Heath Ledger?! Tuesday, July 25, 2006 Author: Bill (Jett) Ramey © William E. Ramey. All rights reserved. So I’m up early last Thursday morning -- like 2 AM early. I was fired up for Comic Con, so I guess I was too excited to sleep. So I just got up and started to do some work, prepping for the movies I intended to cover. Low and behold, around 3 AM or so, I get an email from a colleague of mine from LATINO REVIEW with “THE JOKER IS!” as the title. And the message says, “I thought you’d want to know first. It’s Heath Ledger.” I quickly clicked the link to their website and read the story that had just been posted. Heath Ledger had been offered the role of The Joker on Wednesday. The first thing that went through my mind was “WTF!” And you all know what that stands for, right? I was positive that either Lachy Hulme, Jude Law, Hugo Weaving, Paul Bettany, or Sam Rockwell would get this coveted role. With that said, I wouldn’t have been shocked if someone who had not been rumored ended up with the part either; I know how this stuff works. But Heath - friggin’ - Ledger? I went ahead and reported the story as I trust LR -- they’re stand-up guys there. And I contacted a few sources I knew could find out the truth. By the time my wife and I got on the plane to San Diego Thursday afternoon, I still hadn’t got confirmation one way or the other. But already, the sea of Bat-fandom was churning (internet-wise) like I hadn’t seen since the day the Christian Bale was cast as The Batman. And probably a better analogy would be when it was announced that Michael Keaton has been chosen to play The Batman in ‘88. I arrived in San Diego around 8 PM Pacific time and we immediately headed to the hotel we were staying. We changed, headed out on the town without me even opening up the laptop and checking email. But that’s what I did first thing Friday morning. And along with the tremendous amount of email I had received, there it was: An email from probably my best source titled “Ledger.” And I’m sure you all know what the email said, correct? Heath Ledger would indeed be The Joker. The offer had been made and it would be accepted. Again, “WTF” ran through my mind. I checked the various message boards and fans were already freaking out. I read through several emails that I had received demanding to know if this was true. So I quickly updated BOF with “Heath Ledger? IT’S TRUE!” as the title. I couldn’t believe it! Heath Ledger, whom I actually like as an actor (he was fantastic in BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN), was going to play the stinking Joker! This was so out of left field that my mind was refusing to accept it. And with that, I was off to Comic Con. All of this took place 3 and 4 days ago, so I’ve had a lot of time to think about this. I’ve read all the emails that you readers have sent me. I’ve checked out the various message boards on the Net discussing the subject. As a result, I’ve come to a conclusion, as well as a recommendation for the fans But before I get to this, let me speak for all the fans out there to any of the “powers that be” reading: The fans are concerned. They are worried, because we Bat-fans have been burned before. After BATMAN, there was BATMAN RETURNS (which fans still fight about some 14 years later). While there’s still debate over BATMAN FOREVER, things looked to be somewhat back on track. And then came BATMAN AND ROBIN. The bottom line here is that the last two directors who took on Batman, um, on film prior to Chris Nolan didn’t fare well with their follow-up Bat-flick. And frankly, many simply can’t invision 27 year old Heath Ledger as The Joker. So they’re concerned and rightfully so. BATMAN BEGINS made everything alright again and things have been hunky-dory since. So this is the first monkey wrench that’s been thrown into the mix. “Powers that be,” let me explain something here. These fans love The Batman character and his world. And among his rogue’s gallery, The Joker is the biggest. In fact, he’s arguably the greatest comic book villain period. As a result, in each one of these fan’s head -- mine included -- is what The Joker “Is.” They all had “their guy” who they wanted to portray him. And I bet I can speak for every one of them and say that Heath Ledger was not anyone’s “guy.” I hope that gives you all a little insight into the fan's POV. We just don't want to be embarrassed or disappointed again. Now to the fans, in particular the one’s flipping out: chill. You want me to give you a reason to relax? OK, here goes: Chris Nolan. This is the guy who is responsible for BATMAN BEGINS -- the movie that most fans, critics, and the general movie audience consider the best Batman film ever. Every casting move that brought about a “WTF” for that film was silenced. Cillian Murphy as The Scarecrow? He was great. Gary Oldman as Gordon? Dude looked like he walked straight out of the YEAR ONE comic book. You want another reason? OK, YOU. They all know that Batman fans will expect nothing but the best from this series. And unlike 1988, ‘91, ‘94, and ‘96 -- when the previous Bat-flicks were cast -- there’s this little thing that gives you a voice: The Internet. There are message boards all over the web and a little site called BATMAN ON FILM whose sole purpose is to represent YOU and allow you to be heard. In addition Bat-fans, let me remind you about Michael Keaton being cast as Batman back in ‘88. I don’t know how many of you remember, but I do. I can recollect clearly how fans completely tripped out, protested, sent petitions to Warner Bros. and DC Comics, and refused to see the film. Hell, I thought “Michael Keaton is Batman? WTF!?” myself. And that turned out OK didn’t it? The point being is not to assume here, as you know where that gets you. How many people had to eat crow about Keaton? Heck, there are many fans who still rank him as the best Batman on film to date. Just because Ledger has yet to play such a role and because he may not naturally resemble the comic book Joker, doesn’t mean he won’t be good. Maybe even brilliant. So for those of you who are already on board with this, I’m preaching to the choir. To all of you Bat-fans who are still flabbergasted over the news, relax. Reserve your final judgment until you actually see the film. And please, no more talk of “I refuse to see this film!” Get real -- you know you are going no matter what. Finally, to Mr. Nolan. Dude, we're going to trust you on this, OK? I think most of us Bat-fans are willing to see how this pans out. Just don’t burn us. Ask Mr. Schumacher about that. "Jett" is the founder and editor-in-chief of BATMAN ON FILM and ON-FILM.NET.