Christopher Nolan is set to return as director of the film. His brother Jonathan, AKA Jonah, is writing the screenplay. David Goyer is credited for writing the story along with Chris Nolan. The title of the film is THE DARK KNIGHT. This is the first Batman film without “Batman” in the title.

Christian Bale will reprise his role of The Batman/Bruce Wayne (This is the first time the same actor has played The Batman in back to back films since Michael Keaton did so in BATMAN and BATMAN RETURNS).

• Heath Ledger will portray The Joker.

• Sir Michael Caine will reprise his role as Alfred Pennyworth.
• The character of Harvey Dent will be in the film.
• According to producer Chuck Roven, a preshoot will take place in January ‘07 with full production set to begin in April.
• Hans Zimmer confirmed that he and James Newton Howard would return and score TDK.
• TDK will be released JULY 18, 2008.
• Lindy Hemming will return as costume designer for TDK.
• Wally Pfister will return as the director of photography for TDK.
• Nathan Crowley will return as the production designer TDK.
• TDK will return to Chicago, Illinois, USA for location filming during the summer of ‘07.
• Katie Holmes will not return and be a part of the cast of THE DARK KNIGHT.
• Aaron Eckhart will portray Gotham D.A. Harvey Dent.
• Maggie Gyllenhaal has joined the cast as “Rachel Dawes” in TDK.
• Morgan Freeman is returning to reprise his role as “Lucius Fox.”
• Chris Corbould is the F/X Supervisor for TDK. Nick Davis will supervise Visual Effects.
• William Finchtner is portraying a “bank manager.”
• Eric Roberts is portraying mob boss Sal Maroni.
• THEDARKKNIGHTMOVIE.COM goes live, 5/11/07.
• Nestor Carbonell is portraying the mayor of Gotham.
• IBELIEVEINHARVEYDENTTOO.COM goes live, 5/19/07.
• Anthony Michael Hall has been added to the cast.
• Bruce will live in a downtown penthouse ala the 70s comics.
• The Batman will wear a new Bat-Suit in TDK.
• A new Bat-Vehicle will be used in TDK — The Batpod.
• Melinda McGraw and Nathan Gamble have joined the cast as Jim Gordon’s wife and son, respectively.
• Michael Jai White has been cast as the gangster “Gamble.”
• Monique Curnen has been cast as “GPD Detective Ramirez.”
• Vincenzo Nicoli has been cast as a “Mob Boss.”
• Nydia Melroy has been cast as a “Gotham Judge.”

Source

Burbank, Calif., June 19, 2007 — Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP) announced today that it has named the worlds leading toy manufacturer, Mattel, Inc., as the global master toy licensee for both Speed Racer and The Dark Knight, two of the biggest summer films coming out in 2008 from Warner Bros. Pictures. Mattel will apply its expertise across virtually all product lines including vehicles, action figures, action play, remote control vehicles, handheld electronics as well as games and puzzles. In Mattel, we have the best partner with the strongest track record of bringing great products and great stories together for a winning combination in the toy aisle. With these deals, we know that two of our most important tentpole films for 2008, Speed Racer and The Dark Knight, will be brought to life through products created by the most creative toy designers in the world,” said Brad Globe, president, Warner Bros. Consumer Products.

We have a strong, long-standing relationship with Warner Bros. Consumer Products and are thrilled to partner with them for two of the most anticipated films of 2008, said Neil Friedman, President, Mattel Brands. The distinctive visuals and stimulating races of Speed Racer, coupled with one of the most popular super hero film franchises of all time in The Dark Knight, provides us with a unique opportunity to create fun and innovative toys and games that bring the excitement and action of both films to life in a way that kids will love and remember.

On July 18, 2008, The Dark Knight, the second Batman film from director Christopher Nolan, arrives in theaters. Batman (Christian Bale) raises the stakes in his war on crime in Nolans The Dark Knight. With the help of Lieutenant Jim Gordon (Gary Oldman) and District Attorney Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart), Batman sets out to dismantle the remaining criminal organizations that plague the city streets. The partnership proves to be effective, but they soon find themselves prey to a reign of chaos unleashed by a rising criminal mastermind known to the terrified citizens of Gotham as The Joker (Heath Ledger).

