ComicBookMovie.com Start A Fansite!
Home : News : Videos : Pictures : Polls : Contact : Editor's Tools
You are not currently logged in. Login

Aaron Eckhart Lobbying for a Two-Face Resurrection

Will the critically acclaimed actor be able to convince Chris Nolan to revive his character?
Aaron Eckhart has gone from stating the impossibility his dead Two-Face character would return in a Dark Knight sequel, to casually implying nothing is impossible when it comes to movies. Now, the actor seems to be outright lobbying to reprise his role.

two face Pictures, Images and Photos

Bridget Day of the Hollywood Scoop reports that the actor, who has won praise for his roles in ‘Thank You for Smoking’ and ‘Possession’, has said, "I think I’ve talked myself out of the job. I thought I’d died. But you know America’s grown up on soap operas and reinventing people so why doesn’t Chris take that into consideration (when he’s writing the script)?"

He also adds, "If Chris asked me back, I would love to. Heath really was meant to come back as The Joker (for the next movie) as we all would want him to do so maybe this will be the way it is and be its own little thing."

Ledger had a guaranteed role in Chris Nolan's vision for a sequel to The Dark Knight. Sadly, we will never see this story line played out since the young actor died of a drug overdose in January 2008.

The Dark Knight - Two Face Poster Pictures, Images and Photos

As well all know, throughout the years comic characters are revived faster than B-movie zombies. But would this same ploy take with fans in the new Nolan-verse?

Thanks go out to Hollywood Scoop and Entertainment Daily for this great find.
7 Yes
3 No
MultiPurposePoni
9/20/2009

DISCLAIMER: This posting was submitted by a user of the site not from Comic Book Movie editorial staff. All users have acknowledged and agreed that the submission of their content is in compliance with our Terms of Use. For removal of copyrighted material, please contact us HERE.

116 Comments

just leave him dead. he was great while he lasted. and surved his purpose.
grif - 9/20/2009, 4:43 AM
I like him not dead, TWO FACE is too good a character but prob is there was a funeral an BATS is on the RUN??

Only thing i can think of is it could be a cover up, but why would GORDAN do that? Its gonna be hard to sort this one out lol!

Still i say bring on DEADSHOT and DEATHSTROKE hired to hunt down the on the run BATMAN!!
LEEE777 - 9/20/2009, 6:56 AM
No. He needs to stay dead. His arc was beautifully wrapped up in TDK, it need not go further. I can't imagine what else they would do with the character at this point.

Plus, that just takes the spotlight away from who really should be in the next movie....Riddler and Black Mask with Deadshot as a merc hired by Black Mask to take Bats out.
InTylerWeTrust82 - 9/20/2009, 7:14 AM
When I saw the Dark Knight, I was hoping that they would bring Two Face back. He is one of the most interesting Batman villains. The Long Halloween anyone?
akthunder - 9/20/2009, 8:10 AM
I'm with grif on this. Harvey Dent was well played and Two Face did what he needed to do. Now that is over, we can all move along and mourn the passing if you feel the need to do so.

I beleive that Two Face had little depth and was designed that way.

R.I.P Two Face.
Highhwaydave - 9/20/2009, 8:40 AM
I posted this on a previous board but again:

I felt the funeral was for Harvey. Let the people of Gotham feel that their 'white knight' died a martyr. The greatest price a hero can pay is himself for his people. No one in the public other then Gordan's family knew Dent was Two Face... so why not cover it up and make it look like Dent died protecting the city? Their White Knight would live on forever in their minds. Give them hope, the thing they needed most. Then lock up Two Face, hidden away from public eye, and if the famous line he speaks of Dent being dead and 'there is only Two Face', then boom! No one is the wiser. It could work, especially in grand ol Hollywood. Nolan also said the third film was supposed to be all about the Joker Batman conflict... that plan has officially been screwed so perhaps we are gonna get a change. I personnaly would be happier with Two Face coming back then a replacement Joker. Especially with how much of a relationship Two Face (or Dent rather) has with Bruce. At least that could bring a connection/drama effect in a movie.
RedHeadBruno - 9/20/2009, 8:48 AM
Bringing Dent back would be a very illogical move.

There really isn't much else you could do with the character from what he did in TDK (I love the character, so don't take that the wrong way), and the ending to TDK was a perfect wrap-up of Dent's tragic storyline. I feel it would diminish the importance of the ending, and, at least in my opinion, kind of ruin it.
InTylerWeTrust82 - 9/20/2009, 9:04 AM
I kinda agree with the fact there isn't much more to do with him unless it is a Long Halloween type role to where he is more in the background and part of a crime to be solved. Or he can even be locked up in Arkham. I'm just saying it wouldn't be difficult to bring him back and I would actually find it believable. They did quite a bit with Dent, I was just upset to see him go so fast
RedHeadBruno - 9/20/2009, 9:19 AM
Yeah, I was a bit disappointed that he went by so quickly, but I think it was the right thing to do. They focused more on Dent than most other characters in the movie, and made him so sympathetic, to give his tragic fall more emotion.

I feel like they gave great justice to the character, and that his arc was handled with incredible care and I don't think I would have changed a thing about it.
InTylerWeTrust82 - 9/20/2009, 9:35 AM
Yeah I feel you, the more I think about it the more I agree. It is good he is gone... but now what??
RedHeadBruno - 9/20/2009, 9:52 AM
Hush!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
KillerOfSaints - 9/20/2009, 9:58 AM
Well, I think a good way to bring in the Riddler and tie him into the on the run thing would be to have him as a sort of "expert" that the police turn to for help. He is an extremely intelligent, if a bit off, man. He already has an obsession with Batman, and it only deepens when he as he tries to outwit him and capture Bats.

