Aaron, first off let me say “welcome back” and nice article.

I think it’s probably safe to assume that if we see Two-Face in the next movie, we will get a Robin. Catwoman is reasonable, but I’d prefer not to. After that Halley Berry turd a couple of years back, I could do without Catwoman for a long time. I could ramble off all of the obvious Batman villians that would be suitable for the next flick, but if Christopher Nolan really wants to keep the dark tone he might want to consider Hush, Bane, or Mr Zsasz.
I don’t think Hush would be possible because his storyline draws on so many other Batman villians, that have yet to be introduced, as well as Superman. It would be a great storyline for a movie following a Batman/Superman crossover film.
I could go for Bane. It’s the least they could do after Joel Schumacher made him much less cerebral and more like “The Gimp” in Batman and Robin. I don’t think we will see Bane and the Knightfall storyline, just because of the extra villians AND the fact that he blows up Arkham Asylum and allows all of them to escape. That sounds eerily familiar to the Batman Begins storyline.
Now, Mr. Zsasz would be a great storyline and allow for Batman/Bruce Wayne to utilize his detective skills further. Mr. Zsasz began as a prominent Gotham City citizen. A variety of things lead to his downfall, including a huge gambling loss to The Penguin (cameo/minor villian). He is on the verge of committing suicide and is attacked by a mugger with a knife. He ends up killing the mugger. The rush goes to his head almost immediately. He goes on a killing spree and marks himself for each kill. He is depicted now in the comics as having a series of tally marks all about his skin.
I really think that Christopher Nolan was onto something by going with Ra’s Al Ghul and the Scarecrow in Batman Begins. I’d prefer that the “real” villians were used and the “super villians” made it into the Superman, Superman/Batman crossover, or Justice League movies.

But that’s just my opinion

Thanks for the warm welcome.

I completely agree with you on bringing in the Robin character…and that the Catwoman movie was crap. I do like the darker side to the Batman story line…to be honest I liked the Tim Burton Batmans…everything after that was too little kiddish for me too corny/cheesy and a little over the top…I think Christopher Nolan no matter what he does with the story lines and characters he will keep it “Honest” I guess if he did bring in Robin I am sure that he would have some tricks up his sleeve to make him more appealing and less corny…with Catwoman well the possibilities are endless it really depends on the Actors playing the parts on how good the characters will do on the big screen. As for the BatmanvsSuperman its not going to happen..just from what I read/researched pretty reliable sources too.As for the characters you had mentioned I am really not too familiar with some of them…But I could see a sub-plot/feud between Catwoman and Talia al Gul …I just dont see the producers, company , and the general public going for unfamaliar( to the common person) Villains…The Madd Hatter was one that would be interseting to me to…I would prefer to see the penguin as more of a sophisticated mobster type…instead of the animal type in the Tim Burton movie…keeping The Penguin as mobster type makes it more realistic as well as Catwoman being less psycho but more of a greedy type villain…It really was it clear if Two Face lived or died in the last one?????So who do you think would play any of the Villains part?(thats really what’s going to make the difference no matter which villain they go with) Mr. Zsasz sounds like Viggo Mortensen to me ????

After his performance in Eastern Promises, I’d say that Viggo Mortenson would make a great villian. I think he would work as Hush, a pre-accident Clayface, or even the Riddler. But for Mr. Zsasz, I’m going to take a bit of a left turn and say Vince Vaughn.
I hate the guy’s comedic timing and the fact that he plays every role the same, but if he can summon his inner “Lester the Molester” from Clay Pigeons (or even “Rick” from Domestic Disturbance) we have something. He just has a way of playing the scumbag that could easily be running your father’s business. You know, the guy that’s always trying to screw your sister and reminds you daily that he’s going to end up owning the place. I just think it would fit perfectly, especially after reading BATMAN #493 (chapter 3 of the Knightfall storyline).
And while I’m out here in left field. Here’s one for you: Mad Hatter played by either Andy Dick. and I’m talking drunk/coked-up/totally WTF? Andy Dick or Louie Anderson. The same goes for him. The more drugs, the better.

I really like Vince Vaughn as a villian I could really see that happening. Andy Dick is a D*** I dont think they would touch him…what about Shia leBeouf as a villian.

Ah, the smell of barbecue and the memory of young love.
What does barbecue have to do with Batman villains? Nothing, really. But it does explain how I came to find this blog and therefore these rather astute observations of The Dark Knight by one Aaron Phillips, aka my first love.
For the record, I think Natalie Portman would be a fantastic Catwoman. And if you’ve seen that steamy scene in Closer where she is dancing for Clive Owen, you know exactly what I mean.
And speaking of Clive Owen, I think he may be able to pull off the mobster-esque version of the Penguin of which you speak. Viggo also would be good, although I was NOT a fan of Eastern Promises or History of Violence, which, by the way, was highly overrated in my opinion. That movie had way too good of a cast to be such a huge disappointment.

