A "Riddler" not named Depp?

With all the rumors floating around about the next "Batman," film (all of which are incredibly premature until Nolan signs on), and who the villians will be, and who will play them, there are a couple of notes I think should be made.

One that can not be substantiated at all in any way, shape, or form. Nolan will NOT use Catwoman in his films. It is so un-Nolan like, it seems to me. Doesn't it to anyone else? While she is a realistic villian and would be played wonderfully by Angelina Jolie, I just don't see it happening. Although, I wouldn't be too terribly upset if I was wrong. But many fan boys are just throwing this out there because they think Nolan left them a hint in TDK. I don't think he did. I just think that was a little joke by Fox that happened to mention a cat, I don't think it was foreshadowing a future villian.

Another popular idea that has been thrown around is the introduction of "The Riddler." Again, a fairly realistic villian, which is key in the Nolan world of Gotham/Chicago. The original rumor was for Johnny Depp to take the part, which seems like a really good idea, and Depp has agreed that "it would be fun."

However, I came across something interesting this evening, and honestly, just thought it was brilliant. Staying with The Riddler, what about Guy Pearce as Edward Nygma? I find this to be a very interesting idea. While I have no doubt that Johnny Depp would be quite incredible, because he is a very good actor, I like what Pearce has to offer as well. And Nolan doesn't necessarily go after the biggest stars for his films, and Depp is pretty much as big as it gets (Obviously, I know Christian Bale is a huge star right now, but he wasn't when he first put on the Bat Suit, Nolan created his stardom). Nolan seems to take great, but not over exposed actors, like Bale, Ledger, Pearce in "Momento," and Eckhart, and put them in his movies. Then takes elder statesmen superstars, Caine and Freeman, and puts them in supporting roles (I also recognize this is not always true, as you don't get much bigger than Pacino, and that was the title role, but as a rule, I think my premise proves true).

And let's not forget Pearce's brilliance in "Momento." That was a very special movie, and it also really seems like Nolan likes working with people he is familiar with. If you take a look, the crews are very similar in all his movies. He and his brother write most of the scripts, stories are written by he and Emma Thomas, and Thomas is on the production team of every film too. My point being, I bet Nolan would love the idea of working with a guy like Pearce again. Really see what he can deliver as a villian in the next Batman film.

What does my loyal readership think of Pearce as a villian in the next film?

Then there are all sorts of other rumors floating around that are much less interesting. Megan Fox in a Batman film? No. Phillip Seymour Hoffman? Not as Penguin, but finding a spot for him would be cool.

No one will be able to top what Health Ledger put together in TDK, but I don't believe it will be necessary. Nolan will be able to create the greatest ending of a trilogy yet. Even better than "Major League 3: Back to the Minors." But it will not focus on a villian as TDK did. The last of the trilogy will focus on Batman and Bruce Wayne, and will only use the villians to add to the story line, much like in the first film.

While I like to hope Nolan will sign on soon and get us a new movie in 2010, it seems more likely it will be 2011. Which will WB prefer? They are only interested in money, and what gets them more money? Making us wait? Or feeding our frenzy? None-the-less, I am sure Nolan will take a break with a different film between Batmans, and I am sure that Christian Bale will be in it!