Source: Empire | Obsessed with Film
After Heath Ledger passed away, and The Dark Knight was released in theaters, the ending of the film posed quite the puzzle for audiences. Since the Joker did not die at the end of the film, fans everywhere have been speculating whether director Christopher Nolan would continue with the character in the third Batman film but with a different actor, or bring on an entirely new villain. Since Ledger’s performance was so unique to the character, it seemed unthinkable to most that he could possibly be replaced.
Well, after two years of speculation, it can all be put to rest. Christopher Nolan says the Joker will not return. Yeah, no surprise there really. But at least we know for sure now.
From Empire Magazine (via Obsessed with Film):
There is the ever-lurking question about villains: who will The Dark Knight tussle with this time… Could it possibly be a returning (and recast) Joker, pulling strings from Arkham, Lecter-style, Empire wonders?
“No”, says Nolan emphatically and unhesitatingly. He resists elaborating simply because, quite understandably, he says, “I just don’t feel comfortable talking about it”.
Well, there you have it. It appears that, just as Obsessed with Film says, we are to assume that the Joker is locked up in Arkham Asylum forever and that’s the end of it.
However, now that the speculation of the Joker possibly returning is over, speculation on the new villain can continue. Just who in Gotham could it be? Someone more traditional and similar to the Joker, like the “The Riddler“? Or perhaps someone a little more out of left field, like “Deadshot” (who appeared in the animated movie Batman: Gotham Knight)? At this point, it seems the new vision for the Batman franchise is to keep it as real as possible, so villains with a little more of a comic-booky feel, like “Clayface” or “Killer Croc” are probably out of the question (although, you never know).
Who do you think will be the next villain (or villains)?
The Dark Knight returns to theaters in the third installment July 20, 2012.
