Batman 3: Rumors and Speculation

Probably the biggest news going on right now is speculation over the plot and cast of the next Batman movie. For the past few weeks rumors have been flying around concerning Johhn Depp or Brian Austin Green as The Riddler, Cher as Catwoman, and Verne Troyer or Philip Seymour Hoffman as the Penguin, not to mention the pictures of Kristen Bell dressed as Harley Quinn. In fact, Michael Caine caused a raucous earlier this week when he announced that he had a conversation with a studio head who told him that Depp and Hoffman would be playing The Riddler and The Penguin respectively. All this despite the fact that Nolan has already said he has made no definite plans for the next Batman and is going to make one or two other movies before returning to the franchise.

Well, Depp responded that playing the Riddler would be a “cool gig”; Hoffman said he didn’t think he would make a very good Penguin; and I’m guessing that no one even remembers Brian Austin Green (Beverly Hills 90210, anyone?). But in the end, know that any Batman casting speculation is just that, speculation. Not only is Nolan taking some time off, but he’s also said that he’d rather focus on some lesser known Batman villains in the future rather than retreading villains used in previous movies.

Personally, I’d love to see Bane on the big screen or maybe the Mad Hatter. As well, the Verntriloquist would fit in well with the mob undertones of Batman Begins and The Dark Knight. I’ve also read about a lesser known villain named Mr. Zsasz who is essentially a serial killer who uses knives to kill his victims and then cuts himself to mark each kill on his own body, so he’s covered with scars. That kind of darkness would fit right in with the tone of the movies so far.

What villain would you like to see go up against Bruce Wayne in the next Batman movie? Leave a comment and let me know.