Fantasy Casting: The Dark Knight Sequel

The floodgates have been opened. With The Dark Knight still going very strong and making a run for the highest grossing motion picture of all-time, speculation has popped up everywhere regarding a sequel. One of the most impressive feats of Christopher Nolan's film was how it challenged our perceptions of superhero villains are presented and who could possibly play them. Two-Face is presumed dead. The Joker is alive. Whether either of those two will show up in the next film is a crap shoot (although Eckhart is reportedly signed on for one more). Then there's the controversy of whether or not The Joker can, or rather should, be recast and who could possibly play him.

What I'll be giving you in these next two blogs is possibilities for villains and who could play them if there is a sequel. I'll be working under the assumption that both Nolan and Christian Bale will be returning, which appears to be the likely scenario at this point. I didn't want to be caught off guard with Nolan making a choice that isn't on here so this is very detailed. No stone went unturned and you get my thoughts on basically everyone you could think of and their suitability for playing Batman villain. I analyze pros and cons of the choice and make my final pick at the end. Some are strongly rumored, some are my ideas and others are picks discussed all over the net.
For the record I do think the next villains should unquestionably be Catwoman and Riddler but I run down possibilities for Penguin, Joker, Mr. Freeze and Poison Ivy as well. I devoted the least amount of space to the latter two because I don't think there's a snowball's chance in hell Nolan will use either of them for obvious reasons. Of course, there's no guarantee he'll even use any of these villains and may instead go for lesser known ones from the comics as he did in Batman Begins.

It'll be interesting to see what happens when the announcements are made (which should be soon) and whether I look like a casting genius, a complete moron or something in between based on my comments on these actors. I had to remember I was casting Nolan's movie not mine and did make my final choices based on who I thought would fit best in the world he created. It didn't matter whether they were a big star or an unknown, just that they were RIGHT FOR THE ROLE. I'd say there's a great chance you're about to read my thoughts on the stars of The Dark Knight Sequel, whoever they are. Welcome to Part 1 of 2: Catwoman, Penguin and Mr. Freeze.




CATWOMAN

Angelina Jolie-Here’s someone who’s made a lot of headlines recently as the current frontrunner. She’s even has the endorsement of the original (and best) Catwoman, Julie Newmar, which goes a long way in my book. I’m convinced the fact this possibility has been so harshly received by the public has everything to do with her celebrity status and nothing to do with her suitability for the part. Her casting would bring the film the wrong kind of media attention, but let’s admit it: She’d be completely in her element and nail this. You could even argue this is the role she was born to play. It would also tie up her schedule for a while so she couldn’t bore us with Oscar-baiting dramas.

Still, a part of me thinks she may have fit better in the Burton or Schumacher star-driven franchises than this one. I’ve spoken to many people who told me they’d be happy with anyone as Catwoman “as long as it ISN’T Angelina Jolie.” I’m not sure that’s fair. Everyone would expect Nolan to think outside-of-the-box in casting this but how funny would it be if he shocks us all by going with the most obvious choice? If he picks her I wouldn’t have a problem with it.

Kate Beckinsale-A very solid possibility but I’m not as crazy about this as everyone else seems to be. Has to be considered one of the frontrunners right now but I think there’s this tendency in the Batman fan community to consider anyone who has worn a skintight body costume in a comic book movie as the right choice. Don’t get me wrong she’s good, just not the best we can do. The choice is too mainstream and lacks vision (although the same could have been said for Eckhart and look how that turned out).

Emily Blunt- I like this. I like it a lot. I can picture it also which isn’t always the case with choices that look good on paper. She’s young but always comes across as an experienced pro. Could easily go toe-to-toe with Bale believably and radiates just the right amount of mysterious sexiness to pull this off. This couldn’t come at a better time in her career.

Michelle Pfeiffer-This name has only appeared on some people’s casting list out of respect for her work in Batman Returns, which I completely appreciate. I have no problem with her age but it’s time to move on and do something new…and she’d probably agree with me.

Maggie Gyllenhaal-One of the craziest rumors to develop recently is that Rachel Dawes is not dead and will be returning as Catwoman since Gyllenhaal is signed on for another film. If Nolan does cast Maggie in the role it’s a HUGE RISK considering all the groundless complaints that she was “too ugly” for the role of Rachel.

How will audiences react then if she’s cast as Catwoman, a character whose very essence hinges on physical attractiveness and sexuality? Again, I refer you to her work in Secretary. She could probably do this, but that doesn’t necessarily mean I want her to try. I prefer Nolan not go this route because it’s disappointing narratively and I wouldn’t want to see the weak Rachel character return in any incarnation.

Rosario Dawson-A top candidate. I get the feeling we’ve already seen a variation on what her Catwoman would be like in Sin City. She definitely looks and acts the part, but under Nolan how do we even know what that part is anymore? Great choice, even if there’s no real element of surprise or re-interpretation in it. I love Dawson, but we know exactly what we’re getting with her. Still, she has to be considered one of the top 3 or 4 choices on this list. Few would do it better.