The Dark Knight producer, Charles Roven added: Batman is an incredible franchise, and we are really excited about taking it to the next level with The Dark Knight. Along with the Batmobile we are introducing a new vehicle, the Batpod, a new Batsuit and some classic characters in The Joker and Harvey Dent. We are confident that fans around the world will enjoy the increased action and the continuation of a great story and we hope they appreciate the integrity and respect we’ve shown for this iconic character.

For their film-inspired product lines, Mattel will utilize the multiple elements introduced in The Dark Knight. A new Batsuit, a new vehicle in the form of the Batpod and multiple key action scenes that set the stage for inspired play. Mattels action figure line will feature Batman and the new Batsuit. Tyco R/C vehicles bring to life the speed and action of the Batmobile and the new Batpod. An entire line of action play items will allow boys to role-play being The Dark Knight. Additionally, Mattel will release a line of games and puzzles that will capture the film action through board games, puzzles and a special-edition UNO card game.

Products based on The Dark Knight are expected to begin arriving at retailers around the world beginning in early June 2008.

Source : TDK Official Press Release

The last 24 hours have been full of conspiracy theories, sadness, reaction, and grief. Not only from family and friends, but also the many millions of fans Ledger had around the world.

The first medical examination of his body has now taken place, and the results were reported to be inconclusive. The medical examiner has said that it will take about 10 days for the results. This is unfortunate as it will just add fuel to the rumours that there was more to Heath’s death than first meets the eye.

Whatever the cause, the whole of the movie industry has been shocked and saddened by the loss of such a promising young actor, and someone many people admired as just a nice guy.

His friends and colleagues have paid their respects and shared their grief over his premature death.

Ang Lee, Brokeback Mountain director told Hell.Ca:

Working with Heath was one of the purest joys of my life.

While Mel Gibson said:

I had such great hope for him. He was just taking off and to lose his life at such a young age is a tragic loss.

And Khaled Ali (stage manager for a Broadway show) eulogised:

I felt a connection with him as an actor, as a fellow in the theater community. With Brokeback Mountain he touched me personally in telling the story of my community. It was very touching.

There’s no doubt Ledger will be missed dearly, and my thoughts go out to everyone who knew him personally. This is certainly going to make watching The Dark Knight a unique experience this summer.

Source

friendsofdoom.com

The Dark Knight coaster is more than just a ride; it is an adventure that utilizes special video and sound effects, physical movement, and storytelling. As part of the experience, park guests will begin to feel, hear, and see the action of the movie the moment they enter the queue line of the ride. They are transformed into citizens of Gotham city torn apart by The Joker and caught in the middle of the city under siege. Then, guests will board the Gotham City rail car and careen through the demented hallways of chaotic images, unseen hills, turns, and twists, while being continually tormented by The Joker.

themeparks.about.com

There is a new Superhero hype courtesy of Six Flags, Inc. The upcoming Dark Knight Coaster!

This is an indoor roller coaster based on the upcoming movie of Warner Bros. Pictures The Dark Knight. It features DC Comics characters The Joker and of course, Batman. The ride will open in three parks this spring Six Flags New England in Agawam, MA; Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, IL; and Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, NJ. Mike Antinoro, the Executive Vice President of Entertainment and Marketing for Six Flags said that the construction and design of this ride will combine the thrill of the roller coaster and the excitement of The Dark Knight movie.

So you Want to be like the famous hero? Then today is your lucky day! Really nobody can be the Batman but you can be like him. Dress properly… Class is now in session :

How an ordinary man can be like Batman, first of all… You have to have loads of gadgets… and second.. shave that goatee..

Be like the Batman 101
Steps:

1. Put others before you! Be a hero!
2. Incorporate the imagery of a bat in order to frighten criminals. Put the bat logo on every thing you have, from your car to you underwear.
3. Have a utility belt.
4. Batman has no superpowers and instead relies on his own scientific knowledge, detective skills, and athletic prowess. These are skills that you will have to build to become Batman.
5. Name everything you own by adding a “bat” prefix on it… like a Batcoffee mug, Batbaseball bat?? hahaha… or BatXbox 360 or something…
6. Build a batcave under your house. The Batcave is Batman’s secret headquarters, consisting of a series of subterranean caves beneath his residence.
7. Batman is athletic! He is very into fitness! So start doing the falling Batman Push-ups. 100 push-ups a day should do it.
8. Have a young strapping side kick. Your side kick helps you stay young, keeps you sharp. You teach the every thing you know, in turn he dose every thing you don’t want to do.
9. Smile a little gay, remember Batman is rich.
10. Have a butler to do all your house work and to cook.
11. Keep your secret intently a secret!

