Batman 3 details revealed?

Our sister newspaper The Sun is this morning reporting that a third film in Christopher Nolan’s justly lauded Batman series is being readied for production. Further, the story claims that the film, to be entitled Gotham, will feature Eddie Murphy as The Riddler and Shia LeBoeuf as Robin.

Now, I wouldn’t like to impugn the work of a colleague but this sounds suspiciously like piffle to me. The thing that has distinguished Nolan’s Batman films is the respect paid to the intelligence of the audience. Nearly every other comic book movie made has, at one level or another, been delivered with a tongue firmly in its cheek. Nolan has taken great care to, within the constraints of our believing an impossibly toned and trained billionaire fighting crime in a fetish ninja suit, create a credible superhero. Stunt casting like the addition of Murphy would seriously endanger that.

Eddie Murphy is a comedian rather than an actor, and one known of late for a series of unambitious duds that have been critically reviled and performed poorly at the box office. Pluto Nash anyone? They couldn’t give that film away.

Shia LeBoeuf might be an obvious choice for Robin, riding high on the unexpected success of Transformers and the residual goodwill exploited by the fourth Indiana Jones movie. Both Christopher Nolan and Christian Bale though have firmly stated that there is no place for a Boy Wonder in their grim Dark Knight universe. It would be a significant challenge to incorporate a teen sidekick into the new Batman mythos they’ve created, especially a teen sidekick that would be at least 23 by the time the film was shot.

Bale is a busy actor. He’s got the Terminator franchise and an almost guaranteed smash with Public Enemies to come next year. He, like Nolan, has an integrity that he can afford to indulge. Yes, he could be replaced but as the spiralling debacle that followed the loss of Tim Burton and Michael Keaton from the franchise in 1994 demonstrates, you can’t make a great movie with accountants at the helm.

If this report turns out to be true, I’ll be very shocked. The most likely explanation is, one imagines, that a tipsy Warners executive has indulged in a little wishful thinking at the staff Christmas party within earshot of an excessively talkative intern. Time will tell, of course.

Comments

[Richard Scott]

Not a chance of this happening. I heard elsewhere that Johnny Depp was being considered for the Riddler and Seymour Hoffman as The Penguin. Both of which would be fantastic if the scripts and direction continue in the same vein as the first two movies.

[Geekasm]

I read these rumours and cried, then realised they were about the 50th people linked with the role, saw RAchel Weisz as Catwoman the other day too. I think many of them are commign from the studio itself who desperately want Nolan to commit to doing another film but he has, as of yet, stubbonly refused to confirm or deny it.

Please do it Christopher, if only to stop some kind of horrific third installment that is one part Adam West, one part Pluto!!!

[w]

Frank Gorshin is still the best riddler.

[JDW]

The idea of a modern Riddler character is somewhat disturbing. If Riddler is reinvented as a dark, disturb mathematician and genius fond of dangerous puzzle-making with NO sense of humour then maybe we have something. But if he's still a Jim Careyesque pun machine laden with double entendre count me and everyone else out.

[david ross]

This is a rather silly article. Chritian Bale has only ever appeared in two "hit" movies, both were Batman films. Check Box Office Mojo. Eddie Murphy has been making hit movies since the early 1980s and is a bona fide film star in the US. Christian Bale is not. In 2007 Norbit, a poor movie took in $96 million at the US box office, while 3:10 to Yuma, a better movie, made $53 million.

[Jesse]

Casting Murphy in the role of the riddler would amount to suicide. If anyone... Jonny Depp!

But I don't think the new Batman franchise would sink that low... it's standards are too high now (even the accountants know that!)

[Naveed]

I know they will bring another like Dark Knight. So, don't worry.

[Henry]

I think what happened is that this is a delusional agent's work. Possibly belonging to one of the actor's mentioned to throw their name into the ring so they get considered by producers, which happens quite often. Although these things are often "piffle", they gotta start from some source- and i reckon that was murphy's agent.