Meanwhile, the Black Mask has risen up as a new mob boss in town, profiting greatly from Bats being a fugitive from the law. However, Bats is up to his old ways again, and is causing BM a hefty amount of trouble. That's where BM hires either Deadshot or Firefly (I prefer Deadshot) to take Bats out.
InTylerWeTrust82 - 9/20/2009, 9:59 AM
I don't really mind the sound of that InTylerWeTrust82.

I think that it could work nicely.
Highhwaydave - 9/20/2009, 10:05 AM
I would love for them to bring in Riddler that way... do you think Nolan will go for Black Mask though? With his whole realism deal, he said even the Penguin was to far out there... Of course I guess the mask does not have to seal to his face, could just actually wear the mask. I could see Black Mask though, and would enjoy it. I def agree with Deadshot over Firefly.

As for Hush KillerOfSaints... I don't know. That is one baddie I def. don't want tied down to just one film. And if Nolan only wants to do one more film then I would rather not have it happen at all.

Wish they could pull Bane off somehow...
RedHeadBruno - 9/20/2009, 10:10 AM
i agree with you guys, two face served his role. in the end its almost sad how the potential of the character was reduced to being a rampaging pawn of the joker, but then again i would not have traded the beautiful, tragic origin of two face that we got to see in tdk.

but dent never really turned evil, just went on an insane killing spree. it would be dumb to make him into an actual cunning villain, plus it would take away from his sad death. and also the ending of tdk!!! batman sacrificed his reputation to save dents!! if dent returns as an obvious villain, then batman's unselfish cover at the end of tdk will be for nothing
JeremyBentham - 9/20/2009, 10:14 AM
I think Black Mask would fit perfectly into the Nolan universe. You're right, they don't have to seal it to his face, it can just be a sort of intimidation thing.

I like Firefly, he is a very cool character. However, Deadshot would be cooler to see IMO, and I think he would fit the movie better than Firefly. Wouldn't mind at all if FF was in it though.
InTylerWeTrust82 - 9/20/2009, 10:15 AM
Yeah, I would rather have Deadshot... FF could do as you said.

What if we discover a person with a crush on Joker that brings about a new villain bent on revenge done in Joker fashion? You know who I mean...

I wouldn't mind Zsasz in a small role either... I mean he was already in the films
RedHeadBruno - 9/20/2009, 10:26 AM
Tyler that would be an awesome storyline I would totally watch it. But I also want a storyline where Batman uses more of his detective side. We haven't really seen that. There was a small part of it in TDK, but I want more I mean he is the World's Greatest Detective!
InstigatorGIRL - 9/20/2009, 11:37 AM
the third shud be about redemption, and be the last one. have riddler be like the zodiac killer, and black mask like al capone...
kyle dalton - 9/20/2009, 11:40 AM
I think Nolan should continue with his plans for the joker in the 3rd one. I think Johnny Depp could pull it off. Yes, Heath was the GREATEST JOKER we've seen thus far, but the show must go on. Its sad that he died , but I'm sure there is atleast one person out there who can match, if not beat his portrayal of the Joker.

RIP Heath.
Juskool2000 - 9/20/2009, 11:49 AM
What I think they should do is this:

RIDDLER.

"Mr. Reese" from TDK sort of sounds like "Mysteries". This guy knows who Batman is. He also knows Bats is a good man being as he risked his life (as Bruce Wayne no less) to save him when Reese was blackmailing Batman.

Now Batman has the stigma of being murderer and a public menace. Mr Reese takes it upon himself to redeem Batman the only way he knows how by creating a villain that Batman has to stop. He creates "The Riddler". He starts kidnapping people and giving Batman clues to save them.

But one time he takes it too hard and Batman can't solve it quick enough and Riddler accidentally kills someone. The guilt of taking inadvertently taking someone's life drives him crazy and he becomes the very villain he created. There could be a subplot with another villain like Baine or Deadshot or something.
Michael Galusick - 9/20/2009, 11:51 AM
Keep him dead, anything else would take away from the last movie's brilliance. Besides I want to see a new villain.
thwhtGuardian - 9/20/2009, 11:57 AM
does no one like Mr. Zsasz? I mean... he's already made an appearance, already been listed on TDK site...
RedHeadBruno - 9/20/2009, 12:10 PM
Here is my take on this subject.

I loved Dark Knight. It is without a doubt my all time favorite movies, and I have a big list. Its sad the way Ledger died but we have something to truly remember him by. And Eckhart played his role to utter perfection.

I actually think that Two-Face shouldn't die from of all things a mere two or three story fall. In movies and comic books-characters have survived from far worse so why should a two story fall kill Two-Face?

Maybe they shouldn't bring him back for the immediate Dark Knight sequel but at least plant the seeds for his return in future movies. You know like show someone healing Two-Face in some remote, secluded area away from prying eyes and have the movie end there.

Makes for a great AFTER THE CREDITS STOP ROLLING type scene. (I.E Sam Jackson/Nick Fury in Iron Man)

Bottom line, they don't have to bring him back right away, just tease things for a lone Batman/Two-Face movie face off.

Who knows, maybe that is what Nolan's plans are all along. Maybe he is saying that Two-Face is dead so that he could keep us fans and such out of the loop and not spoil anything for later in his movies.

Here's to being optimistic right?

Nolan has always had a good formula with presenting his villians in movies. You have your low tiered bad guys (The mob bosses in Begins and Dark Knight), your mid tiered bad guys (Scarecrow in Begins) Then your main event bad guys (Ra Al Ghoul in Begins, Joker and Two-Face in Dark Knight)

The Dark Knight was unique because some might say that Joker was a mid tiered bad guy in it but he was a main event baddie who just remained behind the scenes pulling the strings and setting the stage for Two-Face. And really, if you think about it Two-Face was more of a pawn anyway because Joker achieved his goal. He created chaos. He destroyed the best of Gothem. He won. Batman lost.

EphPhaThaINC - 9/20/2009, 12:14 PM
They need to bring back Two-Face!!!!
Since seeing the Dark Knight he has become one of my favorites!!!


