The Dark Knight

[ChrisMWaters 0]

Thought of a more obscure villain that could make it into this series of Bat movies.

 

The Clock King.

 

A very persision villain, scheduling everything to happen right at a certain point and such.

 

Also, for the person that asked...they explained how Croc would work in this Bat-verse via "Batman: Gotham Knight". He was a man with a skin condition that Scarecrow did experiments on, leading him to file his own teeth into points.

[RedJed 0]

Just saw it a second time last night (and still, this flick is packing them in, it was about 90 percent capacity for the movie on a Sunday night) and I definately did pick up and understand more the very complex (yet entralling and completely logical) sub-stories within a story, so to speak. I could easily go to it a few more times, which I can't say of hardly any movie in a long time.

 

So any odds on what side characters will come back in the third installment in a larger part? I don't know why, but I have a feeling the newscaster (Anthony Michael Hall, right?) might return as some villian, since he was in the same bus as the Joker when they left the hospital, and then was essentially taken hostage by him. Probably won't be a large part by any means, but a part nonetheless.

 

I think some of us have already suggested others in the film already as possibililties, but I didn't notice him mentioned yet.

[Nightwing 0]

Stop hating on Bane. I never had a problem with his approach in Knightfall; I actually thought it was intelligent. Facing the Batman head-on generally results in a one-way ticket to Arkham. He was smart enough to figure out who Batman was and engaged him exactly the way one would want to; where Batman had no chance of winning. He wasn't afraid, just smart, unlike the other villains who know they can't win but fight him anyways. I don't think, after the Joker, the choice of villain matters as much as the story and portrayal. Scarecrow and Ra's were great villains in the first one, and I don't think anyone expects them to top the Joker.

 

Plus, Bane isn't mainstream? He's actually pretty well-known, along the same lines as "Doomsday". Breaking Batman's back will get you press. Has he had some one-dimensional portrayals? Absolutely, but which villain hasn't? Look at Jeph Loeb writing the Joker, for God's sake. Or Mr. Freeze before Bruce Timm and Paul Dini got to him. I think Bane fits very well into the Nolanverse, as he's much more down-to-Earth than most of Batman's villains. Anyways, my choices of characters:

 

The Penguin - James Gandolfini or Bob Hoskins. A well-established entrepreneur who also lost his family at a young age. He has a great many of investments both legal (Most notable being his upscale nightclubs, which are in just about every major city) and illegal (illegal arms and gambling, mainly). He's nicknamed the Penguin, coming from his taste in suits and his cold, methodical approach towards business. In person, though, he's a center-of-attention guy who likes to flaunt his wealth and rub elbows with the rich and famous. He's in Gotham because of the Joker's dismantling of the criminal power structure; he feels this is the perfect chance to expand his "less-than-legal" investments by establishing himself in one of the most lucrative criminal markets in the world.

 

While I like Bob Hoskins, I personally think a (comparatively) younger man like Gandolfini would be better. Sure, he was "Tony Soprano", but I think he is has the right look, age, and knows how to be intimidating. I don't have a problem with him being taller, as I think that the nickname should come from his business savvy rather than his actual looks.

 

The Riddler - David Tennant. A anarchist/anti-capitalist genius who is inspired by the Joker to do what he whatever it takes to achieve his goals. Not one for actually killing people, he tends to focus on the technological side of crime. When he is physically involved in a crime, he doesn't expose himself with theatricality like the Joker did (Which is why he feels the Joker was able to be stopped). He always leaves a riddle behind, which hint at where he'll strike next; a calling card to identify his work by like an artist signing a painting. His main targets are Wayne Enterprises, along with the Penguin's Corporation (I haven't thought up a name for it yet), both stereotypical heartless corporations in his mind.

 

I think Tennant has the looks, though he has some good acting chops. He's also interested in being this character, though he is a fan of the 60's version. Hopefully he'd keep his performance to the grittier side of things. On the character, I think he should be another ideological villain, like the Joker. He doesn't have to share the exact same views, but I think him having an ideological motive fits his more intellectual background. He can be a thorn in both sides, a wild card that needs to be stopped before he can bring the already-weakened system to its knees. Not only that, but we are talking about someone who is not a common criminal and would pose a much different threat than Batman is used to.