[foclis]

On the other hand Frank Miller did find a place for Robin, in his 1986 graphic novel "The Dark Knight Returns", a much darker version of the Batman. Besides the references to this book in the latest movie are clear. So why not using the Robin...

[jimmy]

you guys made this crap up for hits to your website.

Disgusting

[Michael]

Jimmy. Thanks for stopping by.

No, I didn't make this up. Indeed, the entire article is supposed to explain that I think that someone else made it up, and that I don't believe it's true. If I've failed to convey that idea to you then I'm sorry.

Believe me, if I was in the business of making stuff up to attract more readers (and I do care very much about having lots of regular readers for this blog) then I would at least have paid a little more respect to the intelligence of Blockbuster Buzz patrons and come up with something halfway plausible.

While I'm here, I'd like to wish a very peaceful and happy Christmas, and a new year filled with lively and diverting movies, to all the BB regulars.

[Scumbold]

I think the idea that Eddie Murphy plays the Riddler is excellent. The only worrying thing here is the idea that Robin is going to appear in the next film. Once Robin gets brought into any Batman franchise it goes wrong. People like Batman because he is a loner and a dark one at that. Robin brings a relationship and a lightness to the party which only ever worked in the 60's TV show. All other attempts, no matter the medium, to bring him into the story have diluted the appeal of the overall dark knight concept. Bin Robin and bring on Murphy. It would be brilliant. Anyway, quite franky they could cast Ricky Gervais as the Penguin (you heard it here first) and still rake in the receipts. Actually thats not a bad idea.....

[Remy]

Why do writers of batman films insist on burning through villians two at a time?

They'd get a deeper plot with ONE major villian.

Depp would be awesome as a much darker Riddler

Bring it on!!

[Robert Wilson]

I heard it was Tom Chambers as Batman, Bruce Forsyth as Alfred and the little lad from Outnumbered as the Boy Wonder, the villain ( The Dancer) will be played by John Sergeant who after incapacitating his victims drags them off to his lair by the leg.

[Wrighty1985]

The series isn't ready for Robin,Batman is still learning so far,Riddler in Nolans universe would kick serious booty!Catwoman is hinted in Dark Knight but who knows?More Two Face I rekon..Harvey Dent died,Two Face did'nt.

[Nathaniel Ryder Burnett]

I think parts will be good , others bad.
Bad: Eddie Murphy I like th eguy a bit, but not even close enough to be in the batman thing. I think the riddler will be to much like the joker and the movie will go down hill after h. ledger's perfomance anyways.
Shia LeBeouf on the other hand I think will work, but he is a little old for the part. I hope they do make it because the forst to were great and I hope for a trilogy!

[JONNI]

ringo for riddler!

[Jasper]

I'm left with a VERY mixed feeling here.
If it's all true, that is...

See, I believe that Eddie Murphy, Shia LeBoef and Rachel Weisz as Catwoman could NEVER be good. I don't like either one of those three actors. Johnny Depp would kick some serious ass as the Riddler and I see NO reason whatsoever for Nolan to change his choice (even though it was only rumoured).

On the other hand, look at the Dark Knight and Batman Begins. Judging by those two incredible films, I believe it's safe to say Chris Nolan knows what he's doing.

But I still keep thinking: "How could this EVER be good with a cast like that?!"

[POISON IVY]

"Ringo for riddle!!!" Oh jonni, you've made my day!!!!!!!

[kevin]

are u kidding me eddie murphy!what the hell are they thinking.have u seen eddies movies lately.come on hollywood.

[Jimmy boy]

David Ross

Are you really trying to tell us that the amount of money made indicates the quality of the movie?

Here's a simple equation: Higher amount of money made=higher number of viewers. If we claim that the higher number of viewers indicates the majority of cinema goers, and that a majority in any group indicates the percentage majority of people as a whole, then you are claiming that most people have sufficient taste to know good from from bad. Unfortunately, this assumption doesn't hold up under any other comparison. The election of George Bush springs to mind as an immediate example!

