2081 replies to this topic

[Double-Oh-Zero]

The Joker of BATMAN ESCALATION should hardly resemble Nicholson's Joker (who was a far cry from the disturbing, homicidal maniac of the comics).

Spot on. While I never really followed the comics too closely (do know of some of the major Joker events, though), that's what I'm hoping for in the next Batman film as well. As a kid, I always found Nicholson to be genuinely creepy as Joker, but I recently realized (specifically after seeing Begins) that I never really got the feeling that Nicholson's Joker was genuinely insane. Hopefully the next guy to play him will be able to convince me that he's capapble of handing out poisoned cotton candy to kids at an amusement park (one of the few events that I know of from the comics), among other things.

P.S Don't mean to "butt in" on your discussion here, Harmsway.

[Harmsway]

The Joker of BATMAN ESCALATION should hardly resemble Nicholson's Joker (who was a far cry from the disturbing, homicidal maniac of the comics).

Spot on. While I never really followed the comics too closely (do know of some of the major Joker events, though), that's what I'm hoping for in the next Batman film as well. As a kid, I always found Nicholson to be genuinely creepy as Joker, but I recently realized (specifically after seeing Begins) that I never really got the feeling that Nicholson's Joker was genuinely insane. Hopefully the next guy to play him will be able to convince me that he's capapble of handing out poisoned cotton candy to kids at an amusement park (one of the few events that I know of from the comics), among other things.

P.S Don't mean to "butt in" on your discussion here, Harmsway.

No need to apologize - thanks for the input! Glad to have anyone interject who can!

And I agree. Nicholson's Joker is fun, no doubt (personally, I feel his performance before he turns into the Joker as a dark, nuts gangster is better than when he gets all cartoony about it).

[Harmsway]

Now I was thinking the other day, and I realized that I have NO IDEA where Nolan and Goyer are going to take the Joker's main master plan. Usually the Joker's schemes hinge upon using the Joker venom/gas, but to use that as a central focus seems like a retread of Begins with the fear-gas idea. Hmmm.

[Simon Beavis]

Here's a manip of Paul Bettany I found on the web:



I would prefer more gothic makeup, but the suit is pretty cool. And Bettany is a good choice, based on his performance in Gangster No. 1.


Ben Foster would be good too.

Edited by Simon Beavis, 16 November 2005 - 02:07 AM.

[Harmsway]

Here's a manip I did of Bettany a while ago, based on a previously made manip by another person. It needs a better smile, but other than that, I like it.

[Simon Beavis]

Here's a manip I did of Bettany a while ago, based on a previously made manip by another person. It needs a better smile, but other than that, I like it.

Sweet. Very creepy looking.

[Harmsway]

THE JOKER HAS BEEN CAST?!

LatinoReview has broken the news that the Joker has been cast, and the Joker is... HEATH LEDGER. Whoa. That's a delightfully out-of-left-field choice, and I'm loving it. I wanted to be shocked by who Nolan was going to cast, and I certainly am.

The article is here:
http://latinoreview....news.php?id=736

(And for what it's worth, LatinoReview is extremely trustworthy - as they'll tell you, they broke the news about Routh being cast, and many other tidbits from SUPERMAN RETURNS, so it seems they really do have the WB source.)

[tdalton]

THE JOKER HAS BEEN CAST?!

LatinoReview has broken the news that the Joker has been cast, and the Joker is... HEATH LEDGER. Whoa. That's a delightfully out-of-left-field choice, and I'm loving it. I wanted to be shocked by who Nolan was going to cast, and I certainly am.

The article is here:
http://latinoreview....news.php?id=736

(And for what it's worth, LatinoReview is extremely trustworthy - as they'll tell you, they broke the news about Routh being cast, and many other tidbits from SUPERMAN RETURNS, so it seems they really do have the WB source.)

I've got to say that I'm somewhat disappointed by the choice. I guess that this has primarily to do that I was very much excited by the rumor of Sean Penn in the role (however unfounded that rumor may have been), but I still think that they could have found someone better for it. Bettany could have been good as well. The main thing that I was looking for was an actor who could hold his own with the rest of that ridiculously talented cast (Bale, Caine, Oldman, etc.), and I can't say that I've ever been a huge fan of Ledger's acting.

[Righty007]

[Harmsway]

The more I think about it, the more I think he could really be quite an inspired choice. It's one that will catch people off-guard, but in the end, I can see him really doing a good job with it.

[killkenny kid]

Wow, didn't see that coming. But, great news. The news is up at comingsoon and Batmanonfilm too.

[Number 6]

If it's true...wow. Just wow.


Certainly an actor I had not envisioned being that there were other more viable candidates to play Joker. We'll see...

[Thunderfinger]

There are really only three people who would make a perfect Joker.

Jim Carrey, Robert Smith and Tony Blair.

[Frostyak]

The Heath Ledger report has been confirmed. Like most people, I never expected Ledger to be cast as the Joker. That said, Nolan seems to be very good with selecting his cast and I don't think he will dissapoint either comic book or film fans.