Charlize Theron-Yawn. I just put her down because I felt obligated. Could she really bring something new and exciting to a re-imagined version of Catwoman? Not a chance.

Halle Berry-Some feel she deserves another chance. I don't. But major props for showing up in person to accept your Razzie Award. That film wasn't her fault but I have to admit it is kind of fun blaming her.

Nicole Kidman- I think she has the acting chops but her role in a previous Batman film (a Schumacher one no less) could prove to be too jarring, despite the fact she was great in it. We need fresh blood. She’s an awesome, underrated talent but just not the right fit here for Nolan’s universe.

Naomi Watts-If Nolan takes the approach once again of going for the best actor for the role then Watts is the best choice on here. She may be pushing 40 but it’s not an issue since she doesn’t look a day over 34. I could really see Nolan picking her and I wouldn’t complain. It fits with the casting decisions he’s made so far.

Rose McGowen-There’s only one filmmaker who would consider casting her as Catwoman and as of now Robert Rodriguez is not scheduled to direct the next installment. To be fair, I actually think she’d do a better job than many think and it is tempting to see how this would turn out. It’s a temptation I’ll resist though because there are much better choices. Considering her reputation as box office poison she might also be a better fit as Poison Ivy.

Sienna Miller-This is one of those picks that’s solid, but lacks vision and originality. She’s already playing The Baroness in the G.I. Joe film and I think this role may seem too close to that. Besides, there are way better options available.

Megan Fox-Well, we know she'd look great in the cat suit at least. One of the best qualities of The Dark Knight was that it didn't feel like mindless summer escapist fare. Adding the "hot and nothing else" Fox to the mix would give the film an unshakable aura of emptiness and superficiality. Her, um, body of work up until now doesn't give us any indication whether she could actually do it. Regardless, this is supposed to be a Batman film not a porno.

Shannyn Sossamon- I love this freakin’ choice! I was so happy when I heard her name mentioned as a possibility because it was always in the back of my mind. She’s about the right age and bears a frightening resemblance to the Catwoman of the comics. Pretty much untested as an actress though. There’s some risk here.

Eva Green- I’m not familiar with that much of her work outside of Casino Royale but for some reason I can actually see it. I’m not a big fan of hers, but this isn’t a bad choice at all. If you want fresh blood for the franchise it doesn’t get much fresher than this.

Tilda Swinton-Don’t worry this wasn’t my pick, but you’d be surprised how many people think it’s a good idea. I realize she’s a great actress but no one would pay money to see her play Catwoman. Can you even picture her with Bale? I’m all for picking great actresses but this is one of the worst choices on here. I could see her as Poison Ivy though.

Milla Jovovich- She doesn’t have the acting goods to pull this off. This is one of those videogame fanboy picks and nothing more. A C-level direct to DVD choice for what should be an A-level film.

Natalie Portman-What a joke. Honestly, I’m laughing just picturing her in the costume. The whole thing just doesn’t fit. For this to even be a suggestion proves how massively overrated her talents are.

Anne Hathaway-That her career has ascended to the level that she's being mentioned for this part is an accomplishment in itself considering how ill-suited she is for it. So let's call that a victory and end it because if she got this part over the other far superior choices on here you'd just have to tell me know how the film is. I probably wouldn't watch it. I'd say there's no chance of this happening but with Nolan you never know.

Keira Knightley- This is almost along the same lines as Portman but a little better since Keira has proven she can believably play a bad ass in Domino. But something still seems really off with this choice.

Olivia Wilde- No one has brought this one up and I'm surprised. Not only does she look a lot like how we'd imagine Catwoman to be she's one of the few actresses who looks like she could kick Batman's ass. She's also the only actress in this age range I'd seriously consider, but there are drawbacks. She might have the Jessica Biel problem-being too tough and unable to portray to vulnerable side. Plus, she still so new and green as an actress we have no idea whether she'd be able to hold her own alongside the likes of Bale, Oldman, Caine and Freeman. It might be interesting to see her try though. She at least deserves to read for the part.

Jessica Biel- It's a no go because of the above reason. You can also cancel out another actress named Jessica and Scarlett Johansson, who's probably too busty to even fit in the catsuit anyway. None of them can do this and I'd sooner re-cast Berry before giving any of them a shot. Having been through the wringer once before at least we know she'll show up motivated and with something to prove this time. Biel, Johansson and Alba have a tendency to phone it in and the latter you could argue can't act at all.

Rachel Weisz-No doubt she’d put on an acting clinic and this is another one of those names I could see Nolan going with but we can do better. Sometimes the best actress isn’t always the best actress for the part.

Thandie Newton-Here’s a choice that made more sense to me a few years ago. Definitely looks the part and kind of has an Eartha Kitt vibe going for her. Except she’ll have to act, and after watching her “performances” in Norbit and The Pursuit of Happyness I’m not sure I want to see her attempt that.

Selma Blair-A dark horse pick who has more going for her as an actress than she often gets credit for. Already has experience in superhero films as Liz Sherman in the Hellboy franchise but that role is child’s play compared to this. Underratedly sexy but like Jovovich it may seem to be too low rent a pick and there’s legitimate doubt whether she’s ready for something like this challenging.