So, to claim that Murphy is a better actor than Bale because his movies have had more box-office success, is akin to saying that, due to its higher sales, a Big Mac must taste better than T-bone steak! Maybe, (and this is a really crazy thought), just maybe, Bale (in order to secure a reputation as a serious actor) chose better quality films, that require better quality acting, which would appeal to a smaller but better educated and more discerning audience. Hm! Fancy that!

[Shark310]

no one thought heath ledger would be a good joker either. A crazy comedian actor like jim carey could play a serious dark role like the number 23. i just dont know how robin could be incorperated, because isn't batman on the run for the most part after dark knight

[Atheuz]

david ross

Yes, I'm sure Eddie Murphy is a very successful actor, but it doesn't change the fact that the man wouldn't work in a movie like batman, it's too dark and too be honest Eddie Murphy isn't the most dramatic actor, to my knowledge the movies he's been in are 90% comedies. It would be like having Tom Hanks or Al Pacino or Jason Statham play roles in comedies, it just wouldn't work as while they're amazing actors, they aren't funny comedians.

[Josh]

I would love to see a third batman released but only under the same direction as the previous two. I'm sure most would agree that this series of movies have been the best of all the Batman releases. I feel like the Dark Knight portrayed Batman as he was supposed to be, not some high flyin superhero but more as a "dark" vigilante of sorts. As far as Murphy playing the riddler, count me out, I'm not here down playing Murphys success but come on....I don't believe for a second that these rumors would be true!

[Stefan]

Well I think Carey could still carry this role, i think it will be alot easier for him he is much more of a mature actor now then before. Eddie I dont know i keep on thinking of his laugh and im not placing him in that role. Robin great choice, with catwoman not so sure...im sure they could find someone else. Maybe John Malkovich as the riddler...i dunno its a stretch...

[Paul]

Murphy has been in some pretty awful junk, but he does have talent and under proper direction he could bring it to the fore, e.g Bowfiner and Dreamgirls. Still, Johnny Dep would make a better Riddler. Casey Affleck might be a good choice too

As for Shia LeBoef, too lightweight, too mediocre and just too young.

[Grimbo]

How about Batman meets Klaatu (Keanu Reeves) in "Another Day The Earth Stood Still"?

[Jack]

After Heith's incredible performance, I believe making a third might hurt instead of accomplish much. People will go only because of the reputation, but most likely they will be disappointed.
Also bringing in a robin will take away credibility from the dark figure and peronsality of Batman.
furthermore going from Heith to Eddie is wrong. To use a the previous analogy you cant be satisfied with a big mac after you just had a steak

[Simon]

Honestly.. what is the point of making these articals based on such stupid rumours?

We all know Robin wont be any of Nolans trilogy, and rightly so as his 3 films are set too early on in Batmans life before Robin becomes involved.

The Nolan film's are set at a point before Batman is even aware of other super heroes in the DC universe, so to introdude the first Robin (and later Nightwing) would kill that.

And im sorry if this is politically incorrect, but the Riddler is white and to make him black would bring along too many stereotypes that wouldn't work with that character which DC has already established.

Thats not to say Eddy Murphy couldn't purhaps play any number of other bad guys or good guys in a comic book film, as he is a great actor who can do serious roles and not just comedy.

But he isn't suited for the Riddler and I personally never loved the Riddler and I don't want him to be in the Nolan trilogy.

[K-Train]

Eddie Murphy is indeed a great actor...ignoring his later movies... but i agree 100% that he would not make a great let alone a half decent riddler. Johnny Depp would fit the part as perfectly as any actor prob could. As for robin and cat woman, they would not fit into the third installment of this Batman series of movies. They bring light to a world meant to be in shadows. BAD MOVE

[Glenn]

It's all rumors, no need to get bent out of shape about it.

The bottom line for the next film? The Dark Knight pulled in 500 million in the States alone. They will NOT get rid of Christopher Nolan in order to cast next-big-thing Shia. As far as Warner is concerned, Nolan calls the shots on the next film, down to the last detail, and they won't compromise his vision in any way.