As for the Joker situation? Let Joseph Gordon Levitt play the roll. He has the looks and the critique!!!!
Minotauro - 9/20/2009, 12:16 PM
I believe in Harvey Dent!

Bring him back.. He needs way more screen time.

He's a great character in the comics and he toys with Batman a lot too.. He didn't have enough time to do that in The Dark Knight..
Imran - 9/20/2009, 12:23 PM
Dent had plenty of screen time. I would say his character arc was the main storyline of the whole movie. If not the main, then certainly one of the main storylines.

Point is, he was done perfectly. There is absolutely no need to revisit his character after TDK, he's done.

I guess the best way to sum it up is that it's......unnecessary. Yeah, that seems like the right word.
InTylerWeTrust82 - 9/20/2009, 12:33 PM
I wouldn't mind if they brought him back.
Bandrews1 - 9/20/2009, 12:54 PM
here's my two-cents:

have johnny depp play the riddler...play him serious but with obsessive compulsive disorder and genius level intellect. He is obsessed with learning who Batman is and if he is human or 'more than just a man.' He leaves clues and such to test batman...eventually leading to him trying to hold the mayor hostage.

that or have all that with j.d. as riddler BUT have him be an industrial saboteur. All this to test batman and prove he is superior in intellect (we finally see the complete detective in batman) ...Riddler hires firefly (played by guy pearce) as his muscle.

another idea: guy pearce plays black mask who hates bruce wayne AND eventually batman. He has a hired muscle who goes by the street name 'killer croc' (played by Michael Clarke Duncan--with no prosthetics or make-up...maybe just a croc tattoo or weird eye contacts).
musicsuperhero - 9/20/2009, 12:55 PM
David Tennant or Michael C. Hall for the Riddler. No to Depp. But I agree with the rest of your ideas about Riddler, except maybe not the Firefly aspect, but that's a personal preference.

Guy Pearce is definitely Black Mask in my book. I've been saying that for a couple weeks now, though I've had the idea in my head for a while.
InTylerWeTrust82 - 9/20/2009, 1:03 PM
@Tyler: I'm pretty much with you now. Although he could come back, I see it as unnecessary.

Lets make it darker then ever before, considering this is the Bat's darkest film. He is pushed away, a tarnish on society... no longer seen as a good guy. Bring in the Black Mask (with extra muscle if needed) and Mr. Zsasz... two of the darkest villians as far as their methods and looks and thoughts go while still being able to keep it realistic the way Nolan wants.

Then you could have Riddler as the false bright light. He comes in to "help" the police solve crimes while actually commiting crimes, trying to pin down who the Bat is... and how to be better then him.

I don't know, every time I try picturing Depp as Riddler... just does not work. We can't just concentrate on major villians either...
RedHeadBruno - 9/20/2009, 1:06 PM
i say screw nolan if he's too stubborn to use the joker. He's a great villain, and was portrayed AMAZINGLY by heath.. but shit that didnt look like heath ledger, all that make up could make my foot look like the same joker, and after heath created that joker, it can definately be done by someone else... it took heath to makei t, but ive seen youtube videos of feakin kids that pull it off. again this is not knocking ledger because his performance was mind blowing.. and i dont htink anyone else could have invented that.. but some on can immitate it. Its unrealistic for him to disapear.. and TDK was not a batman movie.. it was the jokers movie so bring him the F back
fotc - 9/20/2009, 1:12 PM
There is no good reason to get rid of 2face already. Joker shouldnt be used anymore cause we dont have ledger anymore and noone can do it like him... 2Face should be there to work with the Riddler or some other villain.
theartofoneness - 9/20/2009, 1:16 PM
God damit no......Batman has many villains to choose from.....think of what future great performance you might miss out from cus you insisted in replacing that role with one thats been done.


:)
teabag - 9/20/2009, 1:26 PM
dont get me wrong i love the nolan films there almost flawless except for the fact that batman cant have any super powered villains i dont like that oh and another thing just throwing it out there i hate when they kill off villains , if they dont die in the comics dont kill them
AvengingAngel1022 - 9/20/2009, 1:49 PM
hey in the movie they mention Harvey Dent is dead, but it doesn't mean Two face is. So keep that in mind, plus who remembers Mr Resse? sounds like "Mystery" to me, i smell a connection to the riddler.
Misterfan - 9/20/2009, 1:51 PM
be realistic tho.. they intend on having a funeral for him, and then hiding him in arkham fokr the rest of his like, hidden from society.. because no patients can even see him because they could get released and spread word that he is alive... realistically, with the refusal of skin graph nad his funeral cover-up... harvey 2 face is dead and gone
fotc - 9/20/2009, 1:55 PM
Tyler.. Sorry, I meant as Two Face.. He was there throughout as Harvey Dent.. But he was a good guy!!
Imran - 9/20/2009, 2:17 PM
I want to see Bane, Talia al Ghul,and Selina Kyle.

Here's the plot. The league of shadows is using catwoman to pull off high profile robberies and Bane to commit murders and setting it up to look like its the work of Batman in an effort to further discredit him. Meanwhile Talia al Ghul is also causing problems for Wayne Enterprises as head of a rival company while secretly controlling the league of shadows. In the end Batman and catwoman reluctantly team up to clear his name of all crimes (even the Two-Face murders)and stop the Bane, Talia and the league.

Not only would this allow us to see Batman in more of a detective mode, having to solve multiple mysteries relating to the same case, but it also creates a pretty interesting story seeing as how all these characters have been romantically involved in the comics.

And for those who think Bane dosen'tfit in the Nolanverse I say he doesn't. At least not if he transforms him into a monster a la the Hulk. But you have his serum sort work along the same lines as what the super soilder serum does for Steve Rogers well then its a lot more doable.

