Images Heath-LedgerThere we said it…are you happy?

The next BATMAN movie will be called THE DARK KNIGHT, and Heath Ledger will join the cast as The Joker, it was just announced. No mention of Katie Holmes…SCORE!

As a follow up to last year’s blockbuster Batman Begins, Christopher Nolan is set to direct Warner Bros. Pictures’ The Dark Knight, written by Jonathan Nolan, based on a story by Christopher Nolan and David Goyer. The film will be produced by Emma Thomas, Charles Roven and Christopher Nolan. Additionally, Christian Bale will resume his role as Bruce Wayne and Academy Award nominee Heath Ledger has been cast as The Joker. The announcements were made today by Jeff Robinov, President of Production, Warner Bros. Pictures.

Variety has a bit of context:

Monday’s announcement comes amid a less-than-stellar summer for the studio following releases of “Poseidon,” “Superman Returns” and “Lady in the Water.”

Warner didn’t disclose whether Legendary Pictures would finance “The Dark Knight.” Legendary put up half the financing for both “Batman Begins” and “Superman Returns.”

With production starting next winter, it’s likely “The Dark Knight” will be slotted into the summer 2008 lineup.

Two pics are already sitting on the first weekend of May 2008 — the 22nd James Bond feature, from Sony/MGM, and “Iron Man,” from Marvel and Paramount. Disney’s next “Chronicles of Narnia” installment is also expected for release that summer.

1 COMMENT

  1. I’m not a huge fan of Ledger, but think in the past few years he has proved that he can act. More importantly, I trust Nolan and if backs Ledger then that’s all I need to know.

  2. i haven’t seen many movies with him – he was very good in BROKEBACK, though, and Nolan usually knows what he’s doing, so let’s wait and see, then.

    but: Crispin Glover. if only…

  3. omg hes an awesome guy i cnt believe hes gone tho *crys*
    i loved him loads i still do i cnt really say much cus its just a shock wat happend just ARghhh

    god blees u heath

    i ♥ u xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

    R.I.P

  4. .. i still cant believe hes gone I keep telling myself that it has to be a mistake… much aloha to the his family& god bless!!!! rest in peace HEATH!!!