Heath out of Bats?

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by: Mike Sampson Jul. 31, 2006

Heath Ledger seemed signed, sealed and delivered after word that he was offered the role of The Joker in the BATMAN BEGINS sequel. But now we get word from Batman-on-Film, courtesy of their "best source," that Ledger has not in fact signed a deal and instead has become reluctant to sign the contract. "Ledger is not a lock," their source says. The same report also confirms that The Penguin will be the second villain in the film and director Christopher Nolan has also offered that part to an actor. That actor just so happens to be the one who beat Heath Ledger in the Best Actor Oscar race last year - Philip Seymour Hoffman. Hoffman however is even less of a lock than Ledger though as he's sending out signals that he may pass on the offer. So if you had your druthers, who would YOU cast as Joker and Penguin? After all, Christopher Nolan could be reading this right now and absorbing all these great ideas... Thanks to Dave for the heads-up.

Source: Batman-on-Film

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gallus
5:42AM on 08/02/2006 Add as a friend | MFC profile
For a take on a new villian...
sometime in the future they should do Bane... the real Bane that kicked Batman's ass, not the lame ass brainless puppet being manipulated by Poison Ivy on the Joel Schumacher film.
sometime in the future they should do Bane... the real Bane that kicked Batman's ass, not the lame ass brainless puppet being manipulated by Poison Ivy on the Joel Schumacher film.
 
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NINJARTIST
10:44AM on 08/01/2006 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Philip Seymour Hoffman is the perfect casting decision, especially if they go for the more aristocratic Penguin.
Philip Seymour Hoffman is the perfect casting decision, especially if they go for the more aristocratic Penguin.
 
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brechtsky
10:06PM on 07/31/2006 Add as a friend | MFC profile
fuck
I like nolan, and trust him, but I can't bring myself to click positive on the recent/tomorrow's release.
I like nolan, and trust him, but I can't bring myself to click positive on the recent/tomorrow's release.
 
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pleasenbicycle
9:44PM on 07/31/2006 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Now they comfirmed that Heath Ledger will be playing Joker.

[link]
Now they comfirmed that Heath Ledger will be playing Joker.

[link]
 
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fishbowl
8:58PM on 07/31/2006 Add as a friend | MFC profile
a few options
for the Joker: Guy Pearce (he has a relationship with Nolan and was in the Batman Begins playing the Joker in a scene that was cut out)
for the Penguin: Bob Hoskins (if you have a doubt, watch The Long Good Friday)
for the Joker: Guy Pearce (he has a relationship with Nolan and was in the Batman Begins playing the Joker in a scene that was cut out)
for the Penguin: Bob Hoskins (if you have a doubt, watch The Long Good Friday)
 
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sharkstank
8:53PM on 07/31/2006 Add as a friend | MFC profile
me want batman 2 now!
i am all for an unknownfor joker like hulme, but id be happy with crispin glover. i cant really see heath ledger in there, but i wouldnt whine too much if he signed on.

whoever said bob hoskins as penguin, thats a great idea. i can totally see it. he'd play it great, kinda like how he did his villian character in unleashed.

and since some people are throwing harley...
i am all for an unknownfor joker like hulme, but id be happy with crispin glover. i cant really see heath ledger in there, but i wouldnt whine too much if he signed on.

whoever said bob hoskins as penguin, thats a great idea. i can totally see it. he'd play it great, kinda like how he did his villian character in unleashed.

and since some people are throwing harley quinn things out there, even though i think she should be kept out of the series, if they did do it, id say pick isla fisher. did u see her crazyness in wedding crashers? she'd be perfect
 
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sharkstank
8:49PM on 07/31/2006 Add as a friend | MFC profile
me want batman 2 now!
i am all for an unknownfor joker like hulme, but id be happy with crispin glover. i cant really see heath ledger in there, but i wouldnt whine too much if he signed on.

whoever said bob hoskins as penguin, thats a great idea. i can totally see it. he'd play it great, kinda like how he did his villian character in unleashed.

and since some people are throwing harley...
i am all for an unknownfor joker like hulme, but id be happy with crispin glover. i cant really see heath ledger in there, but i wouldnt whine too much if he signed on.

whoever said bob hoskins as penguin, thats a great idea. i can totally see it. he'd play it great, kinda like how he did his villian character in unleashed.

and since some people are throwing harley quinn things out there, even though i think she should be kept out of the series, if they did do it, id say pick isla fisher. did u see her crazyness in wedding crashers? she'd be perfect
 
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kleppp
8:17PM on 07/31/2006 Add as a friend | MFC profile
ups... i meant to say Joaquin Phoenix for Penguin...
ups... i meant to say Joaquin Phoenix for Penguin...
 