Last but not least there should only be one recurring villain and thats Scarecrow. I liked his cameo in TDK and I think they should keep that going.
90caliber - 9/20/2009, 2:17 PM
Honestly I think his character accomplished what was necessary and doesn't need to be brought back. However, I would love to see that he's still alive. Don't give him a real major role but if they at least show that he's alive and in Arkham I'd be happy. They could easily do that. I mean there was a funeral for him at the end of TDK but remember they didn't want anyone to find out he had gone crazy. Maybe the funeral could have just been to keep people from finding out Harvey was Two-face.
HeyVanity - 9/20/2009, 2:38 PM
I never stopped believing in Harvey Dent.I hope they bring him back,Two-Face is my favorite Batman villian.
bymyblackhand - 9/20/2009, 2:40 PM
I also believe in Harvey Dent. Dude needs to come back. Ra's can make an appearance as well, and Scarecrow TOTALLY needs to come back.
Jib7z - 9/20/2009, 2:53 PM
might as well bring him back, because it will happen eventually and at least we'll get the actor we want if he does it now.

The only characters in Batman's life who should stay dead are his parents.
SoulAllFlush - 9/20/2009, 2:55 PM
If Nolan caves and brings him back into continuity, he would lose his very indominable street cred. However, if he comes back in the way of flashbacks, that would be fine. Ledger's legendary performance of the Joker can be replaced by numerous good actors like Crispin Glover, Michael C. Hall, or Johnny Depp. I'm not sure that a similar character in the way of jokularity is the way to go. Perhaps other characters like Ra's Al Ghul's daughter, Deathstroke, Deadshot( both of whom could be competing contract killers on Batman, thus creating an interesting subplot), and/or Penguin can be explored. Riddler would of course need to rise sooner or later, but too soon would like a "copy-cat".
Phinehas - 9/20/2009, 3:06 PM
Dent/Two Face has to be alive, otherwise The Dark Knight Returns would have to be the product of yet another ReBoot.
FateSucks - 9/20/2009, 3:06 PM
How bout they keep the Joker with Joseph Gordon Levitt playing a more demented Arkham Asylum resident like Joker. (I am convinced he could play the role now. Go check out 500 Days of Summer trailer. He’s got the voice toward the end. :b) Bring the Hush character in to fix Dent's face, because in the Comic when Dent's face gets fixed he goes back to the White Knight of Gotham. Plus we'll have another personal relationship for Bruce with the addition of Dr. Thomas Elliot. The Riddler can be introduced to spice things up and mess with Bats' head and bring out the detective side. Leave Hush out of it, just give some details about Tommy and his relationship with Bruce and the night his Father died. Then the next movie can really get into the Hush story after we’ve had our fill of the Joker and Riddler.
DKHavoc - 9/20/2009, 3:09 PM
hes dead............................................................................................................................................................................................................
fotc - 9/20/2009, 3:29 PM
@DK

Love your play on Hush with Dent... Like LOVE IT.

@Phinehas

I like the assassin aspect/sub-plot. But the Penguin won't happen.

I'll say it again, just as Scarecrow plays a small sub villain plot now they should bring in Mr. Zsasz. He was played by Tim Booth already in Batman Begins, then on The Dark Knight website they called him still at large. Why does everyone act like he won't happen despite the fact Nolan has already included him? He creeps me out worse then most Batman enemies and he is realistic so could fit into Nolan's Batverse.
RedHeadBruno - 9/20/2009, 3:36 PM
@ReadHeadBruno I feel the same way about Zsasz. He is such a disturbing and sadistic character and fits perfectly into the Nolan's take on Batman.

Zsasz Pictures, Images and Photos
MultiPurposePoni - 9/20/2009, 3:39 PM
Thank you MultiPurposePoni
RedHeadBruno - 9/20/2009, 3:45 PM
Gordon Levitt doesn't really fit Joker. He's way too short and small. It would look extremely odd if he played the Joker from Nolan's universe.
InTylerWeTrust82 - 9/20/2009, 3:46 PM
I think The Riddler is a great choice for a new villain. He was one of the only ones who ever figured out Bruce Wayne was Batman. And he did it on his own. The only problem is he couldn't tell anyone because it's giving away the secret. So I figure a good story is The Riddler knowing who Batman is and attacking functions that Bruce Wayne attends so as to avoid being stopped.

I also like the idea of a subvillain. Deadshot/Zsasz/Black Mask, any of them would work on the sidelines. But I feel that more than any other villain, The Riddler would be the best fit in a 3rd movie. He could also be an essential part of clearing batman's name.
JohnnyWellens - 9/20/2009, 3:48 PM
@Phinehas
On the surface the Riddler does seem really similar to the Joker. I'm not all that well versed in Batman Lore (but I'm trying :P)but I can see casual fans going "Isn't this guy like the Joker?" I wonder if it would work if Nolan played off that. Used the Copy-cat angle as it were in the story.
Phoenixtorn - 9/20/2009, 3:49 PM
The Riddler can be adapted differently because he can be all about order and design. Joker was all about chaos and anarchy, Riddler could be the complete opposite of that.

They could even say something like that, with Riddler saying that Joker had it all wrong, that life needs to have structure and rules, and that can tie into the riddles he leaves behind.
InTylerWeTrust82 - 9/20/2009, 3:55 PM
Levitt IS 3 inches shorter than Ledger but Hollywood does have some magic up its sleeve. I think he has the range, youth and look to pull of the character. If nothing else have him in some dark scenes in Arkham. Just keep the Joker alive! He is too important to Batman's duality.

@RedHeadBruno Great Idea bringing Zsasz to light. There is obviously a story waiting to happen there. I'm glad you like my take. I think if the next movie is made dark enough and Bruce has Tommy as a friend and they bring Dent back to himself, the three could be close.l Then have Hush and Two-face in the 4th. That would be some dark Sh!t for Bruce/Batman to deal with.
DKHavoc - 9/20/2009, 3:59 PM



ALREADY IS




AND




AS:



Nuff said
RedHeadBruno - 9/20/2009, 4:01 PM
Look at this, I know it's old but still...


