The net was abuzz yesterday with rumors that Chris Nolan would be using unused footage and CGI to bring Heath Ledger's Joker back for a cameo in The Dark Knight Rises. Well, it looks like we can add it to the list of wishful thinking..
From Moviehole..
“It’s just not real”, says a contact at Warner Bros in relation to a news item suggesting that, thanks to CGI and some unused footage from the previous flick, Ledger will reprise his ‘Joker’ role for “Dark Knight Rises” Firstly, yes, the original plan was to have The Joker play a small part in the third “Batman” movie. He would’ve been in a prison, and much like Clarice Starling and Hannibal Lecter, would’ve played an unlikely aide to his arch-nemesis Batman, who’d be on a mission to to stop… Two Face.
Obviously that all changed. But I think its fair to say that with Nolan reiterating that the script isn't finalized, and that the cast don't even know the story yet, any and all rumors pertaining to this movie are just that. Although with the sheer volume of different scenarios and characters being thrown about the net I wouldn't be surprised if someone has guessed at something correctly! Anyway, Moviehole go on to say..
So is that the end of the “Batman” series? Of course not! Warner Bros are already thinking of untying “Batman Vs. Superman” from the development hell knot – though, I’m guessing, Bale won’t be involved – and they’ll likely also try and continue Nolan’s series of films – albeit with a new actor and new director.
I'm not sure if that is further speculation or if they have some solid info on this, but they sound fairly sure that WB are at least considering the idea. If they are, I wouldn't expect it anytime soon however.