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kleppp
8:16PM on 07/31/2006 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Adrien Brody for Joker would be brilliant and Joaquin Phoenix could really work out... I dont know, it's just my thoughts
Adrien Brody for Joker would be brilliant and Joaquin Phoenix could really work out... I dont know, it's just my thoughts
 
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dellamorte dellamore
5:44PM on 07/31/2006 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I like the idea of Vincent Cassel , i never really considered him until someone just mentioned it , i can live with that choice , and now that i think of it , he not only has the looks to play him , with his lanky , svelte frame and hypnotic facial features , but he is definitely talented with that dark edge , not a searing comical grin of sorts , but he's genuinely " dark " in everything he do...
I like the idea of Vincent Cassel , i never really considered him until someone just mentioned it , i can live with that choice , and now that i think of it , he not only has the looks to play him , with his lanky , svelte frame and hypnotic facial features , but he is definitely talented with that dark edge , not a searing comical grin of sorts , but he's genuinely " dark " in everything he does , he has that persona , and it's natural . I think Hoffman as the Penguin is a creative choice of sorts , but one thing makes me hesitate at seeing him as a serious choice , and that's his work in MI 3 . Sure he was somewhat effective , but i've seen his rendition of a psychotic villian , and it doesnt fit into the Batman Nolan universe in my opinion . Now , if the Phantom in the Shadows does not get the part of the Joker like i'm still hoping , i have no probs whatsoever with Cassel playing him , i think he would be a terrific choice , and the best thing is , he's not such a big name that he would be a distraction . I would say the Phantom and Cassel are choices 1 A and 1 B at this point , for me that is . As for the Penguin , i'm not so sure at this point , it depends on what direction Nolan is taking him . Is he going to be the psychotic , deformed , orphan in the sewers , or a more " realistic " incarnation . I'll throw a real dark horse out there , but i'm not sure he could do the voice , the guy that played Ed in SOTD . Don't ask me why , but i think he could pull it off . Or , for anyone that has ever seen the Brit show Black Books , the dude that played the assistant , the guy with the wacked out , long thinning hair , i could easily see him playing the penguin , damn , he pretty much looks like him already .
 
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DjG
3:51PM on 07/31/2006 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I respect everybody's opinion here but this has been the one story that has shown the range of people's taste. Everybody has a different choice and some are way "out there".

Take it easy people. Nolan's at the helm. We can trust him.
I respect everybody's opinion here but this has been the one story that has shown the range of people's taste. Everybody has a different choice and some are way "out there".

Take it easy people. Nolan's at the helm. We can trust him.
 
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Eupatorus
2:12PM on 07/31/2006 Add as a friend | MFC profile
VIllians!
OOH! Daniel Day fucking Lewis as Joker! I guesss Tim Roth would be my second choice. As for Pengy, Hoffman would be choice but I don't think he'll bite, so maybe... uh.... John Goodman?
Kinda at a loss there. All I know is I want some Harley Quinn action and it better not be Brittany "ruined Sin City" Murphy. Maybe Elsiha Cuthbert? Amanda Bynes? Bynes could at least pull off the voice, ...
OOH! Daniel Day fucking Lewis as Joker! I guesss Tim Roth would be my second choice. As for Pengy, Hoffman would be choice but I don't think he'll bite, so maybe... uh.... John Goodman?
Kinda at a loss there. All I know is I want some Harley Quinn action and it better not be Brittany "ruined Sin City" Murphy. Maybe Elsiha Cuthbert? Amanda Bynes? Bynes could at least pull off the voice, I dunno if she has the look for it though.
 