RedHeadBruno - 9/20/2009, 4:03 PM
All Joker should have in the next movie is a cameo in Arkham, hidden in the darkness of his cell. No more, no less.

InTylerWeTrust82 - 9/20/2009, 4:04 PM
Sounds good to me.
DKHavoc - 9/20/2009, 4:06 PM
You may notice Kristen Bell's name at the top... it's a call for her to be Harley.

Marion Cotillard as Catwoman.

And David Tennant as Riddler of course.

I did not make this poster
RedHeadBruno - 9/20/2009, 4:07 PM
I say it is time for a ReBoot. Seriously ... like the different artist and writers that get a BAtman Gig... Cmon folks...i know we loved the last two movies... but still that is not the take on the Bats we were really looking for. lets reinvent the film industry and tell how the world is seen through different eyes. REboot yet continue.
shibazz - 9/20/2009, 4:08 PM
What if the Riddler left clues that leads Batman to sneak (since he's on the run and all) into Arkham and confront the Joker. Maybe he goes back twice and see's the Joker has escaped. :b Toward the end of coarse.
DKHavoc - 9/20/2009, 4:08 PM
I like the idea I heard of Edward Nigma being a detective with the GCPD MCU. He's so intelligent he figured out Batman's identity but doesn't believe his partners on the police force deserve to know. Don't let him become the Riddler persona until the end of the movie.

If there is a sequel to TDK, I want to see some crime boss/Deadshot/Deathstroke action. I think you guys that mentioned this idea before nailed it. It's time to introduce some fairly unknown rogues.
MultiPurposePoni - 9/20/2009, 4:11 PM
YOU KNOW HE MIGHT NOT BE IN THE GREEN GET UP SUIT, HE MIGHT LOOK ALLITTLE MORE DERANGED IF YOUR THINKING NOLAN-ISMS
GUNSMITH - 9/20/2009, 4:11 PM
First, the Penguin doesn't have to be a grotesque mutant as portrayed by Danny Devito in BR. He could be a conman turned socialite that always is seen in Black and White suites(not necessarily a tuxedo, but not exempted either). The public would dubb (to his disdain)him the penguin as result of his clothing and portley disposition. Penguin's story is entagled with Zsasz and can easily employ Zsasz's services on Bats because of debts owed to him by Zsasz.
Secondly, Riddler, is a man of puzzles and games. To do that after Joker, would seem to dumb down this awesome franchise created by Nolan. It may be a clever movie. It may employ Bat's underused detective skills. But I am really concerned it wouldn't sell as well being in the shadow of it's predecessor, TDK.
With Bats on the run, Dent believed to be murdered, the best coarse of action is the people of Gotham turning to a man they hardly know. They recall the current mayor and elect the man known as the Penguin. He hires two hitmen in a clandestine attempt to "get the Bat!" The Riddler leaves a clue at the end of the movie as to who is behind all of this...
Phinehas - 9/20/2009, 4:12 PM
Kristen Bell would be a good Harley, but Brittany Murphy would definitely be the best Harley IMO.

InTylerWeTrust82 - 9/20/2009, 4:16 PM
Tyler, they had better hurry then. Murphy is no longer a spring chicken. I know she's only 31, but in chick years she's halfway to the grave! LOL
Phinehas - 9/20/2009, 4:20 PM
@Phinehas Now that sounds like a good TDK sequel to me! Nolan made a great choice introducing Ras and Scarecrow in Begins. He should continue to tap into the lesser known baddies.
MultiPurposePoni - 9/20/2009, 4:20 PM
I might be alone in saying this but does no-one else think keeping Dent dead might be counterproductive to the Batman movie series as a whole??? My thinking is that having Batman play the fugitive is going to be a kick ass aspect while trying to go about tackling his foes but it can't go on forever and would get stale. The only legitimate way Batman could regain his mantle of defender of the people and come to grips with becoming the hero Dent couldn't become is if it turns out Dent is alive and not by simply saying, oh by the way it wasn't actually Bats that killed him. I think the psychological depth of the two face/dent character is a lot more than given credit.
Would also like to see Riddler next, but with a big emphasis on Gordons role in the whole thing, the dilemma of being seen to try and catch Batman but also desperately needing his help to stop Riddler.
MartianManhunter - 9/20/2009, 4:23 PM
Well, I think she's the perfect age for Harley. Harley is a psychiatrist, I doubt she would be much younger than early 30's, well, I could see late 20's though.
InTylerWeTrust82 - 9/20/2009, 4:24 PM
I know, but how long will it take to get the script, and the next Joker movie set up that will employ her? Shes the right age RIGHT NOW!

MultiPurposePoni:

Thanks! I think I'm in the minority thought (as usuual) LOL
Phinehas - 9/20/2009, 4:27 PM
What about Amy Smart?
RedHeadBruno - 9/20/2009, 4:35 PM
So... Murphy, Smart, or Bell?
RedHeadBruno - 9/20/2009, 4:36 PM
@Phinehas Then I guess will have to keep badgering the majority until some of them cross over to our side :)
MultiPurposePoni - 9/20/2009, 4:37 PM
Out of those 3, I would say:

1. Murphy

2. Smart

3. Bell (she would be #2 but I'd much rather see her as Supergirl)
InTylerWeTrust82 - 9/20/2009, 4:42 PM
MPP, we can tag team em!
Phinehas - 9/20/2009, 4:43 PM
I don't want to see Harley unless she plays a very minor role. Introducing too many villains may lead down the cursed path the older Bat films created.

Out of curiosity, why do some of you guys disagree with seeing Bats take on Deadshot or Deathstroke?
MultiPurposePoni - 9/20/2009, 4:47 PM
@Tyler

Man Elisha Cuthbert for Supergirl!

@Phinehas

I like your idea to just got distracted talkin bout the ladies...