The downside: The next will not make anywhere near the money The Dark Knight made, unfortunately Ledger's untimely passing turned the movie into a phenomenon not seen since Titanic.

I agree with the majority that the riddler would be a good choice if there was a move away from camp comedy villain to twisted genius. However, I dont believe that the riddler is a strong enough villain to hold his own on the silver screen. Perhaps if used in conjunction with one of the lesser known villains such as 'hush' may be an option. In one of the comic book storylines the riddler and hush discover bruce waynes alter ego and set out to destroy him. Failing that I would like to see sadistic crime boss black mask try to take control of the gotham underworld in the wake of the jokers carnage. Bane anyone? The storyline where batman is pushed to his physical/mental limits by the south american strongman is one of the best in the comic books. Penguin is overrated, catwoman has been done to death. However, I admit that I really would have loved to see a two-face centred third film but heigh-ho.

[aussieadmirer]

I saved this movie to watch on Christmas evening. I am so glad I did. This movie is a masterpiece. Starting with the first scene of Heath Ledger as the Joker, to the last one of Batman riding off on his cycle, it grabs you, holds you in the palm of its hand, and leaving you wanting more. IMO, i feel as if no one will be able to touch Heath Ledger's impeccable portrayal of the Joker. He was so into the character you get lost in it forgetting he is acting, not actually The Joker. He gave a soul stirring performance worth of the many awards he has been nominated for. I hope he wins the Academy Award for this next to last performance of his lifetime. RIP, Heath Ledger, the world, cinema, and movie goers have lost if not one of the finest young actors, the finest actor of his time. If you are a avid movie afficianado and you do not see this movie, you have missed out on the cinema event of the year.

[Paul]

I'd like to see John Turturro as the Riddler. Really dark and menacing and slightly eccentric.

Murphy would be suicide. Dont get me wrong i like eddie but he is a comedy actor and this does not call for comedy.

Hoffman for the penguin would also be a good shout.

I'm sure we wont be disappointed. In Nolan we trust

[sarah-jayne]

i reckon it should be johnny depp as the riddler i have seen him in so many films even as a villian and he is also funny i reckon he will be great no offence eddie you're work is great but to play riddler you will be way off jim carrey played a very good riddler in the last film but i think it should be someone new and i reckon johnny depp and adding robin i dont think so it shouldn't happen at all sorry writers but that is my thoughts listen to the people we have to watch the films you just make them and hope for the best.

[Sham]

i'm not sure if the two Mr Nolans, Mr Kane or Mr Goyer read blogs but if they do... I BEG OF YOU, don't turn Batman into a franchise... don't give into the bully's with the b/s scripts who know very little about making movies... take your time & keep churning out legends

[Edward Sausagehands]

Atheuz: Tom Hanks or Al Pacino or Jason Statham play roles in comedies, it just wouldn't work as while they're amazing actors, they aren't funny comedians.

I guess you haven't seen Tom Hanks older films like for example the bachelor party and Big. Or The Terminal where he plays a brilliant role in a drama-comedy setting which is much more common now than before.
Al Pacino doesn't have so many comedies on his back, but he's got vits and that counts for a whole lot. I bet he could do a brilliant job as an actor in the right comedy.
Jason Statham did a great role in Snatch, but except that his movies is the symbol of mediocre.

When all that is said I would not like to see Eddie Murphy in a new Batman movie.
I don't believe the rumours, but still it is fun to picture different actors into a movie setting.

Like Stallone's new movie project. The expendables.
Starring himself, Mickey Rourke, Dolph Lundgren, Jet Li, Jason Statham, Forest Whitaker.. counts for a real good classic!
He even asked Van Damme but as he is becoming a serious actor he couldn't take part of this GREAT movieproject :)

Would love to see Depp as the Riddler or Seymor-Hoffman as the penguin. If Nolan calls the shots and do it his own way.

But that's just my opinion

[givmeabreak]

is it just me or have i been living on another planet? eddie murphy is a one trick pony! inane mumblings and a high pitched laugh from a mouth that threatens to swallow the nearest train.
please do not spoil this series of dark knight by even whispering his name.
the riddler should be played by johnny depp, just look at his work with tim burton - perfect!