My pick: Shannyn Sossamon
I can see her name on the opening credits, picture her with Bale, envision Batman WANTING HER and WANTING TO KILL HER. She even looks like a cat for crying out loud. I’m a little bias here because she starred in one of my favorite all-time movies (The Rules of Attraction) but a big reason why was her performance in it. She possesses the right mix of vulnerability and toughness and has a dangerous, off-kilter beauty that’s perfect for the part. There’s also this realism to her that would effortlessly slide into Nolan’s universe.

Much like her A Knight’s Tale co-star Ledger did with Joker, I could see her digging down deep and challenging our perceptions of what Catwoman can be. Also, like Ledger, up until now she really hasn’t been given the opportunity to stretch as an actor so any potential complaints about this choice are unfounded. There are better actresses listed up there but for all of them I could name at least a couple of reasons why they shouldn’t get the part. I can’t name one here. Of all my final choices this is my absolute favorite and I'd jump through the roof if she got it. May not be a major name but that would change if this announcement were made. Make the call Nolan. Do it.



PENGUIN


Philip Seymour Hoffman-This Oscar winner is at the top of the list right now and it’s not hard to see why. It’s just like Nolan to cast him and there’s absolutely no doubt he can provide an interpretation of Penguin we’ve never seen before in any medium. Menacing, intimidating turns in MI:3 and Before The Devil Knows You’re Dead should make us feel even better about it. Forget pencil tricks. Imagine what he’d do with an umbrella.

Bob Hoskins-If rumors are true and Oswald Cobblepot will be a seedy club owner and mobster (much like the comics) than the seasoned Hoskins should be considered a front-runner. It’s amazing this guy’s been around so long and hasn’t had a role like this to sink his teeth into. He might be one of our most underappreciated actors and it would be great to see him get a chance to shine. Not to mention the physical resemblance. The only two issues could be age because he would have to go toe-to-toe with Bale and the fact this pick almost seems too DeVito-esque.

Paul Giamatti-Did you see Shoot ‘Em Up? Even if you hated the movie (and I know many who did) you have to respect the intensity he brought to that villainous role. Who knew he had that him? He would probably be right at home in Nolan’s Gotham City.

Dustin Hoffman-I don’t know where this one came from but it’s been discussed for some reason. One of our greatest actors but completely unsuitable for this. I just can’t see Hoffman playing someone who’s a sinister threat to Batman, or at least Bale’s version of him.

Danny DeVito-Some are curious to see him take another stab at the character. It seems like I’m one of the few who liked what he did with it but since it's a new Penguin we should have a new actor. This isn’t a feasible possibility.

My Pick: Philip Seymour Hoffman
Well, it's not my pick but as much as I hate doing it I have to go with the consensus on this one. They're right. Sometimes the most obvious choice is actually the best. When I saw his name being thrown around as a strong possibility I kind of just shrugged it off as a far-fetched prestige pick. But now the more I think about it the more sense it makes. The choice may appear obvious only because he’s such a gifted actor but it’s anything but predictable what he’d do with the character in this realistic universe.

Rumors have been picking up that Penguin could at the very least have a small, introductory role in the next film and of all the casting choices on here this is one I’d wager has the greatest probability of happening (although it’s the least favorite of my choices). I’d much rather see Catwoman and/or Riddler. But if it does happen and Hoffman gets the part you won’t hear any complaints from me. He’s the best available for it.





MR. FREEZE

Runners-up: Patrick Stewart, Anthony Hopkins, Tim Roth

My Pick: Ben Kingsley
Yeah I know, a pretty boring conventional choice but a solid one nonetheless. I find it funny the short list of actors who could play Mr. Freeze has gone mostly unchanged in the past decade. Stewart, Hopkins and Kingsley were all rumored for this part in just about every installment of the Batman franchise but unfortunately for us all the role eventually went to Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1997's ill-fated Batman and Robin. Of all the villains we could potentially see in The Dark Knight sequel Dr. Victor Fries is by far the one I'd least like to. It's so cartoonish I don't think Nolan would touch it but if he's really up for a challenge he could possibly have an interesting take on it. What that take is I have no idea but I'm guessing it would be much more realistically grounded than Schumacher's and wouldn't involve the character telling everybody "to chill out."

Anthony Hopkins would be too entertaining in a fun way and Patrick Stewart is just a watered down version of my pick for the part. I only listed Roth because he seems to appear on everyone's lists just for a lack of any other options. Oscar winner Ben Kingsley is the only person I can think of who physically resembles the character enough and has the dramatic gravitas to pull it off. If he plays it like his at all like his character from Sexy Beast we could be in for something special here. From what I've heard the Mr. Freeze from the comics is a dark, tortured soul with an involving backstory and considerable depth so there is some hope. I don't want Nolan to use this character but if he does I have this feeling he has an even better choice in mind and someone none of us have thought of.

COMING SOON: RIDDLER, JOKER, POISON IVY