Johnny Depp Addresses ‘Batman 3’ Riddler Rumors; Bale says Batman 3 may not happen

[GreenScar]

I'm not one to get too excited for Batman rumors, but this one would really get me excited if it happened.

“If the opportunity came, I’d definitely juggle it,” he said.

While director Christopher Nolan’s future with the Batman franchise is very much up in the air, speculation surrounding a follow-up to last year’s “The Dark Knight” continues unabated. One persistent rumor — perhaps fan-created — is the possibility of Johnny Depp joining the cast as the Riddler.

When MTV News caught up with the actor while he was promoting his upcoming Michael Mann film “Public Enemies,” Depp told us he’s open to taking on the role of the puzzle-hurling villain.

You can check out the video here.

In the same junket this is what Bale had to say:

If not for the offer of “whipping lessons” from Michelle Pfeiffer, the Catwoman of 1992’s “Batman Returns,” last week would have been a complete downer for Batman movie fans. On Wednesday, a rumor hit the ‘Net that director Christopher Nolan might not return for a third film after “Batman Begins” and “The Dark Knight,” and we’ve seen little reason to disqualify it thus far.

Heck, when we spoke to Batman actor Christian Bale on the set of his upcoming film “Public Enemies,” even he sounded uncertain about the Dark Knight’s big-screen future.

“I truly don’t know that we’re ever going to see another Batman movie,” Bale told MTV News.

Bale, whose contract requires him to play Gotham’s greatest hero in at least three films, said Nolan’s participation is likely to be decided by the quality of script over any other factor.

“It would be purely that he would need to find a story that was good enough,” said Bale, “and if he couldn’t find that it wouldn’t happen.”

While Bale is obligated to put on the cape and cowl again, the same isn’t true for Nolan. “The Dark Knight” director is currently working on “Inception,” so if “Batman 3″ did enter the equation, production couldn’t begin until 2011 at the earliest.

As it is, Bale said the idea of a Batman movie without Nolan wasn’t something he was willing to consider at this point, but reiterated that he wasn’t sure if audiences should ever expect a third film in the current franchise.

“I don’t even want to think about that,” said Bale. “I don’t know if there will be a third.”

You can check out the Bale video here.

[PH3AR]

I would love to see Depp as the Riddler in the next Batman movie!

[nolfoc]

for some reason if this movie does happen and it does have the riddler in it i would have to vote against Johnny Depp, hes a great actor i just think hes the obvious answer to play the riddler, and i think they need to stick with the not so obvious... i think the joker was such an amazing character because Heath wasn't the obvious choice to play him.... and i think nobody could have done a better job... actors i would like to see play the riddler; hmmm i think Kevin Spacey would play a f*ed up riddler he sure did a convincing enough job playing games in Seven...i also think Ray Liotta would play a good riddler... this is all my own opinion im sure many will disagree but i think they should steer away from Depp if they do a Batman 3 and have the Riddler in it...

[Mike53421]

So essentially there continues to be no news on Batman 3. I really hope Warner doesn't rush one out, but with all this media questioning it just smells like someone is going to rush into it to capitalize on TDK, I seriously hope not.

[Variable]

there's no way another movie doesn't happen with all the money TDK made, period. the question is if they give Nolan enough $$ to do it. or if he finds a story he's interested in. or both.

[Suntory_Times]

Originally Posted by Variable

there's no way another movie doesn't happen with all the money TDK made, period. the question is if they give Nolan enough $$ to do it. or if he finds a story he's interested in. or both.

x2, I'm guessing the studio probably wont want to wait untill Nolans schedule is free though. Whether Bale likes it or not, if another director comes in, he is still contractually obligated to be in one more batman film. In all honesty this talk about batman via Bale and the suggestion for Depp as the Riddler seems to be a farse just to have more interest gained on Public Enemies (which stars both Bale and Depp). The latest I imagine the next Batman film will be is 2012.

[Al Bundy]

Originally Posted by nolfoc

for some reason if this movie does happen and it does have the riddler in it i would have to vote against Johnny Depp, hes a great actor i just think hes the obvious answer to play the riddler, and i think they need to stick with the not so obvious... i think the joker was such an amazing character because Heath wasn't the obvious choice to play him.... and i think nobody could have done a better job... actors i would like to see play the riddler; hmmm i think Kevin Spacey would play a f*ed up riddler he sure did a convincing enough job playing games in Seven...i also think Ray Liotta would play a good riddler... this is all my own opinion im sure many will disagree but i think they should steer away from Depp if they do a Batman 3 and have the Riddler in it...

"Heath wasn't an obvious choice and need to stick with not so obvious?" Maybe they should stick to the great writing and storyline which is selling the movies not Heath's acting. I've said this b4 and i'll say it again. YES! Heath did a great job in this role. Could it have been done from someone else? YES! Could Johnny Deep have done a better role then Heath? Hell YES!

