Alan Horn Talks The Dark Knight Sequel Rumors

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I think Ottley was talking about this earlier, about how Batman was a dark character and how he doesn't necessarily get a happy ending. Perhaps, but he's also not to be relegated to the shit end of the stick every time. What a lot of people seem to forget when the pound out perceptions of Batman as this unrelenting, unyielding force is that, in Nolan's Universe, Batman isn't completely absorbed in the persona yet, as much as Katie Holmes would like us to believe. In the comics, it is apparent that Bruce Wayne is the mask, and Batman is the reality. In Nolan's stories, Bruce Wayne is still a human being, and that is important as what makes him an interesting character. If he isn't, he's basically just Patrick Bateman who dresses up like a bat. A hollow shell that isn't any more interesting as a character than a machine gun.

I think that Nolan's series (fingers crossed for a third installment) needs actual Batman closure of sorts, perhaps with Bruce taking Dick Grayson under his figurative wing, not because he needs a sidekick, but blatantly because he needs a successor.

Call the third one "Legends Of The Dark Knight" or "Dark Victory"

Anything will diminish Heath's performance in people's eyes. If they explain the Joker away with a few lines of dialogue, people will be mad, and if they try to integrate him into the story, people will also have problems. Even if he is active as an unseen character (which would NOT go over well), people will be disappointed. Heath's Joker isn't just nigh impossible to top, it's damn difficult to match, especially with any other character. It might be easier to hire a capable actor to effectively finish off the role, or pull a Brandon Lee move and utilize some computer cosmetics to take care of the Joker's character in the early or even late parts of the movie.

That said, let's assume they are just going to leave Joker in Arkham, and that's that. What happens next? Remembering Nolan has a penchant for pushing the boundaries even further with every film he does (the sheer magnitude of practical effects used in TDK is demonstrative of that).

You all raise some interesting points gents. The only problem I would have with anyone taking over Leger's Joker mantle is that regardless of the actor's calibre, they would inevitably be compared to Heath's fantastic performance and diminish what he achieved somewhat.
The Holmes/Dawson replacement didn't bother me because she was an expendable character. Thinking about it, the thing that bothered me most about the previous Batman franchise was the obligatory romantic involvement and the predictable revealing of Batman's identity.
Batman is a dark, tortured character. There should never be a "happy ending" as such.

yeah true i would love to see him come back but i doubt they will do it due to the memory of Heath Ledger owning that role, well that is theyw on't do it until WB decide to rebbot the franchise.

Also there is new news circulating that if Nolan doesn't return to the Batman universe, then Zack Synder & David Goyer are first in line for directing dibs

Think about it this way: Heath Ledger's Joker was exhaustive and impossibly difficult to create. But to replicate it would be significantly less difficult. That is why I would prefer to see an actor who we know to be capable rather than taking a risk on an unknown with one of the most unforgettable characters.
I would love to see the Joker come back.

LOL, Comrade's idea is pretty good though, that Joker become s a symbol and he could create copycats among him to carry on his legend of fear, just like the cops did with Batman in TDK.

I doubt anyone can replace Heath, except in a few years time.
You guys do know that Heath Legder's Joker has been crowned the new scariest villain of all time.
Really i don't reckon there should be another Batman film if there is then it should be Dark Knight Returns by either Nolan or Synder.
Because how they can bring back Batman after he is now on the run and officially a vigilance to Gotham City?

The Joker is the worst of his villains, and possibly the only one that could bring him back, but no one can replace Heath, not at these current time when his portrayal of the character is too fresh.

Also i don't want Joker & Riddler, because that would ruin the uniqueness of my Batman Script :)

I know you're a true fan, Comrade, I just disagree lol If Depp was to play the Riddler, I'd be content, but I'd still rather like to see someone like Ben Foster take the role. I know you don't think he's a strong enough actor, but that's only because he's been in supporting roles. Heath, while he had been acknowledged for Brokeback Mountain, wasn't a huge hit until it became clear he would be one hell of a Joker. I like bringing out people's true potential, and I think Foster's got it. We've seen him do evil. He could a deadly, manipulative, Riddler that we've never seen before...as you said, kind of an anti-Joker, but is still derranged. As for Depp as the Joker, I'd rather see an unknown take the part with the Joker as a background character. With the Riddler as possibly the lead villain and the Joker already getting his spotlight in TDK, hiring a big Hollywood actor wouldn't seem necessary, especially when we have our very own Joker enthusiast right here ;)

Fuck it. Have Johnny Depp play the Joker. He's more than capable. You could do it one of two ways 1)Pull a Rachel Dawes and just bring him back with a different actor sans explanation, or
2) (Requiring a bit more explanation) Batman is a symbol. Where Bruce Wayne is finite, Batman is incorruptible and everlasting, a symbol. The Joker is similarly a symbol or an Agent of Chaos. And he doesn't have to be the only one. The original Joker was captured (or killed by the cops when Batman left him hanging), but that doesn't mean there aren't others like him.
This logic also applies if they want to use the Riddler, a man who might define himself as an agent of Absolute order and symmetry (every riddle has an answer).