 

Bane - A Central-American drug lord looking to expand his US power base. For him, Gotham is a jewel: the city is already corrupt, it just needs a boss to pay the bills to the judges and cops. He's very rich, but he lacks the funds that the Penguin can deal out. Instead, he tends to rule directly and likes to be "Hands-On" with things. His plan is based around what he perceived the Joker's fatal flaw: Killing Batman. If he "breaks the Bat", the Penguin's money will be useless; who would want to go against the man who killed the Batman himself?

 

I've heard some of you guys mention Javier Bardem as a choice, and while he's easily good enough on the acting side his size is just too small (6'). At moment, I don't know any Hispanic actor who is big enough to pull the part, and they'd also have some good acting chops. I'd avoid the mask (Maybe make it an insignia for his gang, or a tattoo), but emphasize the fact that he likes to get things done himself.

 

Other Villains included

 

Temple Fugate: Thanks to Chris for bringing him up. I think he'd be great as a secondary character, perhaps the Penguin's right hand man. He'd fit with him, as he's punctual and thorough.

 

I'll have more later, but that's all I could think about.

[Smartly Pretty 0]

What about Deadshot? I'm not a batman expert or anything, but isn't he just really good with a gun? Isn't that the whole schtick? I mean, that seems simple enough to be both realistic and pretty cool if done creatively.

[godthedog 0]

i feel like a separate thread needs to be started for batman fantasy booking.

[King Kamala 0]

Am I alone in thinking that Paul Giamatti would make a fantastic Penguin?

[ChrisMWaters 0]

What about Deadshot? I'm not a batman expert or anything, but isn't he just really good with a gun? Isn't that the whole schtick? I mean, that seems simple enough to be both realistic and pretty cool if done creatively.

Depending on if "Batman: Gotham Knight" is canon to "Batman Begins" and "The Dark Knight", Deadshot has been used.

 

EDIT: RedJed, REALLY out there thought, but...maybe the anchorman character becomes The Creeper?

 

...like I said, really out there thought that came from re-watching the animated debut of The Creeper again recently.

[Hawk 34 0]

Am I alone in thinking that Paul Giamatti would make a fantastic Penguin?

 

I'd like Giamatti in any role.

[DMann2003 0]

After seeing the film again in IMAX last night I feel I can comfortably share my thoughts on the film.

 

It was a great film, telling an epic story about choice and consequence. If Nolan has gone on record saying that the first Batman film was about the effects of fear and intimidation, then I feel the main focal points in this one are the choices we make and the consequences we face from them. Nolan has a tendancy to not be subtle with his messages, but he is such control over the artistry of filmmaking (he overseas all 2nd unit work too) that it's not glarring. The performances were top notch, I think that goes without saying. I paid particular attention this time to Eckhart's performance the 2nd time, cause he is the emotional core of the film. His arc was perfectly realized, and I think

criticism over wrapping up Two-face's story misses the objective. Nolan isn't concerned with creating franchise villians, his story comes first and given the themes of choices and consequence, Dent's rise and fall were orchestrated beautifully

. This and WALL*E rank as my favorite films seen so far this year, and this has been one of the better summers in recent memory for giving us not only enjoyable E-ticket films, but giving us substance and depth to go along with that style.

 

I seriously feel this maybe the year that so-called 'Comic Book' films break through during awards season, with The Dark Knight leading the charge (and I'm pulling for Downey to get a Best Actor nod for Iron Man too).

 

I will probably see this at least one more time, possibly more than that, it truly is that kind of film you can just immerse yourself in because you're in the hands of a skilled group of artists working at their peak.

 

PS- Zimmer and Howard's theme is starting to stick with me as much as Elfman's '89 theme.

