The only movie that ever provoked me to conduct internet searches on news, rumors, and updates was Matrix Reloaded. But the next Batman installment, Dark Knight, has caught my attention. Its not due until 2008, but there have been a few rumors that have been pretty wild. First I heard that Jamie Foxx was being considered to play the role of Harvey Dent aka Two-Face. Then I heard David Banner auditioned for the role of a new villain named Gamble who is one of the Joker’s henchman.

At this point I’m assuming the whole Jamie Foxx/Two-Face thing was just a rumor. I haven’t heard anything else about a Two-Face character. But David Banner playing side-by-side the Joker is a good look for Banner himself and a first for hip-hop. I can’t think of any other rapper that has played in a big budget comic book flick. Word is Banner promised his fans that if he got the role they’d get to see him slap Batman even if it wasn’t in the script.

To be honest, I was turned off by the hint at the end of Batman Begins that insinuated the Joker would be in the sequel. Who could possibly compare to Jack Nicholson. But I just a picture of the new Joker played by Heath Ledger, and he’s looking impressive. Check out the keloids around the mouth…
A far cry from what we’ve seen in past on-screen depictions of the Joker. It could be another rumor, someone with Photoshop and a lot of free time, but I hope not.