The Dark Knight, Le Chevalier Noir

after he’s finished with the Joker in Dark Knight.

Make no mistake by the way, Joker really is out of the picture after this movie, at least according to our source. We’re told that the Joker indeed was supposed to be back for another film, and that they did consider simply recasting the part for the inevitable Batman 3, but that those plans have been scrapped after the tragedy of Heath Ledger’s death. Joker has been written out of the Batman 3 script.

Instead, our scooper tells us we’ll get a lot more Two-Face. No surprise there. Anyone who’s seen the recent trailer for The Dark Knight knows the current movie will be dealing with the creation of Batman’s scarred, coin-flipping bad guy. It looks like Batman 3 will continue with his story. We couldn’t get specific details from our source, but she says the third film will be referencing the Batman graphic novels “The Long Halloween” and “Dark Victory”.

“The Long Halloween” seems to deal with a lot of the plot elements we’ll see in The Dark Knight. According to Wikipedia, it involves the Joker, and the creation of Two-Face. More importantly, it involves the evolution of the gang of criminals Batman fights into full fledged supervillains. “Dark Victory” is a sequel to “The Long Halloween”, in the same way Batman 3 will likely be a direct sequel to The Dark Knight. “Dark Victory” continues the story of “The Long Halloween” and seems primarily focused on Two-Face, while introducing Batman’s sidekick Robin. Does that mean we’ll get the return of the boy wonder in Batman 3? If the story follows along this same track, it could.

Catwoman

which will have Two Face as the main villain.” In Batman Begins, the movie’s main bad guy was dead by the time the film was over. Ledger plays the Joker in The Dark Knight and if this is true then it means that he may end up surviving to torment Batman again. Assuming Heath is any good as Mr. J, I like the idea of Joker sticking around in the background of future film, making life miserable for Bats. He is after all, his chief nemesis. It makes sense for him to keep haranguing Bats.

Even more exciting than the idea that we may get the Joker in more than one movie is the identity of another villain who may be in Batman 3. According to our source, “it could also include a certain female feline as well.” Bear in mind that the script for Batman 3 hasn’t been written yet, so it’s all just talk at this stage. But if this really is something Nolan is kicking around for a future Batman project, then don’t be surprised to see a few hints at the future arrival of Catwoman in The Dark Knight.

The New York Post’s Pop Wrap picks up on a rumor reported yesterday by Cinema Blend: that the third Batman movie will reference The Long Halloween and Dark Victory – which could mean an appearance by a certain Boy Wonder.

It’s obvious from the trailers for Batman: The Dark Knight that director Chris Nolan is setting up Harvey Dent as the villain for the third picture. So it’s fitting that it would borrow elements from The Long Halloween, the 1996-1997 miniseries by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale which, among other things, details Harvey Dent’s transformation into Two-Face. The 1999 sequel, Dark Victory, continues the Two-Face storyline, and retells the origin of Batman’s sidekick, Robin.

Pop Wrap’s Jarrett Wieselman worries that means a replay of the “franchise-ruining” Batman & Robin. I just wonder how many elements — and how many characters — Nolan will use from the source material, which took an everything-plus-the-kitchen-sink approach to the cast.

"Two Face is going to be the main villain in BATMAN 3, right?"

JETT SAYS: Maybe.

I haven’t seen THE DARK KNIGHT yet to know whether Harvey Dent survives. However, one would think that Two Face is not killed off and will return in the next film. In fact, I’ve heard that Aaron Eckhart’s deal was for two BATMAN films, so you gotta figure they were planning ahead when they signed him to play Harvey Dent.

Two films. Two Face. Coincidence? I think not.

"What new Bat-Villain do you think will see in BATMAN 3?"

JETT SAYS: Catwoman.

I’ve heard whispered that if the filmmakers can come up with something fresh, Catwoman will return to the big screen. And I’ve got to say, the fans are REALLY desirous of Ms. Kyle’s inclusion in the next film.

However, I would like to see Mr. Nolan and the Batman movie team take a look at some of the other great members of Batman’s great rogues gallery. I’d like to see Nolan’s take on The Riddler, The Penguin, and some of the others we’ve yet to see “ON FILM.”

Jett, any chance Robin will be in the next BATMAN?

JETT SAYS: In a Chris Nolan-directed BATMAN? HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

OK, I'm kidding...sorta.

I’ll take Mr. Nolan for his word when he said “No Robin -- he’s in his crib somewhere.”

Now, I do sort of like the way that BATMAN AND THE MAD MONK ends, y'all know what I'm saying'? However, I don't know if Chris would "force" Robin on the next director if BATMAN 3 ended with Bruce Wayne (and Selina Kyle -- one can hope, right?) going to the circus.

"Do you think The Joker will return?"

JETT SAYS: *Deep sigh*

Man.

*Deep sigh*

I don’t know.

This is a damn tough question.

My first initial thought would be no, but I keep asking myself how significant a role was planned for The Joker in a possible third film? Only Christopher Nolan and a select few know that answer.

Now, the rumor is that the late Heath Ledger was signed for two films and the plan was for him to return in BATMAN 3. How big of a role, I have no clue. Some say it was sizeable, some say it was to be a cameo. Like I said, only Nolan and company know the answer.

The dilemma I see revolves around the late Mr. Ledger. From what is being said by those who know, his performance as The Joker in TDK is absolutely brilliant. I mean, they are already talking Oscar here, OK? Would anyone want to follow Heath as The Joker?

Let’s say that they decide that The Joker’s presence in the film is absolutely necessary. If that were to be the case, I think they’d have to find a “Johnny Depp” or a “Daniel Day-Lewis” -- someone with a pedigree -- to do it. Someone who would not be intimidated by -- or only provide an impersonation of -- Heath’s Joker. Someone who can make the role his own, yet honor his predecessor at the same time.

In my opinion, I say no Joker in BATMAN 3 unless it is absolutely vital to the story for The Joker to be in the film. While I’d prefer not to have The Joker return, I wouldn’t consider it “disrespectful” if the part were indeed recast.

The bottom line here to me is how essential is it to the proper completion of this “Trilogy” to see The Joker again? If it is imperative -- an absolute must -- then recast the part with a quality actor. If not -- meaning the story can go on and be finished as intended -- then no Joker.