A Leaked 'DKR' Script? Don't Bet On It

i09 has a supposed leaked script for the 'Dark Knight Rises' with some pretty juicy details. While it hasn't declared it real or not, if anything it makes for some interesting copy. Here are the highlights:

• The assassin Deadshot is broken out of prison and brought to Gotham City
• Crime is way down in Gotham, and Batman has become more of a myth than anything else
• Batman has a Batwing-like aircraft called "The Wraith", a rebuilt Wayne Manor and Batcave, and an EMP-equipped Batmobile
• Wayne Enterprises is struggling with competition (and a lawsuit) from Daggett Industries, and Lucius Fox feels he must turn against the irresponsible Bruce Wayne
• The villainous Black Mask has hired Deadshot and is working with Roland Daggett, although it's unclear who he's been hired to kill (probably either Batman or Bruce Wayne, of course)
• Edward Nashton has the Riddler's name but Hugo Strange's character, as he has figured out Batman's identity and uses this to mess with the Dark Knight's head
• Commissioner Gordon and a Detective Adams are heading up a taskforce to catch Batman
• Talia al Ghul makes a brief appearance.

So, we basically have four, maybe even five villains if you count Roland Daggett and Talia al Ghul. Right off the bat, that sounds like overkill even by 'Spider-Man 3' proportions. How are we supposed to get to know up to five new foes in all of two and half hours of screen time?

While all the villains are certainly candidates for the next Batman film, all of them together is nothing short of a clusterfuck. I doubt Nolan would make the mistake of having that many villains pop up in one movie. And why have a character named after Edward E. Nigma, but with Hugo Strange's traits? Is this supposed to be a new character? I'm already confused, and I'm pretty familiar with Batman's villains. How is the average moviegoer who may not be up to speed on the intricacies of the Batman universe supposed to understand what's going on?

Also, as io9 points out, there's no mention of a second female lead, which Nolan was supposedly casting for. We already know Bruce Wayne is supposed to have a love interest and perhaps a female villain of some kind. If Talia only makes a "brief appearance" how does she even qualify as a main component of the story? So, that part makes no sense.

The only part of this supposed leak that I would agree is likely is the part about Commissioner Gordon heading up a task force to capture Batman. That follows in light of the events from 'Dark Knight.' I'm not sure about Lucius Fox abandoning Wayne Enterprises, either. Fox has to know, like Gordon and Alfred, that Batman did not actually commit the crimes he is taking the burden for. If so, why would he leave his friend and employer, Bruce Wayne? Does he leave before or after he designs the aircraft for the Caped Crusader?

I'm dismissing this script as complete, unsubstantiated rumor. I can't figure out for the life of me why Script Flags (who found the leak) calls this the "best fake we've ever come across." At best, it's a sophomoric, incoherent mess with too many villains, questionable characterization, and nonsensical plotting. 'Fantastic Four 2: Rise of the Silver Surfer' had a more coherent story than this. If by some chance this actually is the script for 'DKR,' then let's hope it's an early treatment that got revised many times.

Tom Hardy Not Playing Dr. Strange

We can probably safely rule Hardy out as Bane, too.

Looks like Tom Hardy is out as Dr. Hugo Strange, as indicated by batman-on-film:

I can tell you who he [Hardy] is NOT playing: Hugo Strange. This comes to me via a very solid source, so you can at least start heading to the bank with it. Who IS Hardy going to play? We'll know in early 2011...or so I hear.

This opens up several possibilities about what role Hardy might play. It's likely that if he's not someone like Deadshot or Black Mask, he would be Sgt. Max Cort or perhaps even Harvey Bullock. Cort, as you might know, is the rogue cop in the Gotham PD obsessed with Batman. Dr. Strange later manipulates Cort into donning a disguise as a vigilante in order to blame Batman for further crimes.

So, thus far we've got Dr. Strange as a principal villain, and possibly a bad cop in Max Cort to boot. With Nolan scouting locations in Asia, it's becoming increasingly likely Talia al Ghul will join the roster of villains for 'DKR' as well.

Of course, there's still nothing official coming from Nolan or anybody at WB just yet. For all we know, all these rumors are just running interference for the actual story. We should know with certainty who the main villains will be sometime early next year. For now, it's probably a safe bet to go with Dr. Strange and a bad cop as two possible adversaries for the Dark Knight.

The Case for Clayface

Clayface in, surprisingly enough, one of his happier moods.

Over the last few weeks I've been running through possible villains for 'DKR' with one common theme: realism. Poison Ivy, Harley Quinn, The Clock King, and Bane are all realistic villain choices for a Nolan-style Batman film.

But what about an unconventional, more fantastical villain? Why not one that breaks the mold (literally) previously set by Joker, Two-Face, Ras al Ghul, and Scarecrow?

