Miller genuine draft

Good news from Gotham: The “Untitled Batman Begins Sequel” slated for a 2008 release is going be called The Dark Knight — a title which should make fans of Batman-á-la-Miller tingle in their extremities. (Even though the plot was considerably different, Batman Begins was in its heart and soul a remarkably faithful reworking of Miller's Batman: Year One.)

Today it was announced that Heath Ledger will play the Joker — a role jointly owned by Jack Nicholson and, yes, Cesar Romero. Romero, with his tall, thin build, toothy grin, and convulsive giggle, looked exactly like the comic-book Joker, and Nicholson is one of very few actors who can credibly combine that insane, cackling slapstick with the coldly serious menace that makes the Joker the most compelling of all comic-book villains.

Which makes Ledger, known for his quiet, inward performances, an interesting choice. But I'm hooked. I can't wait to see what he does with the role.

It's also great to see that the supporting cast that made Batman Begins so good will be returning for the sequel: Michael Caine, who gave the movie heart, Morgan Freeman, who gave it credibility, and Gary Oldman, whose Jim Gordon was so dead-on that he could have carried his own movie, sans Caped Crusader.

I don't see Katie Holmes listed. Hallelujah. Maybe that leaves room for a new D.A., maybe a young idealist named Dent?