RedHeadBruno - 9/20/2009, 4:52 PM
I don't think Harley should be in the next movie. A cameo by Quinzel at the end of the movie will do just fine for me.

Deadshot I would love to see, but he isn't a big enough villain to be a major character. A Scarecrow in TDK type role would be perfect for him IMO.

Deathstroke should be saved for a Teen Titans movie. That's where he belongs IMO.
InTylerWeTrust82 - 9/20/2009, 4:52 PM
Towards the end of the next movie, Batman believes the clue left by the Riddler is actually a clue by the Joker. He goes to Arkham to see if he's there, and if so, confront him on what he knows. The camera comes upon a shadowy sillouette calmly still, as though waiting for his arrival. Trying to hold back maniacal chuckles of madness, he speaks cryptically to Bats as to suggest he has any part in the subject that Bats has come to ask him.
He DOES know something, but like Hannibal Lecter, he tries to string him on. Then, trying to leave a taint of corruption on the Bat he ends with,

"Anything else...partner?"

Quinzel could be the doctor/escort who leads bats to Joker's cell and says, that's Mista J...uh...John Doe.
Phinehas - 9/20/2009, 4:55 PM
Two Face is dead. Leave it at that. Add a different villain or two in the next Batman movie. Lets get some fresh new faces. If the Joker is to appear in Batman 3 then get an actor like Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Levitt looks so much like the late Heath Ledger. I think he can pull it off. Then include the Riddler and another much darker villain like a Deathstroke or BlackMask.
Hulk2008 - 9/20/2009, 5:05 PM
I'd rather see Depp as Joker than Levitt. In the scene where Joker didn't have make up on and he was dressed as a police officer, I could have sworn it was Depp.
InTylerWeTrust82 - 9/20/2009, 5:10 PM
Photoshop anybody?

RedHeadBruno - 9/20/2009, 5:31 PM
For Penguin:

Paul Giamatti~


Or Phillip Seymour Hoffman~


Bob Hoskins~


Phinehas - 9/20/2009, 5:45 PM
If somehow Penguin gets in... my vote is Hoffman
RedHeadBruno - 9/20/2009, 5:47 PM
I'd rather not see Penguin (only because I want to see Riddler/Black Mask/Deadshot more), but if he had to be in there my vote is for Bob Hoskins.
InTylerWeTrust82 - 9/20/2009, 5:53 PM
I don't really want him either... course I'm still not sure if I even want Riddler he just seems like the next logical step. I am so torn...
RedHeadBruno - 9/20/2009, 5:57 PM
I think the Riddler should be "introduced" at the end of the next (Penguin villian?) Batman film to punctuate the game playing villians. In the follow up film, Riddler will terrorize Gotham and expose the Penguin as a crime boss that sleazed his way into public office. Riddler was never successfully foiled by Bruce Wayne/Batman(whose identity was figured out by Riddler, though kept because secrets are fun!).

But the Joker won't be outdone! After seemingly escaping from Arkham with the aide of Dr. Quinzell, he finds Riddler, and beats him within an inch of his life, accusing the Riddler for being a second class narcisstic copy-cat. In true Joker logic! And ironically enough, notifies authorities on where to find Riddler. He then picks up where he left off in TDK, rebuilding his underground regime.
Phinehas - 9/20/2009, 6:18 PM
See what happens when you kill off a main villain??????
ASSASSIN666 - 9/20/2009, 6:48 PM
Two-Face/Dent, as portrayed in Nollan's movies, should stay dead. He was there, served his purpose, and made an impression, and that's that. Resurrecting him would devalue all Nollan has achieved so far.
That, said, I have another issue to adress. I tip my hat to Nollan, and would gladly pay large amount of money to watch anything he directs after the sterling example of his genious that are his batman movies. However, I cannot, in good concience, as a batman fan, call the movies good batman movies. With three notable exceptions beeing the characters of Alfred, Ra's Al Ghul, and Comissioner Gordon, I find all other characters lacking. Batman's greatest weapon in his crusade has always been his investigative skills - nearly non existant in the movies. Scarecrow is suposed to be intelectual villan, who uses his knowledge of psychology, more specificaly phobiology to get his way - For god's sake he was portrayed as borderline incopetent, the wholle performance, simply following orders of warrious other characters, without once stopping to think. The two face is one of the most interesting characters ever to appear in batman, a physical representation of good and bad side of humaity - a grieving, disfigured man, manipulated to go on a killing spree by Joker; shallow, open-and-closed case. And, let's not forget the Clown prince of crime. Although Ledgers performance was breathtaking, it simply was not Joker. He was sadistical anarchist, a definite sociopath; Not the unpredictable psycho whose humour, despite being horryfying and twisted, is comedy, in every sense of the word.
So, to recap - Although movies were/are fabulously made, with excellent casting and all, I just can't identify it with the fandom.
gvozdengrom - 9/20/2009, 8:01 PM
I agree with everything Tyler said, EXCEPT that "Depp shouldn't play the Riddler". There is no doubt on my mind he could put a spin on that character that could hold up to Ledger's Joker. And just put him in a beautiful elegant toned down green (maybe like forest green) designer suit - gotta have the bowler cap though.

Don't wanna see two-face again, because his arc was so eloquently covered. God even the music was metaphorically based around his character.

I agree with what Shibazz said also, but want to see the Nolan trilogy pulled off with the third movie standing up to TDK - that would do alot for the curse of the hollywood trilogy, and prove they can be done well again. Also want to see as many characters as are possible Nolanized.

I think the quality and flavor of Black Mask's psychology is right along the lines with Scarecrow and would add an hell of an excellent twist to the movie. He really is perfect. And Deadshot for just an added annoyance. I like Zsasz, but we've already seen a cameo, and he's just the original self mutilating emo kid (just kidding, but I thought that'd be funny).

