As you know, the upcoming movie The Dark Knight will feature Batman battling it out with the Joker and Two Face.

The original plan was to have the Joker, played by Heath Ledger, return for the next film.

However, given that after his death they more than likely won't recast for the role, some changes have been made and the next villain has been revealed.

If another Batman flick is made, he will then be going up against the Riddler.

The last Riddler was played by Jim Carrey in Batman Forever, though no word on if he'll return. More likely than not - he won't.

Actor Gary Oldman, who plays Lt James Gordon, says of casting choices for the next film, "I don't see why not. I mean, they did it with Katie Holmes' character. I understand that this is a different circumstance, but I think another actor could do the job. I think Heath would want another actor to do the job. Maybe we don't need the Joker. Because we'll have The Riddler."

Katie's character, Rachel Dawes, will now be played by Maggie Gyllenhaal. You know Katie is too "big" now for a Batman movie.

We'll have to watch The Dark Knight first before we even consider watching the next film….though this one is getting GREAT reviews!

[Photo via Getty Images.]

Permalink / 81 comments (RSS) »

On Tuesday, Heath Ledger's hometown of Perth, Australia, named a theater in his honor for his commitment to acting.

According to reports, an $87 million, 575-seat facility was named the Heath Ledger Theater and serves as a fitting tribute because Ledger was always supportive of other young actors.

Kim Ledger, the late actor's father, called the tribute a pleasant surprise.

"He was such a giver to the arts right across the board. I really feel that there's not a lot of things he'd put his name to, but he'd put his name to that," said the elder Ledger, who attended Tuesday's ceremony.

Ledger's portrayal of the Joker in the soon-to-be released film the Dark Knight is already generating Oscar buzz.

His family is rumored to be attending the NYC premiere later this month.

[Image via WENN.]

Permalink / 65 comments (RSS) »

Critics aren't the only ones fawning over the new Batman movie!

Director Kevin Smith just saw the film and he raved about it on his blog.

He says:

"Courtesy of Peter Sciretta over at SlashFilm.com, I caught an early screening of "The Dark Knight" yesterday evening.Without giving anything away, this is an epic film (and trust me: based on the sheer size and scope of the visuals and storytelling, that's not an overstatement). It's the "Godfather II" of comic book films and three times more earnest than "Batman Begins" (and fuck, was that an earnest film). Easily the most adult comic book film ever made. Heath Ledger didn't so much give a performance as he disappeared completely into the role; I know I'm not the first to suggest this, but he'll likely get at least an Oscar nod (if not the win) for Best Supporting Actor. Fucking flick's nearly three hours long and only leaves you wanting more (in a great way). I can't imagine anyone being disappointed by it. Nolan and crew have created something close to a masterpiece."

Wow.

We're even more excited to see it now!

Permalink / 83 comments (RSS) »

Michelle Williams is speaking up about reports that she is missing the premiere of Heath Ledger's final movie, The Dark Knight, due to "issues" over the late actor's will with his family.

Mara Buxbaum, Michelle William's rep, said in a statement released Tuesday, "The presumption that Michelle ever intended to attend The Dark Knight premiere is unfounded, but to say she is 'boycotting' due to a rift with Heath's family is absurd. It is time to allow this family to go about their lives without this continued scrutiny and speculation."

Still, we hope Heath's dad, Kim, doesn't blow away all of the money from the estate like he has done in the past with his own inheritance.

As for Ledger's family, they have confirmed their attendance at the movie premier.

The family will be flying out from Western Australia to New York for the premier on July 14th.

That's just a few days before the six-month anniversay of heath's passing on January 22nd of this year.

It's still so sad.

[Image via WENN.]

Permalink / 58 comments (RSS) »

New reports unveil tension between Michelle Williams and the late Heath Ledger's family.

As you might have guessed, the trouble is all about money - stemming from issues regarding the deceased actor's will.

Williams is supposedly concerned that even though her and Heath's daughter, Matilda, is the beneficiary to Ledger's estate, the little one will be screwed over by Heath's father, Kim, who was identified in the will as the executor of the estate.

We don't fault Michelle for wanting to protect Matilda's interests! That's what moms do, right?

There's 'history' to back up her 'concerns'.

Kim mishandled his own inheritance after the passing of his father, losing A LOT of money for himself and his siblings. In fact, Daddy Ledger's siblings took him to court over the matter!

There's chatter that Williams (and Matilda) will boycott the July 14th premiere of Heath's last full feature film, The Dark Knight, to drive home the point that she's not going to let her daughter's interests be eff'd with.

Reps for Wiliams and the Legers failed to issue comments about the revelations.

[Image via Buzz Foto.]

Permalink / 75 comments (RSS) »

According to reports, the family of Heath Ledger is planning to fly from Australia to New York for the world premiere of his last film, Batman: The Dark Knight.

Ledger is said to turn an inspired performance as The Joker in the movie.

The pic opens July 18th.

Permalink / 105 comments (RSS) »

Heath Ledger dolls are selling out all over New York.

People are lining up early at toy stores to pick up a plastic action figurine of Heath as the Joker in the Batman sequel The Dark Knight.

Trying to downplay the Joker sellout, Bob Friedland, a Toys 'R' Us spokesman said, "We are getting these products, all of the Dark Knight action figures, on a regular basis."

But the stores are running out quickly.

One employee for Toys 'R' Us saya, "There are none left in the warehouse, either. You will be waiting a while if you want one."

Many stores are still left waiting for shipments to arrive.

A spokeswoman for FAO Schwarz said her NY store had none of the figures yet.

The impossible to acquire Joker figures are being sold in stores for $9.99. And some are already being sold on ebay!

If people's interest in the dolls and remembering Heath is any indication, the new Batman film is gonna do boffo box office.

We can't wait to see it on Imax!!!!

Permalink / 75 comments (RSS) »

Today is the 40th anniversary of the death of civil rights leader Martin Luther King, one of the greatest Americans to ever live.

Today is also Heath Ledger's birthday. He would have turned 29.

Let us remember both!

Permalink / 158 comments (RSS) »

According to reports, Heath Ledger's former lover is pissed that everyone keeps pestering her about the paternity of her kid.

When asked about the lovechild rumors, the unnamed woman (privacy maintained to protect the little girl in the middle of this storm) responded, "I'm not answering anything. I think it's very, very rude that I'm being posed all of this. I really do. I can't talk about anything….You have no proof, there's no background, there's no grounds, there's no nothing."

The alleged love child's mother is just concerned about her daughter's welfare.

"When you are considering an 11-year-old girl who has to go to school and be a part of society, that is my main concern," she said.

It's just crazy to us that it was Heath Ledger's uncle that stirred this pot of drama.

Most of the time it's money hungry peeps that come after a person's estate!

Good job, Uncle Ledger…see the craziness you unleashed?!

[Image via WENN.]

Permalink / 39 comments (RSS) »