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Finally, the time has come for Christopher Nolan and company to announce their secret title. Finally, the time has come for me to quit writing Christopher Nolan's Untitled Batman Begins Sequel. And, finally, we now know exactly who the Joker will be. That's right folks, according to The Hollywood Reporter, the title of the next Batman film will be -- drum roll please -- The Dark Knight! (Okay, minus the exclamation point at the end)

And yes, as previously reported, Heath Ledger has officially signed on to play The Joker. No more rumors. No more he said/she said -- this puppy is a done deal. Take it or leave it. Nolan's brother, Jonathan, will pen the script, with plans to begin production early next year (January-ish). First off, love the title. It's wonderful. Fantastic. The Dark Knight. It's perfect. Secondly, I've settled in to the whole Heath Ledger thing and, actually, kind of dig the move. I trust Nolan sees something in the lad that, perhaps, we do not. I'm keen on seeing Ledger take on a role like this. Heck, I wanna see the dude play a bad guy -- I think he'll do a swell job. Folks, it's all coming together. You can see it. You can feel it. You can taste it. You can start debating ... now.

And the Bat-rumors continue to fly folks. Not long after Ryan Phillippe's name was being tossed around for the role of Harvey Dent/Two Face comes word from Batman-On-Film, via an inside spy, that yet another offer has gone out. This time, it's directed toward the Bat-sequel's other villain -- Penguin.

The spy confirms Christopher Nolan's Untitled Batman Begins Sequel will indeed feature two villains: The Joker and The Penguin. While, supposedly, an offer has been made to Heath Ledger for the former, the spy notes that Ledger has not signed yet and is reluctant to do so, for whatever reason.

Also, said spy is positive an offer has been made to Philip Seymour Hoffman for the role of Penguin. Hoffman had been rumored to be a front-runner for the role, but has also indicated he may not get involved. Personally, I think Hoffman would be a wonderful choice for Penguin and, I imagine, would sit much better with Bat-fans who have already been scarred by names like Heath Ledger and Ryan Phillippe.

[via JoBlo]

Now that the role of Joker is unofficially in the hands of Heath Ledger, rumors are heating up regarding the other major baddie in Christopher Nolan's Untitled Batman Begins Sequel. Harvey Dent, Gotham's young assistant D.A. ultimately transforms into one of Batman's greatest villains -- Two Face. Word is Dent will not become Two Face until the third film, making it so whoever signs up for the role must do so for at least two films.

So far, a ton of names have been mentioned: Hugh Jackman, Liev Schreiber, Josh Lucas and Jake Gyllenhaal, to name a few. Personally, I think it would be hilarious if Gyllenhaal nabbed the role -- Brokeback Batman, anyone? The latest name being circulated around the Bat-cave is that of Crash star and Mr. Reese Witherspoon, Ryan Phillippe. Ugh. Actually, make that a double ugh.

Yes, I'm one of those people who cannot stand Ryan Phillippe. Besides the fact he is as boring as they come, the guy just can't act. Once past those pretty-boy looks, it's all empty space. Ledger I can deal with, however, I draw the line with Phillippe. Please. I beg you. Don't do it.

[via Moviehole]

While nothing has been officially confirmed yet, word on the street is Heath Ledger will most likely be taking on the role of Joker in Christopher Nolan's Untitled Batman Begins Sequel. And, at first, I was pretty bummed to hear this news. Don't get me wrong, the guy is a decent actor, but we're talking about one of the greatest villains of all time here -- Heath Ledger isn't exactly the first name that comes to mind.

However, after reading the latest insider sequel scoop over at Batman-On-Film, I'm feeling a tad better about this whole Ledger thing. According to one of their spy's, Nolan is looking to take a very different approach when it comes to the Joker character, one that will be nothing like Nicholson's version. The new Joker will be "very creepy and very extreme." And, most likely, he won't show up until halfway through the film, a la Batman in Begins. There will be a backstory given to the Joker and he will not be the only villain in the film. Says the spy, "Nolan and his brother have a couple of surprises up their sleeves!"

Supposedly, one of the reasons why Nolan wanted to go with Ledger is because, while very well-known, the actor has never taken on a role like this before. This way, audiences going in don't know what to expect. Face it, throw Johnny Depp or Robin Williams in there and, chances are, you're going re-call every film in which either actor played some weird and kooky character. With Ledger, you have nothing to base an opinion off of. A blank slate, so to speak. Yeah, I'm digging it. Don't worry Heath, I've got your back ... well, not in a, you know know, kind of way. I mean, not that there's anything wrong with that.

[via IGN]