HEATH LEDGER - LEDGER CONFIRMED FOR BATMAN

LATEST: Australian actor HEATH LEDGER has been confirmed as sardonic villain the JOKER in BATMAN sequel THE DARK KNIGHT. CHRISTIAN BALE will reprise his role as BRUCE WAYNE/Batman and director CHRISTOPHER NOLAN is returning to direct his second installment of the franchise. The script for the film will be written by Nolan's brother, JONATHAN, adapted from a story by Christopher Nolan and DAVID GOYER. The pair co-wrote BATMAN BEGINS last year (05). Ledger will step into the role, immortalised by JACK NICHOLSON in TIM BURTON's BATMAN RETURNS, early next year (07).