Tips:

• Learn martial arts.
• Learn Rope rappelling.
• Never, I mean ever laugh at the Jokers’ jokes.
• Keep the stock holder happy, the keep you rich.
• Be a hero always!

HowToBeLike

I know this is old news… but this is something you should know… Of Course since Heath Ledger will be playing the joker on the Newest Batman Movie : The Dark Knight …He deserves the right to be posted here…

Australian actor Heath Ledger has been found dead in his New York apartment. According to police, his masseur arrived at his house in Soho this morning for an appointment, and was let in by his housekeeper.

They then entered the bedroom after getting no response, only to find Ledger unconscious on his bed. They immediately called the authorities, and the police have said they don’t suspect any foul play.

According to The New York Times, pills were found by Ledgers body. An entry on the actors Wikipedia page was suggesting that a large quantity of heroin was also found, but the page has now been edited, and these rumours are unsubstantiated.

Ledger was only 28, and had a huge career ahead of him. He had already won huge critical acclaim for his role as a gay cowboy in 2005’s Brokeback Mountain. Stephen Holden of The New York Times wrote at the time:

Mr. Ledger magically and mysteriously disappears beneath the skin of his lean, sinewy character. It is a great screen performance, as good as the best of Marlon Brando and Sean Penn.

He also plays The Joker in the forthcoming Batman movie The Dark Knight, which is due out on July 18th. From the preview screenings and trailers, his portrayal of the evil character was already receiving appreciation and comments that he’d managed to outdo Jack Nicholson in the role.

Ledgers personal life hasn’t been quite as happy as his on career though. He met actress Michelle Williams on the set of Brokeback Mountain, and they had a daughter together. Unfortunately, the couple split up last year.

At this time, Ledgers agent and spokesman have failed to talk to the press, and so details of his death are still quite thin on the ground.

What is clear however, is that Hollywood, and the movie industry, has lost a great young actor today.
Source

There has been clamor for another installment of the Chris Nolan Batman film franchise, especially with the success of the last film ‘The Dark Knight’, which was made extra memorable by the late Heath Ledger’s awesome and timeless performance.

While many from the film like producer Charles Roven have expressed a positive attitude towards another movie – this sentiment was naturally echoed by Warner Brothers, who are looking to another money train with the release of another Batman movie – all have agreed that the reins lie with Chris Nolan and David Goyer, who developed the story for the last two films.

Chris Nolan, for his part, has refused to commit to another Batman film, citing that he is still looking whether or not there is another storyline he sees himself investing in. However, he says some ideas have been thrown around, so we’d best wait and see what happens.

Image source: www.roddysrockinreviews.wordpress.com

The director and co- writer of the Batman Begins and The Dark Knight film Christopher Nolan is not committed to another Batman sequel, clearing up that he does not usually line up projects after finishing a film. Gary Oldman is certain Nolan will return, and Bale said he would return if Nolan did. Oldman hinted in the third film Gordon would have to “hunt down Batman”. He has also speculated that the villain of the upcoming film may be the Riddler. Nolan explained that as long as he is directing, he is not including Robin in the franchise because Bale is still portraying a “young Batman”, which meant “Robin’s not for a few films”. In addition, Nolan considers the Penguin difficult to portray on film, explaining, “There are certain characters that are easier to mesh with the more real take on Batman we’re doing. The Penguin would be tricky.”

screenrant.com

The new trailer for The Dark Knight of Christopher Nolan has been brought by Warner Bros. Pictures online. It stars Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Aaron Eckhart, Heath Ledger, and Christian Bale which are mostly follow-up stars of the movie Batman Begins.

In this film, Batman is set out to destroy the organized crime in Gotham for good with the help of District Attorney Harvey Dent (Eckhart) and Lieutenant Jim Gordon (Oldman). The three proves to be effective; however, they soon find themselves as prey to the Joker who is a rising criminal mastermind, bringing the Dark Knight close to crossing the line between hero and vigilante.