But those three, Riddler, Black Mask, and Deadshot - weave the detective element around that - and I think you've got one hell of a jawdropping flick that could actually stand up to TDK with them. If and when I have time to work on a fanfic, I'll try and spin it.

I vote Murphy for Quinzel.

And at this point, I don't care too much about Penguin, but if he's gonna be in there I vote PSH.

And I'll say it again. Stealth Bomber for the Batwing (it's engineering concept and design is actually called a "batwing") - put the Tumbler in the bombay, drop it on Gotham. Have the new batwing remote controllable on autopilot - the military's got a new unmanned version developed already.

No more two-face. I think Eckhart is great, and wants to be part of the movie, but they should just find another DC role for him. Nolan doesn't like Two-Face much anyway, from what I've read.



48and2 - 9/20/2009, 8:15 PM
Even though Two-Face could rock some more villain time, he ended quite nicely. Brining him back would make TDK seem more like a transition-subplot movie more than a premiere feature presentation of the Nolan-verse.

If Two-Face shows up with Joker in the next movie, along with [insert villain here], thats gonna mean virtually nothing truly important happened in TDK.

Joker should show up with Riddler.

Fartman - 9/20/2009, 8:16 PM
Remember guys:

Batman: "so how'd you catch the jewel thief"

Alfred: "we burned the forest down"

epic potential man, epic
48and2 - 9/20/2009, 8:22 PM
Leave him be, dead as a door nail. Two face is a great character but The Dark Knight got a awesome twist with its name and the whole part of the story.
xXkryptoniteXx - 9/20/2009, 8:27 PM
@gvozdengrom SPOILERS! for the one guy who hasn't seen the movie lol.

yeah right man,

making people think their heads are gonna blow up but putting a smoke grenade in place of a regular one.

robbing banks and blowing up hospitals in school buses.

running around in a nurses outfit like a little girl.

playing "magic tricks" with pencils.

messing with people about how he got his scars.

putting cell phone bombs in fat guys stomachs.

jumping around and giggling at people getting shot, electrocuted, and drowned.

Joker, jokes and all was intact, it was just a different spin on it. And aside from The Killing Joke, and a few other runs, it was arguably an iconic definition of him.
48and2 - 9/20/2009, 8:33 PM
first of all my opinion on Two-Face is i was disappointed that he died so fast. I thought they were going to lead up the next one with joker making him bad and destroying gothams hopes of peace. I think by having Two-Face back allows batman to rise to the super hero he is. That he is actually the savior that gotham needs. They start to appreciate him. I can see in the begining scene they show harvey dent in the emergency room trying to get revitalized then all of a sudden sfter been shocked by the shock machine you see and hear a heart beat. Then you see gordon talking to the doctor after about whats happening to keep his mouth shut. then they show harvey dents grave right next rachel dawes(Which is symobolic for he is still out for the revenge for her death). Then they show him in a cell in arkham. I think you can tie in scarecrow (who is already in arkham from the dark night) in a way to get him out to try and ruin batman and in the process of getting a mysterious guy out that shares a cell with dent. That guy can be the riddler. I also dont agree with having the riddler as a dective like gordon turns to cuz gordon knows bats is innocent. he wants him to keep on running.
ScubaSteve2552 - 9/20/2009, 8:36 PM
And PLEASE NO Stepen Cobert for riddler posts! Horrible idea. He needs to be dark. He needs to be a psychopath not just like joker but in the sense that all he wants is to watch the world burn. He doesnt care for human life.
ScubaSteve2552 - 9/20/2009, 8:38 PM
Yes, bring Two-Face back. He's too good a character to have such little screen time.
Shadowelfz - 9/20/2009, 8:59 PM
@48and2 - I just put it as I had expirienced it. I never claimed it was the only way to look at it. To me, he just failed to reach that "Hey, this is joker" in a way they made me expirience Ra's al ghul. Key word here - me.

As for riddler, the only way you could make him really work here is in the manner he was displayed in his first appearance in Batman the animated series. Embitered genious, who used his considerable intelect to carry out his revenge, making batman play his game along the way, and in the end won, whille batman did not loose.
gvozdengrom - 9/20/2009, 9:05 PM
@gvozdengrom

cool man, that's just a tendency I have to try and quantify and overanalyze everything anyway. Didn't mean to come off so bluntly like you were wrong. Yeah a good part of all of this is subjective. But there were good funny jokes imo, I just think the psychodrama aspect overshadowed them.

And I agree with you about the Riddler.
48and2 - 9/20/2009, 9:26 PM
Has anyone heard anything besides hearsay to suggest that Nolan will return for a sequel? I loved both of his Batman movies but if I were him, I'd end my tenure on a high note with TDK. Like some of you said earlier, once you reach the apex there's nowhere to go but down.

I have nothing against rebooting a franchise, as long as it's done properly. I am a firm believer, though, that rebooting a franchise with a new cast and overall essence cannot be done without allowing time to differentiate between the films. For example, look at the Hulk and Incredible Hulk films. If there had been a few more years between release dates there would have been less confusing among general audiences. That was a main factor to why the Incredible Hulk movie didn't perform well in theaters.

Now that I've stated what most of you would say is obvious, let me propose what I believe would be a fantastic build up to a new franchise:

Step 1: 'Gotham Central', a mini-series centralized around Jim Gordon and his detectives, where Batman is mentioned but never clearly portrayed (i.e. almost like McFarlane's vision for his new Spawn series). Arkham Asylum is introduced as are some of it's 'special' residents. Only towards the end is it revealed to the characters that Batman is real and has been an integral part of Gotham City crime fighting.

Step 2: Batman film reboot based specifically on The Long Halloween. It should be release very soon after the end of Gotham Central. It takes place early on in Batman's career but is not an origin story (do we really need another one?). It is a perfect way to transition Batman's rogues gallery from simple mob henchmen to super villains. Nolan used elements of this story line for both Batman films, but I believe a direct film adaptation of the novel would be successful.