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brechtsky
2:03PM on 07/31/2006 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Vincent Cassel
I've said it before, I'll say it again. Perfect acting abilities for the part (charismatic, with a healthy dose of psycho in the eyes and smile), and an even better look for it.

And I think PSH would be a great choice, but after MI3, I doubt he's chomping at the bit for another part as a villain (especially the less anticipated one, in a film with two or more). Besides him, I'd a...
I've said it before, I'll say it again. Perfect acting abilities for the part (charismatic, with a healthy dose of psycho in the eyes and smile), and an even better look for it.

And I think PSH would be a great choice, but after MI3, I doubt he's chomping at the bit for another part as a villain (especially the less anticipated one, in a film with two or more). Besides him, I'd ask Paul Giamatti. He's about the same age, and you know he'd do the role justice, long before he steps in front of the camera.
 
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Djinon
1:48PM on 07/31/2006 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I don't want Heath in there anyway, I'd cast Crispin Glover as the Joker. As for the Penguin... DeVito did an excellent job before and I wouldn't mind seeing him again.
I don't want Heath in there anyway, I'd cast Crispin Glover as the Joker. As for the Penguin... DeVito did an excellent job before and I wouldn't mind seeing him again.
 
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mullerlt
1:41PM on 07/31/2006 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I think Robert DeNiro would be a great penguin, not sure that is the type of role he would go after though. As for the joker I would like to see Tim Roth or perhaps Jason Lee.
I think Robert DeNiro would be a great penguin, not sure that is the type of role he would go after though. As for the joker I would like to see Tim Roth or perhaps Jason Lee.
 
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realhorrorshow
1:33PM on 07/31/2006 Add as a friend | MFC profile
i had hoffman as the penguin for ages i'm glad that may happen. if not i would go with paul giamatti.

i was sold on ledger to be the new joker and now i want to see him go through with it.

and yes brittany murphy as harley quinn is the only choice if they use harley.
i had hoffman as the penguin for ages i'm glad that may happen. if not i would go with paul giamatti.

i was sold on ledger to be the new joker and now i want to see him go through with it.

and yes brittany murphy as harley quinn is the only choice if they use harley.
 
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brentage5000
12:41PM on 07/31/2006 Add as a friend | MFC profile
My choices? Hoffman for Penguin and Crispin Glover for Joker....and Brittany Murphy for Harley Quinn, of course.

Gotta have Quinn.
My choices? Hoffman for Penguin and Crispin Glover for Joker....and Brittany Murphy for Harley Quinn, of course.

Gotta have Quinn.
 
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Huttjos
12:39PM on 07/31/2006 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Lets see....
As for right now, I really don't think it would be a wise path to follow on the penguin for a main villian for the sequel. I agree with some of you, that Nolan should explore the OTHER villians in the franchise.

Such as CLAYFACE...PLEASE! OR even as a side villian, Killer Croc.

BUT...if it turns out that those are infact the two villians Nolan is pursuing, then ...
As for right now, I really don't think it would be a wise path to follow on the penguin for a main villian for the sequel. I agree with some of you, that Nolan should explore the OTHER villians in the franchise.

Such as CLAYFACE...PLEASE! OR even as a side villian, Killer Croc.

BUT...if it turns out that those are infact the two villians Nolan is pursuing, then for the Joker, I would go with Sean Penn. As for the Penguin, pay Hoffman 200 million to do it....because he is the only one that can deliver it the way I (and most of us) see the penguin in a darker tones film.
 
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James_Sparrow
12:35PM on 07/31/2006 Add as a friend | MFC profile
ITS NEED TO BE THE GLOVER!?!
God The only person I think could pull of the Joker awesomly is Crispin Glover. I've said it many times.
God The only person I think could pull of the Joker awesomly is Crispin Glover. I've said it many times.
 
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garrettjrussell
12:32PM on 07/31/2006 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Oh the possibilities...
Philip Seymour Hoffman as the penguin would be one of the best casting moves of any hero comic movie to have ever been made. I hope to God he doesn't pass it up, but unforunately, he probably will. Oh the possibilities.

