Batman Buzz

"I'm a Joker, I'm a Smoker, I'm a Cowboy Poker . . ."

Interesting news for Batman fans. Warner Brothers just announced that the follow-up to 2005's excellent Batman Begins will be called The Dark Knight. Awesome title. In more Batman news, WB also revealed that Heath Ledger has been cast as the Joker. Interesting. Paul Bettany and Robin Williams were both in the running at some point, but the studio is going with Ledger. I think Ledger will be terrific, but I was amused by that Micahel Keaton rumor floating around for about five minutes. It sure would have been cool to see a guy who played Batman turn around and play a villain in one of the later films. Anyway, Christian Bale will be back as Bruce Wayne/Batman, while Christopher Nolan will once again helm the project. The screenplay will be penned by Jonathan Nolan with a story by Christopher Nolan and David S. Goyer. The Dark Knight is expected to start shooting in early 2007 with a proposed 2008 release.