And I'd still like to see 2 different movies.

Why don't they introduce a female "Jester" character who had some kind of emotional or possibly a romantic connection with the Joker. Her character could be torn up because of the passing of the Joker brought on by his capture and ultimate incarceration where he was killed by a fellow inmate. She then seeks her revenge on the city of Gotham and ultimately calls out Batman causing him to return to Gotham and help clean up the mess. They could even possibly flesh out some of the Joker's backstory by using a younger actor instead of trying to replace him in the here and now.

Or use Harley Quinn

Wasn't Harley Quinn the "Jester"? I never read the comics but a friend of mine was talking to me about the different nemesis in the Batman universe and I believe that he mentioned something about this name. Is Harley Quinn a male character or female character?

Harley Quinn is the Joker's sidekick, and she does have a jester like costume, but The Jester isn't her name.

I believe she was the Joker's psychiatrist while he was in Arkham, and eventually her job drove her nuts (well, it depends on the storyline). She's also not someone from the comics; she was created for the animated series, I believe. With that in mind, I would say it's conceivable to say she could have a story unique to Nolan's Gotham Universe, but I don't think it could have the same impact/nature as her current persona.

I'm one of the few (very few) who would like to see the Joker back in some capacity. Yes, I thought Ledger was brilliant and yes, I think he deserves the Oscar but I also think there's another actor out there who could pull off The Joker as well.

If Nolan has an idea without the Joker then that's fine, I just don't want the 3rd movie to suffer because they refuse to add the Joker in the plotline. Especially if they do use Harley Quinn.

How likely do you think another actor would be willing to be The Joker so soon after all this? I'm not sure.

You may have a point there. It's kind of a no win situation for an actor. Though I'm not really suggesting that the Joker have the same amount of screen time that Ledger had. Having the Joker appear in a limited capacity (minimal screen time, appearing in shadows in an Arkham cell, etc.) might not be certain doom for another actor.

I'm sure there are plenty of unknown actors who would jump at the chance to be in such a major film.

This would be the best route if they decided to include the Joker is the film at all.

Very little chance an actor to match Ledger, but he set up a good template for someone to at least try to recreate. I don't think there's anyone who has the chops to pull it off for a while film, but who knows what other magic Nolan will work. As long as the producers let him do his thing I'll be happy. I don't think there's a chance that we'll see the dreaded 3rd installment curse befall this film.

I really really hope this new film is better than TDK cuz it really rose the bar for Superhero flicks, I don't doubt that Nolan could do it but you never know. I HIGHLY doubt it will reach the amount of cash that TDK made..but most films never do. I really wonder what WB is allowing for Nolan to do from now on...cuz I mean..with that much bank you know they'll suck Nolan's proverbial cock for him to stay with them.

I know it's an old rumor/fanboy wish, but Johnny Depp as the Riddler could be amazing. Heath Ledger channeled Depp but in a more sinister way than Depp has ever done. And if Depp came on board he would probably be playing the part very similarly, but I think that would work in the sense that you'll have villains who will be copying the Joker.

My 2 cents.

I still say Guy Pearce as a Seven-esque serial killer who leaves riddles to mock the police and Batman.

I'm actually thinking Johnny Depp could pull off the Joker. I don't think his look is way off, and I think the best way to honor Heath is to get a big name star (there aren't many bigger than Depp right now) and have him dedicate his performance to Heath. If done right it would come off as very respectful, IMHO of course.


The Joker wouldn't go out like some bitch like that.

I could see some actors doing it and being very respectful about it. I still think it could work out really well if they jumped ahead 10 or 15 years and had Daniel Day Lewis or Gary Oldman play the role. I know the latter of those could seem gimicky to some, but Oldman has the chops that he could play Gordon and the Joker and you'd never realize it was him if you didn't know beforehand.

I like that too, but I think it'd be even better if he was framing the murders so they looked like Batman's doing and any riddles were subtle enough to just taunt Batman, without tipping off the police or public as to what was going on.

The Joker is not going to be back in a third movie. No way will they have someone replace Ledger. And the idea of Harley Quinn is almost as unbelievable. If they want a woman, they will go with Catwoman. Otherwise, who knows? I would buy Dr. Bane before I would buy Harley Quinn.

Dr. Bane? It's just Bane if I remember correctly...

Guy Pearce would fit in Nolan's universe perfectly. Plus, he needs more work.

Sorry that I don't intensely scrutinize the lives of every single poster.

That's a pretty sweet idea.

Guy Pearce doing Leonard doing John Doe

If the Penguin gets put in the next movie, I think Ray Winstone or Brendan Gleeson should get the role. Bob Hoskins would be nice, but still I'd prefer Winstone especially. Too bad Tom Wilkinson was already in Begins, he'd be a PERFECT Penguin, especially from the depiction of Joker.

Also, I just saw Revolutionary Road tonight, and no doubt in my mind Michael Shannon would be a scathingly ideal Riddler.

I'm a fan of Ray Winstone but I think he would be a horrible Penguin....

yeah, same here...

*counting down until the predictable "Crispin Glover should play [insert villain here]" comment is made*