 

[RedJed 0]

What about Deadshot? I'm not a batman expert or anything, but isn't he just really good with a gun? Isn't that the whole schtick? I mean, that seems simple enough to be both realistic and pretty cool if done creatively.

Depending on if "Batman: Gotham Knight" is canon to "Batman Begins" and "The Dark Knight", Deadshot has been used.

 

EDIT: RedJed, REALLY out there thought, but...maybe the anchorman character becomes The Creeper?

 

...like I said, really out there thought that came from re-watching the animated debut of The Creeper again recently.

 

I never thought about that possibility, but hot damn, I like it. I just gotta think they are doing something with him in part three, given they made a point to show him being put on the Joker bus and then "traumatized" further. Him and Crane hooking up to try to take out Batman for some reason sounds possible, along with the guy who was gonna let the cat out of the bag about Wayne Enterprises (who I also fully expect in the next one).

[Nightwing 0]

Hall certainly was playing a character similar to Ryder (Outspoken T.V. Host), and has the reason (Traumatic Experience at the hands of the Joker). But I think he's bad as a villain, especially in a team-up. The Creeper is more of a loner than anything. Perhaps Hall, having had such a horrifying experience with the Joker, develops a severe cause of Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome. He can't sleep, starts to become distant and stops appearing on T.V... and at night he goes out (since he can't sleep) and takes out his incredible anger on anyone he finds in a back alley (Mostly homeless people). With a freakish, uncontrollable grin, of course. After that, he becomes more and more distant, afraid of what he's becoming, and it almost becomes a second personality.

 

It's definitely a great set-up, but I don't think it works for anything but a minor character. He wouldn't play a big part, but maybe he gets captured midway in the film after we see one or two of his "Creeper Moments", and suddenly reveal him to be Hall. Hall breaks down, talks about everything that is wrong with him and has happened since the Joker got him, and begs Batman to take him away to a place where he can't hurt people. It shows how deep the wounds the Joker inflicted on the city really were, and that they might never fully heal.

[Obi Chris Kenobi 0]

So, will they ever use The Joker again, or is it safe to say that due to Heath Ledger's death and great performance, it should be left alone for the foreseeable future?

[At Home 0]

I wouldn't count on Nolan recasting the role.

[Atticus Chaos 0]

They don't need to expand on the Joker anymore than they have: he'll always be there. He'll keep escaping and Batman will keep catching him. The final scene between them emphaisized that. Even if you brought the character back, he'd just be doing the same thing he did in the dark knight.

[DarKnight 0]

I too thought the music in this film was great. I really enjoyed that creepy siren sound whenever the Joker appeared. Its like when he's not on screen, and then you hear that, you can tell something bad is about to happen. If we're doing Batman fantasy booking, then I want Catwoman, Penguin, and Riddler to be in the next one. I'm sure Nolan could figure out a way to put all 3 in the movie. Like Lushus said, they are going to go with the top villains that draw money, and those villains certainly do. Scarecrow and Ra's Al Ghul made perfect villains for Begins, since the movie focuses on Batman, and his war on crime, so they made good throw away villains. The Joker just wouldn't make sense in an origin story, since he's too good of a villain to be wasted there. He needs his own movie focusing on his first battle with Batman, and The Dark Knight delivered.

[ZGangsta 0]

I'm sort of warming to one of the ideas I've heard tossed around for the next one. That is to have a second vigilante appear who's much more harsh and brutal, who kills the people he's trying to bring to justice. So Batman has to deal with him while on the run from the police as well.

Most of the time I see this suggested they say to use Nightwing as the new guy, but I think you could go with Azrael and it could open some interesting avenues. You've got the aspect of Batman being trained by the League of Shadows and Azrael by the Order of St Dumas. You could even fit in more from the League and maybe Talia too.

Doesn't have to have anything to do with Knightfall/quest but he could work as a foil for Batman.

 

Of course I'm sure the studio wants another well known villian like Joker or Two-Face in the next film to sell to the masses. Though you could probably fit Two-Face (if he's not dead) into the above story.

 

I just really don't want to see Catwoman or the Riddler.