Why not the former actor turned shape-shifter, Clayface?

Basil Karlo, or Matt Hagen, depending on which version you prefer, has donned the Clayface title since the 50s when he first tangled with the Batman. He, like Mr. Freeze, became one of Batman's reoccurring sci-fi foes.

Perhaps most famously, Clayface appeared in the cleverly titled "Feat of Clay" in Batman: The Animated Series, voiced by 'Hellboy' aka Ron Perlman. BTAS depicted his origin as a B-Movie actor long past his prime who becomes disfigured in an accident. A new chemical called RenuYou allows him to mold his face back to its ruggedly handsome proportions, a feat plastic surgery would take "decades to accomplish." The catch? RenuYou is highly addictive, and its creator, Roland Daggett, makes Hagen commit crimes in exchange for more of the compound. One night, caught stealing RenuYou from the factory, Hagen is doused in the chemical by Daggett's goons. This soaks every cell in his body with the strange chemical, and gives him the power to shape shift at will. Clayface first attempts to kill Daggett with his new powers, but runs afoul of Batman.

While the plot from "Feat of Clay" is probably a little too far-fetched for Nolan's Batman, it still harbors similar themes. Clayface is a sympathetic villain driven mad by his disfigurement who eventually abuses his new powers as a criminal. Batman is also a villain of sorts, often bending the line between good and evil in his quest to thwart Gotham's worst criminals. Both have dual identities, but favor the side of them that involves indulging in violent, dangerous behavior. Most importantly, both are seeking some kind of redemptive solution to their lives. Batman doesn't want to have to continue acting as Gotham's Dark Knight, and Hagen really just wants his old life back. Both are ultimately victims of extraordinary circumstances that have altered their lives completely, and have chosen to react by taking on strange new identities.

"What do you mean my health insurance doesn't cover deformity caused by clay?"

But, could Clayface work in Nolan's Batman? Yes. Very well, actually. It's already established in 'Batman Begins' that strange, sci-fi type chemicals exist in Scarecrow's fear serum. It wouldn't be much a stretch to introduce a new elixir that can turn one's face into puddy. As a matter of fact, odd chemicals seem to be a reoccurring prop in many Batman stories. There's the green sludge that turns an ordinary thief into the Joker, the fear toxin, and the renewing properties of the Lazarus Pit.

Speaking of the Lazarus Pit, this brings me to how Clayface can bring in Talia al Ghul, who is a possible villain in 'DKR.' You could have the chemical that turns Matt Hagen into Clayface as a derivative of the mystic waters of the Pit. Investigating its source could lead Batman full circle back to al Ghul's hideout, where Talia lies in wait to get revenge for her father's death.

But ignoring Talia for now, Clayface could also simply be a criminal who can alter his appearance at will without the ability to turn his arms into giant mace clubs. That would make him more realistic while still keeping with the sci-fi vibe. As the movie progress, Clayface would of course become more addicted to the serum, leading him into bigger crimes, while also gaining more shape-shifting power. Eventually, you'd have a showdown between him and Batman, where Hagen might have to choose between facing justice but saving himself, or continuing on as a powerful freak addicted to the chemical that makes him Clayface.

Or, Clayface could actually be a full-fledged monster as he is shown in the comics and cartoons. We don't often see shape-shifters in movies anymore--the last decent one was probably the T-1000 from 'Terminator 2'--but when they're done right they make for excellent antagonists. It's tempting to dismiss Clayface as too far-fetched, but maybe that's what a third Batman film needs. Ras al Ghul exhibited a kind of supernatural mystique in 'Begins,' while 'Dark Knight' went the route of an action thriller in the mold of 'Heat.' So, this would be a returning to form for 'Dark Knight Rises.'

And besides, I don't know about you, but there's always been something especially creepy about 'Clayface.' The yellow eyes. The cavernous mouth. The dripping appendages. He probably belongs in a horror movie, yet he makes a unique and frightening opponent for the Dark Knight. Could he work as a foe in 'DKR'? It would require a lot of tweaking, but I'd say enthusiastically, yes.

No Ledger for 'DKR'

After the rumor circled the web like a hurled Batarang, it appears Christopher Nolan's wife and producing partner, Emma Thomas, has put the kibosh on whether a Heath Ledger Joker would appear in 'Dark Knight Rises.' According to ReelzChannel, Thomas said curtly:

"I heard the rumor. We're not doing that."

Nolan himself also denied the rumor. I suppose this is as well. Heath Ledger's Joker will forever remain as a special highlight of the great event that was 'The Dark Knight.' It would be nice to see Joker again, but if not Heath, then who?