[BAMJoe]

Originally Posted by Timhortons

"Heath wasn't an obvious choice and need to stick with not so obvious?" Maybe they should stick to the great writing and storyline which is selling the movies not Heath's acting. I've said this b4 and i'll say it again. YES! Heath did a great job in this role. Could it have been done from someone else? YES! Could Johnny Deep have done a better role then Heath? Hell YES!

Blasphemy

I still like Michael Emerson as the Riddler and Philp Seymour Hoffman as a gangster Penguin picking up the pieces of the underworld for himself.

[Afrobean]

Originally Posted by PH3AR

I would love to see Depp as the Riddler in the next Batman movie!

If he takes it seriously (and the direction is serious), I wouldn't mind this one bit. I just don't want to see him fall into a jokey characterization like his Willy Wonka. But I honestly don't really care who they get in the part, as long it's a competent actor with proper direction who looks the part. I'm just hoping against hope that if they use him, they don't bog him down with the idea that he has to look like he has in past live action adaptations. I would be totally happy if they drop the question mark motif, and I really don't even need a domino mask either. I just hate the notion that people see the Riddler as a Joker rip-off; the differences between the characters seem to be blurred in live action material, portraying the Riddler as very jokey, very manic.

I also think it's funny for them to say that a third movie won't happen. The studio won't let that happen. There will be more Batman movies whether or not Nolan is involved, and given the success of the last two films, WB is almost certainly going to follow that continuity line for as long as they can.

[GLaDOS]

Originally Posted by PH3AR

I would love to see Depp as the Riddler in the next Batman movie!

+1

It would be so badass to see Depp as the Riddler! Another Oscar FTW!!!

[Blu Titan]

I really can't understand some of the Hollywood types. TDK made tons of money, but none of the participants appear satisfied. All of the comments by Nolan and Bale are silly because we know that Batman 3 will be made. I guess it is all part of the negotiation process.

[GLaDOS]

Originally Posted by Blu Titan

I really can't understand some of the Hollywood types. TDK made tons of money, but none of the participants appear satisfied. All of the comments by Nolan and Bale are silly because we know that Batman 3 will be made. I guess it is all part of the negotiation process.

Perhaps due to all the hype after the Dark Knight, maybe Nolan and Bale will announce a Batman 3 later at next year's Comic-Con. Who knows?

[MaCruz]

I'm hoping that there will be a part III because the story is still undone, and the franchise would be incomplete.

[Al Bundy]

Originally Posted by kotsedriver

+1

It would be so badass to see Depp as the Riddler! Another Oscar FTW!!!

I don't think he has ever won an Oscar.

[Petra_Kalbrain]

Whomever threw Paul Bettany and Daniel Day-Lewis into the mix... BRAVI!!! I never would have thought of those two, but I can definitely see them being far more interesting choices for The Riddler than Johnny Depp.

That's not to say that I wouldn't enjoy Johnny Depp. I just think these two might offer something a little less predictable in the way of their portrayals.

[GLaDOS]

Originally Posted by Timhortons

I don't think he has ever won an Oscar.

If he does the character right, maybe he WILL get that Oscar nomination. We'll see...

[Neil_Luv's_BLU]

Originally Posted by GreenScar

I'm not one to get too excited for Batman rumors, but this one would really get me excited if it happened.



While director Christopher Nolan’s future with the Batman franchise is very much up in the air, speculation surrounding a follow-up to last year’s “The Dark Knight” continues unabated. One persistent rumor — perhaps fan-created — is the possibility of Johnny Depp joining the cast as the Riddler.

When MTV News caught up with the actor while he was promoting his upcoming Michael Mann film “Public Enemies,” Depp told us he’s open to taking on the role of the puzzle-hurling villain.

You can check out the video here.

In the same junket this is what Bale had to say:


You can check out the Bale video here.

I think Bale should be more concerned about Terminator... If the international box office doesn't make up the considerable slack of the US box office, then there won't be a Terminator 5!!!

[DetroitSportsFan]

Originally Posted by Neil_Luv's_BLU

I think Bale should be more concerned about Terminator... If the international box office doesn't make up the considerable slack of the US box office, then there won't be a Terminator 5!!!

I guess you haven't been following the international numbers.

Domestic $119,727,528 + Foreign $200,642,476 = Worldwide $320,370,004

T5 is happening, just with a smaller budget.

[Neil_Luv's_BLU]

Originally Posted by DetroitSportsFan

I guess you haven't been following the international numbers.

Domestic $119,727,528 + Foreign $200,642,476 = Worldwide $320,370,004

T5 is happening, just with a smaller budget.

Well I'll be sure to come to you next time I want the inside scoop on whats going on behind closed doors in Hollywood!

[ObiTrentKenobi]

Sure sounds like Bale doesn't WANT to be Batman again... he seems to only ever say it may happen IF Nolan directs it.

He doesn't care about fans of the franchise, he only seems to care about doing the favor for Nolan to reprise the rol.

How could he (Bale AND Nolan) NOT want to complete the story. Sure, the Nolan Batman's could technically end with TDK, but they now have SO much they could work with.

I feel movies are completed in thirds, imo.