- Chris

[Harmsway]

Here's a manip illmatikk on SuperHeroHype made of Ledger:



Undoubtedly the finished Joker will look something different, but it starts to give a basic idea of how he might fit the part.

[Monsieur B]

Personally, I would have chosen Mark Hammill strictly because he played the Joker amazingly on the Batman animated series of the 90s. Ledger - right now - seems an odd and wrong choice in my opinion, but given time, I'm sure I'll warm up to the idea. Great to have some confirmation on new casting.

And now to find a Harvey Dent/Two-Face...

[tdalton]

#108 Harmsway

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Posted 26 July 2006 - 08:31 PM

Here's a new report from BATMAN-ON-FILM which you guys might find of interest:

[box]Wednesday, July 26, 2006 - 8:55 AM CENTRAL TIME: Well, it begins. From this point on, expect the news and rumors to really pick up. Here

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#109 Righty007

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Posted 26 July 2006 - 10:13 PM

Batman 2 is shaping up very nicely.

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#110 Agent 76

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Posted 26 July 2006 - 10:48 PM

Batman 2 is shaping up very nicely.

thank God!

Mr Ledger could be in fact a great choice for it, Nolan knows what's doing.

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#111 Qwerty

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Posted 27 July 2006 - 01:26 AM

This sounds fantastic!

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#112 Thunderfinger

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Posted 27 July 2006 - 08:57 PM

In the previous Batman series,the second film, BATMAN RETURNS, was by far the best.Let

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#113 Harmsway

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Posted 28 July 2006 - 02:05 AM

BB2 will undoubtedly be good and probably superior to BEGINS (I mean, it does have the Joker, which should automatically bring up its awesomeness quotient), but I think the best stuff will take place in BB3. It has phenomenal material to work with, and the best set of characters.

BB3 will ultimately chronicle the fall of Harvey Dent and his transformation into Two-Face, which is arguably one of the greatest moments in Batman history. It's such a beautifully tragic story and it's one that has never been done on film at all.

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#114 Frostyak

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Posted 28 July 2006 - 07:25 AM

I am really looking forward to this movie. 'Batman Begins' did great in the theater and even better in DVD sales. I think more people are going to show for the second movie now that they know what is going on. There was still a great deal of confusion as to "Begins" being a prequel and not a complete re-start.

With a second Bond film and a second Batman film, 2008 is looking great.

- Chris

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#115 Harmsway

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Posted 31 July 2006 - 02:39 PM

LEDGER IS NOT A LOCK FOR THE SEQUEL,
PENGUIN CONFIRMED AS ONE OF THE VILLAINS

Batman-on-film reported this:

Anyway, this comes in from probably my best source who confirmed many things for BOF in the past (such as the Katie Holmes and Ken Watanabe casting; the offer made to Ledger). Here goes:

As you have long suspected, the two main villains in the BATMAN BEGINS sequel will be The Joker and The Penquin.

I can confirm (as I did a few weeks ago) that while an offer has been made to Heath Ledger, Ledger has not signed any deal, and is reluctant to do so (at the moment.) Ledger is not a lock.

It seems Nolan has been listening to you guys when it comes to casting his other villain, however. I can confirm that an offer has been made to Phillip Seymour Hoffman for the role. Yet Hoffman has indicated that he may not get involved in the sequel.

Also, industry reaction to the Ledger 'leak' has been much like the fans: A fair bit of head scratching, and a generally tepid response.

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#116 killkenny kid

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Posted 31 July 2006 - 05:45 PM

Thanks H, I was happy about the news. But, I felt it was a little to nice, Guess we'll have to wait and what happens next.

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#117 Harmsway

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Posted 01 August 2006 - 01:36 AM

NEW UPDATE - TITLE OF SEQUEL ANNOUNCED, LEDGER OFFICIALLY CONFIRMED

Well, Batman-on-film reports this, with the message "take it to the bank":

WB has confirmed to BOF that Ledger has indeed been cast as The Joker in the next Bat-film -- THE DARK KNIGHT.

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#118 K1Bond007

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Posted 01 August 2006 - 05:09 AM

Not a fan of Ledger's casting, but it could work, I just can't picture it right now. I'm just hoping that he's actually serious and faithful rather than going the Batman '89 route.

Not too crazy about the title either. It isn't bad and it clearly suits Batman. I don't know. Not a big deal.

Getting Jonathan Nolan though to write the script. That's interesting. I wonder why David Goyer didn't do it.

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#119 killkenny kid

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Posted 01 August 2006 - 05:51 AM

NEW UPDATE - TITLE OF SEQUEL ANNOUNCED, LEDGER OFFICIALLY CONFIRMED

Well, Batman-on-film reports this, with the message "take it to the bank":

WB has confirmed to BOF that Ledger has indeed been cast as The Joker in the next Bat-film -- THE DARK KNIGHT.

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#120 Double-Oh-Zero

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Posted 01 August 2006 - 05:58 AM

I was hesitant to post my views on Ledger as Joker until it was more or less confirmed, but now that it has (sorta) been...

Hmm.