There's probably only one actor with the gravitas who also kinda resembles Ledger, that could pull off the role. I'm talking about Harry Osborn, er, Mr. James Franco:

I've heard nothing but good things about Franco in his latest film '127 Hours.' While he has already had major roles in blockbuster films like 'Spider-Man,' Franco seems set for a major step up into critical and leading roles. He'd be perfect as a replacement for Joker. I don't necessarily see him fitting in as any other villain, however.

What do you think? James Franco as Joker?

Joker Cameo in 'Dark Knight Rises'?

Joker returns?

So says showbizspy:

“The idea is to use these fragments of cut scenes and use CGI to have The Joker appear one last time,” reveals a movie insider.

According to their sources, Nolan wants to maintain some continuity between 'TDK' and 'Rises' similar to how Scarecrow popped up for a cameo in the latest Batman film. Ledger's death hit Nolan especially hard, and he has said there is no additional footage of the Oscar winner portraying Gotham's Clowned Prince of Crime.

However, with some creative editing, it might be possible to make an "old" scene appear new. It could work, but only in a very limited sense. Perhaps we could see a psychiatrist interviewing the Joker in Arkham Asylum through the grainy black and white lens of a security cam. It would be brief, and might even use footage we've seen before but altered in some way to appear fresh. Or perhaps Nolan does have additional unseen footage of Ledger that could be worked into part of a new scene.

Whatever the case, I'm favorable towards seeing the Joker one last time in 'DKR,' even if it's only a glimpse. We are left, after all, with questions at the end of 'Dark Knight.' After Joker is captured, what becomes of him? Prison? Arkham Asylum? Or did the SWAT team do what had to be done? Seeing Joker ensconced in a "padded cell forever," as Batman says, would help bring closure to the character.

Anne Hathaway Bids Adieu to Batman?

If the new rumor from Zacquisha is correct, it looks as though we can say goodbye to Anne Hathaway as a potential actress for the 'Dark Knight Rises.' The 'Devil Wears Prada' star appears set to possibly play Lois Lane in Zach Snyder's upcoming 'Superman.'

Hathaway, as you'll recall, had been in the running with five other charming young ladies, for a role as either a love interest or villain. If she's the number one pick for Lane, then in all likelihood she was considered mainly as Bruce Wayne's romantic attraction as opposed to a baddie looking to chop him into pieces. Too bad for Batman, as Hathaway appears to be shedding her good girl image in exchange for a little gratuitous nudity in her next film 'Love and Other Drugs.'

This leaves five ladies left on Nolan's shortlist: Rachel Weisz, Naomi Watts, Blake Lively, Natalie Portman, and Keira Knightley.

My money's on Weisz as the villain, and Watts as the love interest. Knightley could go either way, but she does strike me most vividly as a potential Talia al Ghul.

'DKR' To Be Based On Graphic Novel 'Prey'?

Helpful psychology tip: Engorged neck veins = evil

So says ComicBookMovie in its latest post about 'Dark Knight Rises.' What does this mean for Nolan's next take on Batman?

Prey features Commissioner Gordon (Gary Oldman) finding his way in his new role as Commissioner following the events of Frank Miller's Year One, whilst trying to maintain his relationship with a Batman who's despised by cops and seen as a criminal (The Dark Knight's ending). Enter Professor Hugo Strange, a police psychiatrist obsessed with Batman.

But here's the biggest bombshell provided the rumor is true: Catwoman will be one of the villains.

Er, OK maybe not that Catwoman.

'Prey' also features another villain that becomes a sort of protege of Dr. Hugo Strange--Night Scourge. Fed up with vigilantes like Batman and Catwoman mucking things up in his city, Sergeant Max Cort of the Gotham City PD decides to become a vigilante himself. He clashes with both anti-heroes, but is eventually shot by his own police squad. Talk about a bad career move.

Wow. If Nolan decides to use the elements from the graphic novel 'Prey,' here's what we may be in store for:

• A deranged psychologist in Dr. Hugo Strange obsessed with deducing Batman's true identity.
  
• A brand new vigilante in Night Scourge who is equally obsessed with finding the Dark Knight, and framing his nemesis with certain crimes.
• A new female vigilante in Catwoman.
  
• Commissioner Gordon acting as a double agent in a new GPD task force trying to capture Batman.
• The kidnap of the Mayor's daughter by Night Scourge (but orchestrated possibly by Strange).
• Batman on the run, trying to save his good name and fight the bad guys at the same time.

Yep, sounds like a Nolan film to me. Full of ups and downs, twists and turns, heroes and anti-heroes, questionable moral decisions, and enough subtlety you could package it as an energy source and save the world from Peak Oil. I really hope Nolan was joking when he said he only planned to make 3 Batman films. Why not 7, Nolan? Or a hundred?