As for Joker: Lachy Hulme or Guy Pearce. Those two, or non at all.
Philip Seymour Hoffman as the penguin would be one of the best casting moves of any hero comic movie to have ever been made. I hope to God he doesn't pass it up, but unforunately, he probably will. Oh the possibilities.

As for Joker: Lachy Hulme or Guy Pearce. Those two, or non at all.
 
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Wakkidus
12:21PM on 07/31/2006 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Christopher Eccleston as The Joker. I mean, just look at this motherfucker: [link]
As for The Penguin, I'd go with Bob Hoskins, but Phillip Seymour Hoffman would kick all kinds of ass.
Christopher Eccleston as The Joker. I mean, just look at this motherfucker: [link]
As for The Penguin, I'd go with Bob Hoskins, but Phillip Seymour Hoffman would kick all kinds of ass.
 
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Black Thorn
12:18PM on 07/31/2006 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Joker
Although I respect Heath Ledger as an actor, I don't see him as an ideal choice for the Joker. I would much rather Guy Pearce take it on since he's got the look and talent to pull it off. Johnny Depp would be really interesting but I can't visualize it as good as Pearce. New villains is also recommended.
Although I respect Heath Ledger as an actor, I don't see him as an ideal choice for the Joker. I would much rather Guy Pearce take it on since he's got the look and talent to pull it off. Johnny Depp would be really interesting but I can't visualize it as good as Pearce. New villains is also recommended.
 
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EvilHenchman
12:12PM on 07/31/2006 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Look for different villains.
Ditto on both Superman76's and drexxell's comments. I don't care to see yet another update on Joker and Penguin, because I don't think we need to see it. Burton and co (Nicholson and DeVito) pretty much had definitive, iconic takes on both of those characters - so why go back to the well again?
Ditto on both Superman76's and drexxell's comments. I don't care to see yet another update on Joker and Penguin, because I don't think we need to see it. Burton and co (Nicholson and DeVito) pretty much had definitive, iconic takes on both of those characters - so why go back to the well again?
 
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JediSatyr
11:53AM on 07/31/2006 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Joker/Penguin casting
I would love to see an older person take the role of Penguin. He should be a more distinguished character with defects. Joker can be any age, preferably close to the actor playing Batman (fingers crossed for Christian Bale's return).

I personally would cast someone like Brandon Lee as the Joker. We would need someone who could deliver lines as well as punches. Perhaps Seann...
I would love to see an older person take the role of Penguin. He should be a more distinguished character with defects. Joker can be any age, preferably close to the actor playing Batman (fingers crossed for Christian Bale's return).

I personally would cast someone like Brandon Lee as the Joker. We would need someone who could deliver lines as well as punches. Perhaps Seann William Scott could give us a 'Jim Carrey' surprise and be a decent Drama actor after showing us his goofy side for so long. He showed us his action chops in "Bulletproof Monk" with Chow Yun Fat and "Welcome to the Jungle/The Rundown" with Dwight 'The Rock' Johnson.

For the Penguin I would be looking for someone like Jack Black who has the right physical look, but would need to be a little older and more established. Perhaps Robin Williams, but toned down.

I would love to see a new villian that hasn't been used in a film yet. Like many people have said already either Killer Croc or Clay Face or even a new Catwoman. I could see Charisma Carpenter or Jessica Biel...someone lanky. Michelle Pfeiffer had the acting chops, but didn't really have the right body type for the part.
 
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tsukasa13
11:23AM on 07/31/2006 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Obviously...
Paul Giamatti has penquin, and...
EDWARD NORTAN as the joker! Hell yes!
I think he would be wonderful at it...
that would probobly be the best movie ever.
Paul Giamatti has penquin, and...
EDWARD NORTAN as the joker! Hell yes!
I think he would be wonderful at it...
that would probobly be the best movie ever.
 
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aronnyc
11:17AM on 07/31/2006 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Johnny Depp, Tom Cruise (never gonna happen), Robin Williams - Joker

I could see Scarlett Johansson pulling off a Catwoman or Poison Ivy.
Johnny Depp, Tom Cruise (never gonna happen), Robin Williams - Joker

I could see Scarlett Johansson pulling off a Catwoman or Poison Ivy.
 