[milliondollarchamp 0]

Kristen Bell as Harley Quinn. (If you don't like her as a blonde, I think she could easily look as great as a redhead). Right now she is 28 years old. If there is another 3 years between TDK and #3 (like there was between BB & TDK), she could be easily believeable as a graduating med student or even a just-getting-started doctor. I know she looks young, but I think that could be written in to her part; you could have a few characters reference her youth/looks in the film and she could remind them of her age (which would be the same as the actress' age). It would work with her character, too. A lack of respect from her colleagues could help push her over the edge.

[Anakin Flair 0]

You know, I was thinking... if Nolan and Bale only do oen more of these movies (I think Nolan would stop after 3), I figured out the perfect way for the movie to end- with teh introduction of Dick Grayson. Thnk about it: at the final few minutes of the film, Bruce goes to the circus, the Flying Graysons die,and Bruce offers to take in Dick. The end.

[Jingus 0]

I just really don't want to see Catwoman or the Riddler.

I don't see a problem with Catwoman, since her character has been portrayed and retconned in such a wide variety of ways that you could make her into just about anything you want. She could be anything from the sophisticated jewel thief to some hooker who snapped and started murdering pimps and johns.

 

On the other hand, really, what the hell is the appeal of the Riddler? I'm always perplexed when people talk about how Jim Carrey ruined him in Batman Forever; um, what the fuck was there to ruin? In the past few years they've tried to salvage his character a bit by making him some kind of super-genius, but he's still got a stupid name, a stupid costume, and a really stupid gimmick. In the immortal words of Seanbaby on his Superfriends page: "His superpower is tattling. Here's a guy who's just as tough as a regular guy, but easier to catch. Wow. Look out, world."

[dubq 0]

You know, I was thinking... if Nolan and Bale only do oen more of these movies (I think Nolan would stop after 3), I figured out the perfect way for the movie to end- with teh introduction of Dick Grayson. Thnk about it: at the final few minutes of the film, Bruce goes to the circus, the Flying Graysons die,and Bruce offers to take in Dick. The end.

 

I was thinking that as well. I want the end of this series of movies to be similar to how Angel the Series ended. No definitive winner or loser in the battle.. the battle never ends. "Let's go to work!" So awesome!

[dubq 0]

I'm sort of warming to one of the ideas I've heard tossed around for the next one. That is to have a second vigilante appear who's much more harsh and brutal, who kills the people he's trying to bring to justice. So Batman has to deal with him while on the run from the police as well.

Most of the time I see this suggested they say to use Nightwing as the new guy, but I think you could go with Azrael and it could open some interesting avenues. You've got the aspect of Batman being trained by the League of Shadows and Azrael by the Order of St Dumas. You could even fit in more from the League and maybe Talia too.

Doesn't have to have anything to do with Knightfall/quest but he could work as a foil for Batman.

 

Of course I'm sure the studio wants another well known villian like Joker or Two-Face in the next film to sell to the masses. Though you could probably fit Two-Face (if he's not dead) into the above story.

 

I just really don't want to see Catwoman or the Riddler.

 

As long as Azrael doesn't do any workout scenes from Robin's apartment. Brutal.

[Nightwing 0]

I just really don't want to see Catwoman or the Riddler.

I don't see a problem with Catwoman, since her character has been portrayed and retconned in such a wide variety of ways that you could make her into just about anything you want. She could be anything from the sophisticated jewel thief to some hooker who snapped and started murdering pimps and johns.

 

On the other hand, really, what the hell is the appeal of the Riddler? I'm always perplexed when people talk about how Jim Carrey ruined him in Batman Forever; um, what the fuck was there to ruin? In the past few years they've tried to salvage his character a bit by making him some kind of super-genius, but he's still got a stupid name, a stupid costume, and a really stupid gimmick. In the immortal words of Seanbaby on his Superfriends page: "His superpower is tattling. Here's a guy who's just as tough as a regular guy, but easier to catch. Wow. Look out, world."

