Nolan confirms The Joker will not be in TDKR
![Before fans walk into the The Dark Knight Rises take note—the Joker has cackled his last “why so serious?” In 2008 when The Dark Knight swung onto screens and directly into the history books, viewers were stunned by the late Heath Ledger’s deliciously psychotic and career-making portrayal of the Batman nemesis. In fact, his performance […]](http://darkknight.tribute.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Joker.jpg "Nolan confirms The Joker will not be in TDKR - The Dark Knight")
Before fans walk into the The Dark Knight Rises take note—the Joker has cackled his last “why so serious?” In 2008 when The Dark Knight swung onto screens and directly into the history books, viewers were stunned by the late Heath Ledger’s deliciously psychotic and career-making portrayal of the Batman nemesis. In fact, his performance left such an impression, it’s hard for fans not to hold out hope that the villain will return for one final showdown. However, Christopher Nolan is urging against doing just that, confirming that The Joker will not only be absent from the film but he won’t even be mentioned. The decision likely serves two purposes. Not only is the landscape already full with potential opponents such as Bane, Catwoman, Ra’s Al Ghul and Marion Cotillard’s not-Talia Al Ghul, but Ledger’s portrayal of the twisted sociopath is so iconic, seeing another actor take on the role would feel disrespectful. However, with Nolan choosing to end the franchise, one thing is for sure—Tom Hardy (Bane) will have some mighty big shoes to fill.