Now, before you respond, know that I'm not some Depp-crazed teenage girl. I understand that he is not infallible, and could just as easily blow as immortalize any character in this franchise, as could ANY actor (I know there are those who are unhappy with Bale's Batman at times). I also understand the bad taste of A-List or "pop" actor he might carry for some. This may be, but that doesn't change the fact that the man can give one hell of a performance.

All right, let's hear it, call me a "blasphemer", tell me I'm not a true fan.

yeah it's meant to continue where the old franchise left off, but come to think of it.
It could now continue this franchise, how i dont knmow

Zack Snyder has said that he wants to adapt Frank Miller's 'The Dark Knight Returns'. Snyder told iFMagazine that he has asked Warner Bros about creating a big screen adaptation of the story.
Can't see it happening but it would be interesting.

THIS JUST IN: FOX HAS WON THE WATCHMEN RULING AND RELEASE DATE IS SURE TO BE PUSHED BACK!...MOTHER OF ASS!!

Just hope J Long does Accepted 2 first, lol.

Dude...pointless chatter haha

Yeah, but they presented it poorly, Chad. First if was a comedy, then it was a love story...and I still don't get how they got their powers. Angels created them in twos? Yeah, it might be original, but that doesn't mean it can't suck. Also, the guy with the hook hand was extremely annoying

typo* haha did it again

Oops I made I type with Green Arrow, I meant Green Hornet. Wtf are there so many green heroes? Isn't there like 100 something or more other colors in the world lol?

Btw, Lank, Green Lantern is way different than an alcoholic superman type lol. And I enjoyed Hancock, I don't know why everyone hates it so much. His kryptonite is someone like him, which was hard because they loved each other. I thought that was pretty original for a serious spoof of a superhero movie. I think everyone missed the message that love hurts lol. The one thing people can't explain is their weakness, human or "superhero", she still loved him over like how many years? Yeah...it's all about love etc.

Didn't Bale say that if they bring in Robin he's out. Obviously, he feels that either he would take up the spotlight, or maybe be too corny for the Nolan universe of Batman. They could do it, but this Batman, Bale's Batman, is pretty young, which kinda wouldn't make sense. Batman's like twice the age of Robin in any story of Batman.

The performances, especially Smith's, were the only thing keeping Hancock from turning into a vegetable on celluloid. It wasn't Smith's fault, it was the director's and writers' faults. I'm sure Smith could do the superhero thing if given the right material, and John Stewart is more close to Smith's personality than Hancock was. But, like I said, he'll probably only be an option and would only hire him if they felt no one else could pull if off...or bring in money

Comrade, wasn't Holliday, Two-Face.

Also i've been stating since all this madness about Robin being introduced into Nolan universe, that Dark Voctory is the perfect set-up and origin story to bring in Robin.
But make him dark, vengeful and violent but with morales like Batman.
Dark Victory is the origin i use to bring in my Robin but i spin a little twist to the story

after Hancock im just not too sure man

Also, Will Smith COULD make a promising John Stewart. Granted, there are others who probably deserve a shot, but IF they did decide to go with Smith, we know he's a great actor and he would be money, which would be the first thing on a Studio's mind. That's why I betcha he's the first person they consider when talking about Stewart. "Well, he's a good black actor and he'll rake in the dough...let's ask him." Not saying he'll get the part, I'm just saying it wouldn't be terrible if he did

LankStun, it does matter which one they use if they want to please the fans. Hal Jordan is logical. Hell, Alan Scott could even make a cameo, and so could John Stewart as the movie's "James Rhodes" type character. The black guy who any comic fan knows will become a hero, but is just friends with the person as far as any non-comic fan is concerned. They could hint at him becoming a hero like they did Rhodes in Iron Man, but Hal would be the main Lantern, then introduce Guy and Kyle later in the series...don't want too many characters right out of the gate

Yep...lots of green characters...lol

The Green Arrow film is called "Super Max." Sounds cool and there would be room for a lot of villains, but, yeah, it is odd there's no mention of an origin story. Maybe there will be flashback sequences to Olly's origin...or, and this would be the most idiotic move, they're expecting people to watch "Smallville" for his origin

yeah im down with an green lantern movie

it doesnt matter which one they use the black one or the white on

and if they do go with the black please don't let will smith play the role please!

