Bettany was said to be in "talks" and 'Reservoir Dogs' star Steve Buscemi wasalso rumoured to be on the shortlist.

The film is due to be released in 2008 and the Joker - played by Jack Nicholson in the original 'Batman' movie in 1989 - will feature as the main villain.

Screenwriter David Goyer revealed: "Batman will enlist the aid of Police Commissioner Gordon and Harvey Dent in bringing down the Joker... but not killing him. In the third movie, the Joker would go on trial scarring Dent in the process."

Ledger will join Christian Bale - who plays the Caped Crusader - Michael Cain, Gary Oldman and Morgan Freeman, who are all reprising their roles.


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