I digress.

I believe I started with the smell of barbecue.

So a few hours ago, I strolled into the Colter’s on Collins for lunch. I must have driven by that place a million times in the last 12 years but it’s been ages since I actually set foot in there.
It’s funny, the senses that bring back memories.

One glimpse of the small, rustic dining room; one deep breath of smoked brisket and I was back in high school. For a second there, I could even smell that Drakkar cologne you used to wear.
So there you have it. I ordered my lunch; I sat down in that booth we used to sit in more than a decade ago, and I started surfing the Web on my BlackBerry to see if I could find out what you were up to. Would you believe the first thing I found was Daniel’s toast at your (recent?) marriage?
Congratulations!

It’s been quite a treat “catching up” with you guys. I may have to check out your movie reviews more often. And considering I’ve got the goods on both you and DanielThePoet, I may have to check in regularly just to keep you boys honest.

Cyberhug.
–rachel jayne horton raya

Oh, the ironies of life. You know, Candlebox just released their first album in nearly a decade. It’s not my style, but just hearing the band reminded me of my first Candlebox experience – i.e. a few people driving somewhere in North Dallas in the Saturn.

On top of that, Bennigans’ parent company filed for bankruptcy this week, and there goes all kinds of memories.

Glad to hear from you. Hope you are well.

P.S. Hope texashealth.org is treating you well.

Ditto on the Bennigan’s closing. Pearl Jam is the band that takes me back. I can’t listen to Jeremy or Black without picturing Aaron pretending to be Eddie Vedder.
And yes, the job is going well. It’s a good gig and it was a lifesaver after my friend Toby lost the election for district attorney. I couldn’t get out of that place fast enough.

Well, well some interesting and unexpected comments today concerning Batman and possible villain candidates…..the comments first inspired me to google my self (this just proves that Daniel is really good at what he does) As for Natalie Portman, she is definitely one of my favorites. I prefer her in roles like “Where the Heart Is”, although Closer is a great movie.

Eastern Promises was pretty blah and overrated, however I have to disagree about “A history of violence” I thoroughly enjoyed that movie probably an acquired taste I really like movies like that. Clive Owen would make a good villain.

Colters on Collins is still in business because of me. Bennigan’s closing down doesn’t hurt my feelings one bit – the food was awful and it was always stinky in there… I revisited it once or twice since it was a hang out of sorts and thought to myself, what the hell was I thinking spending so much time there.

I have upgraded from Drakkar to Dolce or Burberry…and I am sure my wife probably appreciates that … and yes I got married to a wonderful, beautiful, vibrant woman and we have a new member: Edward Vedder Phillips …..just kidding …Jacob Maddox. He is seven months….

And it’s not Pearl Jam or me pretending to be Eddie Vedder anymore… its me singing along very badly and loudly to Enya or Sara Brightman…maybe even a Peter Gabriel cover on 102.9.

And man, ya’ll guys have a really “Vivid” memory about things. It’s uncanny.

Caught that, though not for me. THAT’S how good my memory is. I can’t wait to see this Batman movie, btw. I’ve heard it’s more intense than psychological profiling over a cheap Bennigan’s steak.

It is a really, really good movie if Heathers not interested in seeing it with you …I will go see it again….its really that good.

C’mon now Daniel. Let’s not set those Batman expectations too high…you could be in for an ocean of disappointment. Or were you more of a river guy?
And wow. Vivid. That takes the cake. I’m sure my sweet husband is quite relieved that my tastes have evolved as well.
And Aaron, I know you liked that one country song about two of a kind but geez you’ve really taken the rest of that chorus to heart!

and the Full House ….the world always needs future kings and presidents…I love my 3 boys…I am blessed and have ensured my family name. Congrats on getting married! Its gotta be better than the bucket list.ha!

The Dark Knight being better than The Bucket List

All kidding and creative subtleties aside…I am glad to hear you are doing well I always knew you would.

Likewise. I am very happy to hear that you are happy…and that you and Daniel have remained such good friends. That’s good news.
And I was joking about Dark Knight….best movie I have seen in a long time and incredible performance by a great actor who should have had many more great performances.

Dark Knight was awesome, i’ve seen well over at least hundred films, and Dark Knight rockets to my top 5 of all time.