Dude, I've been bitching about Green Lantern in almost every other comment I've made. I WANT that movie to come out before any of them. If, by "pre-production" you mean WB has settled on a script and are holding on to their dicks while Nolan makes a decision about their most profitable franchise, then yes, it's in "pre-production".

I'll give you a free pass on this one because it doesn't sound like you're trying to piss me off: Seth Rogen is Green HORNET ( A newspaper mogul who has the underworld thinking he's a masked avenger (tru) and the police thinking he's a mob boss (false) and an ass-kicking Asian sidekick named Kato). David Goyer wrote a script for Green ARROW (Oiver Queen, a more communist/Robin Hood version of Batman with a penchant for trick arrows and a problem with drug-addicted proteges. The movie Goyer wrote is about Green Arrow getting arrested right off the bat and then having to escape. It sounds like a cool "movie movie", but it sounds like a shitty "Green Arrow movie", especially for his first appearance on silver screen).

Rogen's original vision for HORNET was that it would be a dark crime movie with some dry comedy in it. He stated several times he was looking to do something more serious. He's losing A LOT of weight for the role. Stephen CHow came on board and wanted to do all this wacky Kung Fu Hustle (fun movie) shit, and as you may have noticed recently dropped out as director, which could mean that they're headed back for a serious direction...but you never know.

lol comrade, I think Green Lantern (which you didn't even mention) will be out before any Superman, Wonderwoman, or Batman movie. Isn't it already in pre-production? And about your Green Arrow part of your long, very long comment lol... I thought the GREEN ARROW was being done by Seth Rogen as a comedy action?

Sorry fellas, but I wanna see Mr. Freeze...I think he can exist in Nolan's universe. He's got a great back story. And Johnny Depp will play him.

Just Kidding :)

I'm sorry, but I don't own a "self" so I can't fuck one...you still haven't given a clear and precise reason why Depp is so great.

Holy shit that was long. Sorry.
Thinking about it, I think you could interweave Holiday and Riddler as villains.

Tell me torvar, what is the definition of "inbread"? Are you accusing our dear Agent Vis of encasing himself in a loaf of wheat rye? "Your self" is one word in the context you are trying and failing to use it in, and your sentence was a question., and thusly should have ended with a question mark. For someone so hard up about the Riddler, I'd think you'd know when to use his symbol.

But, semantics aside, you should really accept that Johnny Depp, while a fine actor, isn't great by default. He's done some CRAPPY stuff. And also, that he brings the wrong kind of energy to the riddler. Before they cast Gary Oldman (who is amazing) I wanted Depp for Gordon. I think he fits well into the good guy side of things, and it would be hard for him to portray someone absolutely evil. But we shall see. If WB casts him, it will probably be against the wishes of Chris Nolan, and it will primarily be fan-bait for teenage girls. That does not mean he won't perform well if cast, but he is NOT the only one for the role
(Ben Foster isn't a strong enough actor to carry a batman villain, at best he could be a street thug.
Justing Long might be good to play ROBIN...in an SNL skit.)

Antoher choice for the Riddler: Casey Affleck (watch Assassination of Jesse James, you'll see it. Of course, he's also my pick for Superman if he bulks up a little)
Hugo Strange or Mister Freeze: Jeremy Sisto
Catwoman: Somebody of Italian descent; she is a Falcone.

The thing is, The Joker was perfected through Heath Ledger's performance. In a lot of ways, the whole idea of the villain was almost tapped out. I liked the idea of focusing a third story on Batman Vs. The Gotham Police, starting to realize that he has to make a choice about his life, adding Robin (go to CHUD and read "Making a case for the Boy Wonder", it outlines a pretty good scenario for Robin to exist in Nolan's universe. Dark Victory sets up a good basis too) maybe bringing Catwoman in. I would really love to see the scarecrow come back, more vicious, more vengeful, and fuckloads more terrifying. People will bitch that "We've already seen that" but I think it works. I think Nolan should pull story from Dark Victory, the sequel to Long Halloween which was the basis for a lot of the characterization in TDK.