Step 3: Justice League
MultiPurposePoni - 9/20/2009, 10:18 PM
@RedHeadBruno- I like how you put emphasis on that pic!! At least someone's got an imagination on who can play the Joke!!!

@Tyler - Come'on now! you know he can play the joker, you got to look at him in the role! Not his size??
Minotauro - 9/20/2009, 11:04 PM
i think two-face should stay dead in the film i really hope to see the riddler in the next film if thair is 1 that is
Roscoe182 - 9/20/2009, 11:35 PM
I thought it was absolutely completely freaking stupid to kill Two Face off in Dark Knight, so I'm hoping, as I have since I saw the movie, that this mistake can be rectified and we can see more of Eckhart in a Batman film. His performance was second only to Ledger's in Dark Knight. Hey, we've thought Two Face was dead before in various appearances, and he always came back. It would be interesting to see how his reappearance would be explained.
comicb00kguy - 9/21/2009, 7:24 AM
Joseph Gordon-Levitt HE IS AWESOME...i KNOW HE CAN PULL OFF THE HEATH ROLL!!! Come on Nolan...use him and add the riddler...make number 3 MAssive production!
Jim1692 - 9/21/2009, 9:27 AM
Bring him back plz.
GunRyder - 9/21/2009, 6:29 PM


access - 9/21/2009, 8:41 PM
multipurposeponi:

" once you reach the apex there's nowhere to go but down."

Why look at it like that?!? It could be one of many well written serial films in the life of Bruce Wayne/Batman! There's still more to tell. Not all are going to rake in the kind of cash that TDK, did. No way! But you can still have gripping detective drama and action for years to come. They wouldn't be diminished because of TDK. Yes, people will make comparisons. But that's inevitable. That doesn't mean the film he makes will suck.
Phinehas - 9/21/2009, 11:54 PM
The only problem I see now is the fact that Nolan wishes to be realistic. He could easily do Riddler or Penguin and get away with it. They have no powers! Later on he can do something big like Killer Croc, full blast. Whats his problem
Fartman - 9/22/2009, 8:20 AM
So i read just about everyones comment on the next Batman villian...
First of all Two-Face is dead period. Eckhart played his role perfectly and thats that. How could there be a two-face movie with the way he was portrayed anyway??? Is he going to hold up banks like in Batman the Animated series?? Is he going to be like Tommie Lee Jones in that abysmal film Batman Forever?? The only thing I can think of is a revenge kind of deal where Two-Face tries to kill Batman but its too simplistic.

Okay so lets go over the other villians that were previously discussed:

I would love to see Johnny Depp play the Riddler but according to Cain thats not going to happen... at least not in this up and coming film. But it would be to similar a film anyway to the Dark Knight with the whole mind games and the dementia that both the Joker and Riddler suffer from.

The Penguin is way to silly a character in my opinion although Paul Giamati and Philip Seymour Hoffman could play the role well i dont think thats what Nolan is going for.

Ive heard Bane which i would like if they did it well but i dont like the Black Mask Dead Shot and Firefly ideas. There to small even in the Batman universe to play a big role.

Catwomen... no thank you they killed off rachel for a good reason.. Batman does not require a love interest.

So heres my villian idea... and bear with me for a moment and hear me out. My favorite batman cartoon series is.. like everyone elses unless your mentally challenged is Batman the animated series. And what is the most notorious and highly praised of all the episodes... that would be "Heart of Ice" Why not a Mr. Freeze film. No not the campy Freezinator film in that god awful Batman and Robin film, but a serious one, one that we can sympathize with. I dont have a plot or storyline for you but think back to how great that episode was. If done correctly which I think Nolan is more than capable of doing, I think it can be a great film. Its a good change of pace from the Joker. The Dark Knight focused a lot on the development of Bruce Wayne so i feel he is now fully developed as a character. Now we can completely focus on Victor Freeze and maybe the rebuilding of Wayne Manor and the Batcave? Just a thought. But if Nolan can make us sympathize with Mr.Freeze and we dont call him Mr.Freeze like how Two-Face wasnt called Two-Face except for once by commissioner Gorda, we can take the campiness out of the character.

This is just a thought but feedback would be much appreciated since this is my very first post.
Mazoku - 9/22/2009, 9:55 AM
@Phinehas: I'm talking about his financial success with TDK. You don't think the studio is expecting him to produce the same result with a sequel?
MultiPurposePoni - 9/24/2009, 12:20 PM
@Mazaku: Sorry, but a big NO to Mr. Freeze. That kind of unrealistic character is EXACTLY what Nolan wanted to stay away from.
MultiPurposePoni - 9/24/2009, 12:23 PM
With regard to the studios, they can be very unpredictable. They are not about art or authenticity. They're about making a buck. Which isn't wrong, as long they have principles. But they don't. So I don't know. I hope they just make infinite serials. No telling what direction this takes. One thing is pretty sure, I think they learned the Joel Shumacher error.
Phinehas - 9/24/2009, 4:00 PM
@Phinehas Dammit, did you HAVE to mention Shumacher?? Thanks for the impending Bat-package nightmares, I'll be sending you my therapy bill.
MultiPurposePoni - 9/24/2009, 5:28 PM
Dud3! I am terribly sorry. People respond so differently to that name. I usually ball-up into fetal position in the dark till I fall asleep to the song, "Sound of Silence" by Simon and Garfunkel.

"Hello darkness my old friend..."

(sniff, sniff)
Phinehas - 9/24/2009, 5:39 PM
I am for bringing back Two face. He is my favorite villan from the batman series. But its BS!!! that they kept a character that now can not play his role and killed off a good one that doesn't get nearly enough play. I mean WTF?! Would like to see Killer Croc as well or maybe Clay Face.
dethkloktictok - 10/27/2009, 7:26 PM

Please log in to post comments.

Don't have an account?
Please Register.