The Joker cast for next Batman movie

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LOS ANGELES, California (Hollywood Reporter) -- Batman is heading into a sequel, titled "The Dark Knight," and he will face off against the Joker, this time played by Heath Ledger.

Christian Bale, the star of last year's "Batman Begins," will reprise his role as Bruce Wayne/Batman and Christopher Nolan is returning to the directing chair.

Ledger, Oscar-nominated this year for his role in "Brokeback Mountain," resurrects a murderous role memorably played in 1989 by Jack Nicholson in Tim Burton's "Batman."

"Batman Begins" was a critical and commercial hit, and relaunched the Warner Bros. franchise.

An early 2007 start date is being eyed for the sequel. Before then, Bale and Nolan will be in theaters this fall with the Disney release "The Prestige."

Brokeback Batman.

Gay cowboys to dudes in clown makeup fighting men in tights. Heath, what's up bro?

-HECK!

I just don't see Heath as the Joker.

Nah, not at all. Of course I remember thinking Nicholson as The Joker was odd, too. Didn't have the great Joker laugh but his wackiness sold it for me.

-HECK!

well Jack had the creepiness factor.

You know Nicholson got over $60 million for his role. In his contract demanded a cut of the box office and merchandising.

-HECK!

No one is going to be good for the role of joker after Nicholson. He was eerily perfect for that role.

I'll reserve judgement until I see him, I guess. I can't imagine him doing such a... flamboyant role (even the gay cowboy was pretty reserved). Nicholson was brilliant, but I'd really like to see what they have in mind for the Joker this time around.

Oh man... Heath is taking on the Joker. Hmmmmmmm, time will tell, I guess!

hmm, well this should be interesting. hope he can pull it off though, the Joker's one of my favorite baddies.