Somewhat surprising to say the least; I'm neither thrilled nor disappointed by the news. We'll see how the chap does, I suppose. I have faith in Nolan and Co. But still...

Heath Ledger?! As Joker?! Crackers...

Then again, I was gunning for Owen as Bond as much as I was for Bettany as Joker, and I was in the same sort of mindset as I am now when Craig was (nearly) announced. I was a smitten kitten when the first photos and teaser trailer/poster were released, however. So we'll see what happens.

As for the title, I can dig it. I had grown fond of Batman: Escalation as the title, but The Dark Knight will do nicely. Here's hoping for Philip Seymour Hoffman as Penguin.

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[Harmsway]

Here's a new report from BATMAN-ON-FILM which you guys might find of interest:

[box]Wednesday, July 26, 2006 - 8:55 AM CENTRAL TIME: Well, it begins. From this point on, expect the news and rumors to really pick up. Here

[Righty007]

Batman 2 is shaping up very nicely.

[Agent 76]

Batman 2 is shaping up very nicely.

thank God!

Mr Ledger could be in fact a great choice for it, Nolan knows what's doing.

[Qwerty]

This sounds fantastic!

[Thunderfinger]

In the previous Batman series,the second film, BATMAN RETURNS, was by far the best.Let

[Harmsway]

BB2 will undoubtedly be good and probably superior to BEGINS (I mean, it does have the Joker, which should automatically bring up its awesomeness quotient), but I think the best stuff will take place in BB3. It has phenomenal material to work with, and the best set of characters.

BB3 will ultimately chronicle the fall of Harvey Dent and his transformation into Two-Face, which is arguably one of the greatest moments in Batman history. It's such a beautifully tragic story and it's one that has never been done on film at all.

[Frostyak]

I am really looking forward to this movie. 'Batman Begins' did great in the theater and even better in DVD sales. I think more people are going to show for the second movie now that they know what is going on. There was still a great deal of confusion as to "Begins" being a prequel and not a complete re-start.

With a second Bond film and a second Batman film, 2008 is looking great.

- Chris

[Harmsway]

LEDGER IS NOT A LOCK FOR THE SEQUEL,
PENGUIN CONFIRMED AS ONE OF THE VILLAINS

Batman-on-film reported this:

Anyway, this comes in from probably my best source who confirmed many things for BOF in the past (such as the Katie Holmes and Ken Watanabe casting; the offer made to Ledger). Here goes:

As you have long suspected, the two main villains in the BATMAN BEGINS sequel will be The Joker and The Penquin.

I can confirm (as I did a few weeks ago) that while an offer has been made to Heath Ledger, Ledger has not signed any deal, and is reluctant to do so (at the moment.) Ledger is not a lock.

It seems Nolan has been listening to you guys when it comes to casting his other villain, however. I can confirm that an offer has been made to Phillip Seymour Hoffman for the role. Yet Hoffman has indicated that he may not get involved in the sequel.

Also, industry reaction to the Ledger 'leak' has been much like the fans: A fair bit of head scratching, and a generally tepid response.

[killkenny kid]

Thanks H, I was happy about the news. But, I felt it was a little to nice, Guess we'll have to wait and what happens next.

[Harmsway]

NEW UPDATE - TITLE OF SEQUEL ANNOUNCED, LEDGER OFFICIALLY CONFIRMED

Well, Batman-on-film reports this, with the message "take it to the bank":

WB has confirmed to BOF that Ledger has indeed been cast as The Joker in the next Bat-film -- THE DARK KNIGHT.

[K1Bond007]

Not a fan of Ledger's casting, but it could work, I just can't picture it right now. I'm just hoping that he's actually serious and faithful rather than going the Batman '89 route.

Not too crazy about the title either. It isn't bad and it clearly suits Batman. I don't know. Not a big deal.

Getting Jonathan Nolan though to write the script. That's interesting. I wonder why David Goyer didn't do it.

[killkenny kid]

NEW UPDATE - TITLE OF SEQUEL ANNOUNCED, LEDGER OFFICIALLY CONFIRMED

Well, Batman-on-film reports this, with the message "take it to the bank":

WB has confirmed to BOF that Ledger has indeed been cast as The Joker in the next Bat-film -- THE DARK KNIGHT.

[Double-Oh-Zero]

I was hesitant to post my views on Ledger as Joker until it was more or less confirmed, but now that it has (sorta) been...

Hmm.

Somewhat surprising to say the least; I'm neither thrilled nor disappointed by the news. We'll see how the chap does, I suppose. I have faith in Nolan and Co. But still...

Heath Ledger?! As Joker?! Crackers...

Then again, I was gunning for Owen as Bond as much as I was for Bettany as Joker, and I was in the same sort of mindset as I am now when Craig was (nearly) announced. I was a smitten kitten when the first photos and teaser trailer/poster were released, however. So we'll see what happens.

As for the title, I can dig it. I had grown fond of Batman: Escalation as the title, but The Dark Knight will do nicely. Here's hoping for Philip Seymour Hoffman as Penguin.