Batman producers are convinced that, "The role of The Riddler is perfect for Depp. And what better Penguin is there than Philip Seymour Hoffman?" a source said. This right on the rumor heels of Angelina Jolie as Catwoman!
"Unnamed sources" usually means that the following bit of news is just rumor mongering, but several insiders are saying that producers of the Bat-franchise have their sights set on Johnny Depp to take the role of Riddler in the next sequel. This from the UK's Telegraph...
Heath Ledger's performance as The Joker has set the bar high for Gotham City villains, but reports in the US say studio bosses have set their sights on Depp as The Riddler and Philip Seymour Hoffman as The Penguin.
"Producers are convinced that the role of The Riddler is perfect for Depp. Johnny's a pro. He'll be able to take direction and still make the character his own. And what better Penguin is there than Philip Seymour Hoffman?" a source said.
They could be joining Angelina Jolie - the actress is reported to be after the role of Catwoman.
The Riddler was played by Jim Carrey in 1995 film Batman Forever and Frank Gorshin in the Sixties television series. As for The Penguin, he was portrayed on the small screen by Burgess Meredith and in 1992 film Batman returns by Danny DeVito.
Plans for the sequel are yet to be announced but it is likely to star Christian Bale reprising his role as The Caped Crusader.
The Dark Knight has smashed box office records in the US, taking $314 million in just 10 days.
There is even talk of it challenging Titanic to become the biggest movie of all time. Titanic took $600 million in the US. The Dark Knight certainly looks set to reach second place in the all-time chart and beat Star Wars, which made $460 million.