The Telegraph is reporting that a one Mr. Johnny Depp is being eyed by producers for the role of The Riddler and that Philip Seymour Hoffman is wanted for the role of The Penguin in the next Batman film.
A third Batman movie has not yet been confirmed, but rumors are already being thrown around like mad. The first big rumor was that those crazy studio bosses were eying Angelina Jolie for the role of Catwoman in the next movie (see Rumor: Angelina Jolie as Catwoman), and now this, an even bigger, more interesting rumor.
Apparently a “source” said that studio bosses have their sights on the two acclaimed actors.
Producers are convinced that the role of The Riddler is perfect for Depp. Johnny’s a pro. He’ll be able to take direction and still make the character his own. And what better Penguin is there than Philip Seymour Hoffman?
Personally, I think all of this is just names being chucked around. I would be shocked if any of these played out (though Depp can play anything — he’s so dreamy, if you haven’t heard yet), but I guess we can only wait and see. Do you remember the mass chaos that was the rumors for The Joker? IF this movie gets confirmed, and these characters are confirmed as part of the story used, do not be shocked to hear about 437 other names rumored for the same characters. My initial vote was for Paul Bettany as Riddler, but Depp would work too. Let’s start the Bettany rumor anyway. Go tell your friends.
I’m going to be the stubborn little shit that I am and stand by my opinion that — without giving anything away — they set up Harvey Dent to be the perfect lead villain for a third movie, unlike most others seem to think. I’d have no problems with The Riddler and The Penguin joining the party if I had to choose, especially if it is Jolie as the main choice. It’d be tough to top DeVito’s creepy-ass Penguin, but challenges are good!
It will be interesting to see how it plays out; the last time there was a third Batman movie, it was the beginning of the end. Like the reboot, the second movie, Batman Returns, is the run-away favorite for the older movies (my second favorite over-all, still) and now The Dark Knight is easily the favorite of these newer movies (and over-all). It would be an important third chapter if they decided to do it, trying to keep the momentum up and not have the floor fall out from under them sorta like Batman Forever… we all know where that lead.
F.Y.I — I have no idea who made the above poster, but it’s pretty awesome. Props to you, kind stranger.
The 
i’d love to see the riddler played a lot like john doe from seven. Too bad Spacey playing the role would be a little too obvious… but i think it would better fit the sensibility of the series.
hopefully there will be no signs of green suits with question marks.
Comment by mo — August 1, 2008 @ 9:13 pm
I completely agree with your riddler choice. Paul Bettany is an awesome actor and fits the character way more than Depp.
Comment by corey — August 1, 2008 @ 9:45 pm
mo, I totally agree. They could get some great milage with the character using him in that way. Sort of in a Hannible Lector/SotL way.
Comment by Joseph — August 2, 2008 @ 1:12 am
man they shuld sign jim carry as riddler he was the best in past and will be .
edward nyrgma as johnny deep sorry man he will look better as joker in future .
Comment by cobby — August 2, 2008 @ 10:29 am
I say depp could make a decent riddler but its too soon. Stick with the dent storyline. 2-face with the intro of the riddler maybe. Lots of other villains to be known and seen in the comics.
Comment by JH — August 2, 2008 @ 6:42 pm
I would love to see Johnny Depp in a Nolan Batman film, but this is totally a rumor. I mean, I’ve heard like 500 more credible accounts saying there will be no Penguin in the Nolan Batman films… if they even make a third. But Johnny Depp would be an awesome Batman villain, he’s the only one who could match Heath Ledger’s terrific performance…
Comment by Lina — August 3, 2008 @ 4:39 am
I think this dude’s gonna be riddler in the next film. -> http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0367176/
Comment by Jason — August 3, 2008 @ 6:27 am
It was hardly a “superhero” movie, but more of a crime drama. As long as they stick to the crime aspect of it and not make a mockery of the villans (question mark suits, etc)
Comment by Flapjack — August 4, 2008 @ 9:30 am
Depp as Joker good choice on riddler
Comment by Tony — August 12, 2008 @ 10:04 pm
I think they have pretty much laid down the plot. Harvey died, but Two-Face(Eckhardt) is still kicking. They introduced the Riddler as Mr. Coleman Reese(Joshua Harto) already. If you didn’t catch the reference, you aren’t a Batman fan at all. The new love interest is surely going to be Catwoman/Selina Kyle(I’m sorry, the line from Fox is totally out there and has to be taken as foreshadowing)but Jolie, while one of my favourite actresses, would not fit the role. I think seeing Scarlette Johansen in The Spirit would make her a good choice for Kyle. She can play the sexy seductress very well. I think TDK really left no room for other possibilities. I hope I’m not wrong, I kinda like how it was left and what they could do with it.
Comment by Greens — August 14, 2008 @ 4:33 pm
I just want next movie to be filmed(with Nolan as director). I recently watched The Dark Knight…what a masterpiece!
Comment by spectre — August 17, 2008 @ 6:21 pm
philip seymour hoffman as the penguin is kinda random
Comment by joe — August 21, 2008 @ 3:17 pm
who should be the new batman?
Comment by joe — August 21, 2008 @ 3:18 pm
i heard that they were going to CGI the joker in there, after all he didnt die in the movie …
Comment by Haze McNasty — July 6, 2009 @ 7:09 am