[Shaggy]

Introducing Robin in this series would be akin to bringing Scrappy Doo back to join Scooby!!

[Ken]

I think that they need to bring back two face because he didnt die at the end of the last movie harvy died though and the riddler two face combo a little too old but with aron eckhart and johnny depp would be killer and would make an awsome threequal or bring vin deisel in as mr freeze that would be soo cool but robin no way not yet wait for the fith one i still stand by my first one no more catwoman please too old now

Eddie Murphy would be disasterous to this movie. He hasn't made a decent film in years. Critics don't like his work anymore. As for Robin, its too much of a hassle to introduce him. Plus he's too soft of a character to be brought into these Chris Nolan type of movies. If they do, Nightwing is the only sidekick that stands a chance, but Robin has to be introduced first, and that would just create one big mess.

As for Johnny Depp and Philip Seymour Hoffman being in Batman 3, they stated those rumors as false. Hoffman said that he didn't even know about the rumour until he was asked in an interview.

But if there is going to be a 3rd installment, i don't want to see it unless Christopher Nolan and Christian Bale are going to be in it...and as long as they keep it realistic. No stupid superpowers.

[icee67]

i was a huge fan of dark knight. i think the thought of johnny depp as the riddler could lead to some really great stuff. if they do end up including harley quinn, i think kristen bell would be a good choice. please no catwoman or robin. phillip seymour hoffman as the penguin would also be great! there you go. the three villians. riddle, penguin, and harley quinn. johnny depp, kristen bell, and phillip seymour hoffman. keep everyone else. oh! and also, please dont have someone replace heath ledger! just refrence him. nobody can ever replace him. just leave him out, or reference him.

[Fred]

EDWARD SAUSAGEHANDS and ATHEUZ:
al pacino was great in "author! author!" in the early 80's...possibly his only comedy role to date. I wish he'd made more

[delVideo]

I have greatly enjoyed both Batman Begins and The Dark Knight. And while the steak hamburger analogy is a good one I think that anyone who can generate nearly a billion dollars with a movie is probably going to get to do whatever he invisions for the next project. And quite frankly I think that this director could probably get whatever he wanted out of any actor or else he would hose them and start over. And he hasn't disappointed yet. He has been able to mold his actors into the idea in his head and we have all enjoyed the result. As far as I'm concerned, the darkest thing about the next installment is the time we will obviously have to wait for it to be released.

[avi]

eddie murphy?,please kill me!!.everyone know that eddie only played in some comedy movies,he is too"...",to play in Nolan's universe of Batman.
i think Bane,Black Mask,and The Riddler would be a good combination.like,after joker were send to jail,the underworld were taken by the Black Mask,with Bane as his bodyguard,and when Batman want to stop him,some mysterius guys name Riddler came...,it's awful isn't it?,but please consider it Mr.goyer!.Johnny depp,casey affleck and one of the WE wrestler would brilliant to role it..

[nol]

come on a black riddler please what's next a black superman or a black robin????

[nol]

batman begins and the dark knight are movies to be remember forever i mean how batman was made and a masterwork provided by heath ledger as the joker we probably won't see acting like that ever again but how nolan's been working on this movies the riddler has to be big time freak and genius jhonny depp and noone else there's also another major role that concerns me and i hope they don't mess it up and that's the fkng batmovil i hope they make an awesome one and yeah take your time to make this movie don't rush we can wait just make a good job like the dark knight

[SN]

Let's be serious here: Eddie Murphy would be a complete and total disaster. And Nolan has specifically stated that Robin, as well as Catwoman, are unlikely to appear in any of his Batman movies. More power to him, I say.

Johnny Depp as the Riddler, though? Fan-freakin'-tastic. That would be the best casting decision since Heath Ledger, and he would fit in PERFECTLY with the grim and dark Gotham Nolan has created. I back this idea 100%.

[Rebecca]

Angelina Jolie for Catwoman.......that would be amazing