Is Heath Ledger Casting A Dark Shadow On Batman?

With news hitting the street that the 3rd movie in the Batman franchise is entering pre production, there is allot of controversy brewing behind the scenes.

Eddie Murphy was purportedly offered the role as the Riddler, one of Batman’s most endearing foes.

Even though Eddie Murphy’s career could have benefitted from his appearance in what will likely be a major Hollywood blockbuster, the once popular actor declined the role.

While the reasoning behind the once famous actor’s decision is unknown, speculation has it that it is related to the apparent suicide by Heath Ledger, who played the emotionally tragic role of the Joker in the Dark Night.

The two main villains to appear in the next installment of the Batman franchise are Riddler and the Penguin, and possibly the ambiguous Catwoman.

Catwoman, a professional thief in the Batman comic book series, has often crossed the line from ally to foe, and has had an on and off romantic involvement with Batman.

Once is for certain, Batman comic books should experience a resurgence in interest with the release of the 3rd Batman movie.

Similarly to the Star Wars effect on pop culture, as more Batman movies are released, the popularity of all Batman related merchandise should increase as well.