Though it's only been a week since Heath Ledger was permanently laid to rest, Warner Bros. is slowly bringing back its marketing campaign for The Dark Knight. Mattel has revealed images of its Ledger-inspired Joker dolls; the first of which will retail at $7.99 and features a rocket launcher that can be placed in the Joker's hand. The second doll (pictured to the right) is a slightly larger, more detailed version created by action-figure designers the Four Horsemen. It will retail at $10.99. The image comes from The New York Post, who revealed it along with a quote from the Ledger family: "Heath was very proud of his work in the film, and his family is aware and supportive of Warner Bros. and its partner's plans for the movie." Mattel will sell two versions of the doll, with both hitting toy shelves this May (two months prior to The Dark Knight landing in theaters on July 18).

Mattel claims Ledger's death is "not exactly a marketing point," and that "kids are going to buy the toy if they like the movie." Yes, but the toy comes out two months before the movie does. Then again, the character is so recognizable, I really don't think it matters. But what do you think:

Should Mattel and Warner Bros. have waited until closer to the film's release to shovel a Ledger-like doll onto toy shelves? Or is this marketing tactic a normal one?

I wish this was a cruel joke, but apparently it's not. In a recent Hollywood Reporter article that talks about toy companies and the various film and TV deals they have in the works, they mention that Mattel is "in talks with Hollywood partners to turn Magic 8 Ball into a theatrical release ..." Yes, the round black ball you ask questions to, while shaking and waiting for a little plastic thing to tell you the answer. They want to somehow make that into a movie. A real movie. About a Magic 8 Ball. Is it just me, or has Mattel handed over all their properties to some guy sprinkled with idiot dust? Mattel, who are obviously foaming at the mouth after watching Hasbro's Transformers take the world by storm, are now actively pursuing a number of different avenues.

Apart from the aforementioned (and brilliant) Magic 8 Ball idea, they're still looking to push Barbie and Hot Wheels onto the big screen even though the option with Sony Pictures expired this year. Mattel is also looking to do something with He-Man and the Masters of the Universe; a project that was recently rescued by Warner Bros. and supposedly has Joel Silver attached as producer. As we previously told you, Hasbro is also exploring their options on future big or small screen projects revolving around such brands as Candy Land, Trivial Pursuit (good TV show), Ouija Board, Monopoly and Clue (which was already turned into a movie). Let's not forget Paramount's plans to do something with G.I. Joe as well. Oh, and the article also mentions a Bratz sequel. Yay! Are there any other toys or games you'd like to see up on the big screen?