 

I'm the other way around. The Riddler actually translates well as into a more modern setting; he's the perfect hacker-style character. And his appeal? Watch the Batman: the Animated Series. He has some great episodes and is actually a serious and challenging villain. If you stay away from the wacky Frank Gorshin model, he can be an interesting character.

 

On the other hand, the problem you run into with Catwoman is her relationship with Batman. I don't think it can be done in the same tone as the rest of the series, which has prided itself on a pseudo-realism. It just feels too comicbook-ish.

[Obi Chris Kenobi 0]

Jolie's name is being touted for Catwoman somewhere down the line, don't know if this old news in regards to the Original Catwoman movie resurfacing or what.

[DarKnight 0]

I'm the other way around. The Riddler actually translates well as into a more modern setting; he's the perfect hacker-style character. And his appeal? Watch the Batman: the Animated Series. He has some great episodes and is actually a serious and challenging villain. If you stay away from the wacky Frank Gorshin model, he can be an interesting character.

 

Agreed. Thats why the Riddler is one of my favorite Batman villains, because of the animated series. He was actually realistic and calm, and looked cool, having a green suit with green hat, instead of the leotard. Nolan can do wonders for the character on the big screen if he's based off of his animated series version (and modern comics).

[Ravenbomb 0]

I found the perfect guy to play the Riddler:

[milliondollarchamp 0]

Jolie's name is being touted for Catwoman somewhere down the line, don't know if this old news in regards to the Original Catwoman movie resurfacing or what.

 

I like Angelina, but she wouldn't be able to disappear in character. And my main issue frankly, would be her lips. The whole idea of Catwoman's suit is that it's suppose to disguise her, but those lips would be way to obvious. If there is suppose to be interactions between both Batman/Catwoman and Bruce/Selina, Batman/Bruce should take one look at those lips and figure that out. He's not a moron.

 

[At Home 0]

You could just take one look at those perfect teeth and realize it was Wayne!

[cd213 0]

I've had the Catwoman conversation with friends. I really don't want to see Jolie as Catwoman. I just don't think she would be right for the part. I brought up Asia Argento, and don't think that would be a bad idea. She's young enough to play off of Bale, she's hot and she's got good acting talent. Might not be the "Hollywood" choice, but I'd like to see her in that cat suit.

[RHR 0]

Let's look at how it ended:

 

***Joker is not dead, but captured and more than likely in Arkham

***Dent/Two Face may or may not be dead. If alive, he may also be in Arkham

***Batman is now on the run and in hiding

***Gordon is commissioner

***The mob is in disarray, with no central leaders

***Batman's identity is known by: Fox, Alfred, and the "accountant"

 

 

What I see here is a huge void in Gotham waiting to be filled. I could see an "arms dealer" moving in on the territory. He opens up nightclubs and slowly starts to consolidate power, to the point where he has Gordon attacked. This could be The Penguin (Philip Seymour Hoffman).

 

I could see a rich, MIT computer genius move into Gotham to take over Fox's job. He could be confused for Fox by The Penguin, based on info "snuck" out of Arkham. After the brutal attack, the genius becomes delusional, bent on destroying everything, even offering his services to The Penguin to help steal from the richest man in town, Bruce Wayne. This man is a hacker, known for leaving elaborate clues. The Riddler (Hugh Jackman).

 

Bruce, meanwhile, notices an incredibly sexy woman while out on the town. Turns out she is a master manipulator, using her womanhood to get what she wants, from anyone she wants--Bruce Wayne, The Penguin, The Riddler, Scarecrow, etc. She considers men toys. She is building an empire of women (Call Girls) who get information and money using the same techniques. She seems harmless, but, is not. The Catwoman (I have no idea).

 

After Gordon is attacked, and the new villans move in, a war breaks out between The Penguin and Gotham's finest, for control of the city. A battered and wounded Gordon is seen bursting into Police HQ, ascending to the roof, and turning on the new Batsignal. Batman is needed.

 

Fill in the blanks as you like....

[The Ghost of bps21 0]

Hugh Jackman?

 

...

 

but he's the Wolverine.