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anarchistboy33
11:06AM on 07/31/2006 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Joker Has To Be A Guy
Guy Pearce SHOULD/Probly will get Joker, and would do it with no over the top shit like other actors would have to do to compensate for their nervousness. He would be the top choice for real menace yet dark humor. Penguin, man, tough one, Devito was kinda perfect now that I have to think of a new one. But with Penguin I'm less worried about anyone big in the part,they would be better off with s...
Guy Pearce SHOULD/Probly will get Joker, and would do it with no over the top shit like other actors would have to do to compensate for their nervousness. He would be the top choice for real menace yet dark humor. Penguin, man, tough one, Devito was kinda perfect now that I have to think of a new one. But with Penguin I'm less worried about anyone big in the part,they would be better off with someone less famous, so they will find the right one.
 
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veronicasawyer
11:01AM on 07/31/2006 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I've been saying it and saying it...
Crazy Cruise for The Joker. You know it makes sense.
Crazy Cruise for The Joker. You know it makes sense.
 
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antoniojvr
10:43AM on 07/31/2006 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I would put Morgan Freeman as the penguin. He has experience with them...
As for the Joker? Steve Miller.
I would put Morgan Freeman as the penguin. He has experience with them...
As for the Joker? Steve Miller.
 
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bigmo122175
10:38AM on 07/31/2006 Add as a friend | MFC profile
How about this??
The Killer Croc would make a great story line.But if you are gonna do the joker I think Jason Patric would work there or maybe Quentin Tarantino.
I like that Clay Face Idea too!!
The Killer Croc would make a great story line.But if you are gonna do the joker I think Jason Patric would work there or maybe Quentin Tarantino.
I like that Clay Face Idea too!!
 
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antoniojvr
10:33AM on 07/31/2006 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I would put Morgan Freeman as the penguin. He has experience with them...
As for the Joker? Steve Miller.
I would put Morgan Freeman as the penguin. He has experience with them...
As for the Joker? Steve Miller.
 
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Ragman
10:29AM on 07/31/2006 Add as a friend | MFC profile
AM I the only one?
Am I the only one who see's this??? DENNIS QUAID...DUH???? Look at his smile? All that work done to Jack Nicholsons face in the original Batman couldve been avoided if they just used DQ's pie-hole. I mean look at the guy, when he smiles his cheeks touch his ears. C'mon people...I cant be the only one.
Am I the only one who see's this??? DENNIS QUAID...DUH???? Look at his smile? All that work done to Jack Nicholsons face in the original Batman couldve been avoided if they just used DQ's pie-hole. I mean look at the guy, when he smiles his cheeks touch his ears. C'mon people...I cant be the only one.
 
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Superman76
10:03AM on 07/31/2006 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Oops, forgot to add my ideas
Oh, and if the insist on using Joker and Penguin, I'd go with Paul Giamatti as Pengy, and Clive Owen as the Joker.
Oh, and if the insist on using Joker and Penguin, I'd go with Paul Giamatti as Pengy, and Clive Owen as the Joker.
 
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Superman76
10:02AM on 07/31/2006 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Missing Villain
Why o' why do they insist on making a movie with villains that have appeared recently? Go with CLAYFACE FOR FUCK SAKE.
Why o' why do they insist on making a movie with villains that have appeared recently? Go with CLAYFACE FOR FUCK SAKE.
 
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drexxell
9:59AM on 07/31/2006 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Cesar Romero and Burgess Meredith? Jack Nicholson and Danny DeVito?
I mean, Christ, if I can remember the names of not just the last set, but the last TWO sets of these guys, isn't it a bit early to be pushing a whole new version through the works?

What's next, "Batman REALLY begins" in 3 years time, since we'll really need a remake then?
I mean, Christ, if I can remember the names of not just the last set, but the last TWO sets of these guys, isn't it a bit early to be pushing a whole new version through the works?

What's next, "Batman REALLY begins" in 3 years time, since we'll really need a remake then?
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