For the next film, i’m still against adding Robin, there is no getting around adding Robin into a serious toned Batman universe without it turning into some kind of kid flick, or the snarky show off like Human Torch in Fantastic Four.

The other thing what i really felt at the end of the film, was “the war continues” it didn’t stop, its just with Harvey’s downfall, Batman would take the blame and so be hunted down by the police. Joker is still alive.

My preferred storyline is to recast Joker – yeah i know people really don’t like it but let me finish – we find Joker sitting in Arkham, we can add Harley Quinn in if we like here. Joker still wants to know who the Batman is, he breaks out of Arkham (either by himself or with Harley’s help), and begin his little war again. Batman is finding a hell of a lot more resistance on the streets of Gotham as now the cops and citizens themselves hate him – could play an interesting game of Joker saying “see i told you” if the two run into each other. Joker finds Edward Nigma, and basically gets him to work for Joker. in Long Holloween (Nolan and pals strongly used themes in Dark Knight), and Dark Victory, Riddler was much more of a tool rather then a villain. Riddler could be the distraction while Joker and Harley run amuck. Batman beats Riddler to a bloody pulp and gives away Joker’s position. this then begins the huge climactic battle between Joker and Batman, to which Batman will redeem himself and end the war in Gotham.

That’s an interesting plotline, and one that would have been amazing. I still say that Joker dies with Heath Ledger.

I honestly hope they don’t bring Catwoman into the mix… and ESPECIALLY not adding crummy actresses like Jessica Biel and Jessica Alba. Jessica Alba, especially, is not talented enough to tackle the remains of Heath Ledger. The Penguin is an interesting idea, and i think Paul Giamatti would be a good fit, however, i don’t think that’s the next reasonable and fitting villain for an already spectacular series. I believe the next villain has to seriously be The Riddler. I would enjoy seeing Harvey “Two-Face” back… however, didn’t he die??? And i am in no position to go and see the third movie if they are planning on replacing Heath. Of course, Heath probably would have wanted us to fill in the character and not just leave him hanging, however, with what Heath has done with that character is Oscar-worthy… not just that, but it’s incredible and terrifying. No other actor should, or even CAN, replace him. I believe Riddler is the next possible option, and as for that, i think Johnny Depp would be the PERFECT, absolute perfect fit for it. Why are some of you saying rude things about him? Johnny Depp has one of the best personalities in the business, and is not one to just blow off a project just because he doesn’t want to. Recent talks have concluded that Johnny Depp just might be a possible contender for the next film. And I’m sure Johnny knows himself how great of an actor Heath was (given that he’s filled in for an upcoming movie in which Heath was in, but only made it through half-way). And I’m sure he understood how good Heath was, and would want to give this terrific story of Batman an ending. Johnny is a good person. And i can see him doing it, even if it is a big name project. I hope he does. He is the only actor with same artistic capabilities that Heath had. He’s the only one that can continue and perfect a villain following what Heath has done. It’s a perfect match and fit. I really really hope they don’t pick Phyllip Seymore Hoffman or Angelina Jolie however. *Phyllip would bore audiences, given how much fun and excitement Heath brought us by playing the Joker. *And Angelina, i think we are ALL getting sick of you playing the badass woman over and over again. Neither are good matches for the movie and can end this trilogy with a bang. Neither look good, nor fit in with the cast. JD can bring the story back to life, just as Heath did, and end this this story with audiences feeling happy, instead of constantly mourning that Heath wasn’t in the third movie. C’mon you guys it makes sense! Johnny, everyone loves him, so why not? It all makes perfect sense, and i honestly would LOVE to see it!

Just what ever you do, DON’T REPLACE THE JOKER!!! Heath was a legend, and no one can give the Joker anymore than what Heath has already done with it.
R. I. P. Heath.
We love you.

Actually, even though i think they should still add Depp, i think the directors should use a different “tone” or “feel” to the movie. This one was all dark, and was fantastic that way. Nothing can beat out the dark knight, unless we use something very strange and different. I really hope so. I loved Heath Ledger so much.

I would love to see Depp in the role of the riddler…I orginally said “doubt it” because I just dont see him willing to do it…but your right he would be perfect for it…if not Depp…I would like Jude Law and really I doubt he would do it either.Nolan is still going to have another villian… so using the penguin as more of a real person who owns night clubs where all of gothams villians hang…and as an intelectual criminal orchestrating big time crimes in a ” god father” type role would be ideal. How about using Catwoman as more of a subtle psycho….a subplot that rolls into the following movie.

[...] of these rumored actors are excellent picks. I actually suggested Johnny Depp in my previous Batman post, but did not think he would actually go for it. If you think back on the bizarre roles he chooses, [...]