Personally, and no offence to the rumour mill (I love it like a free coffee coupon attached to the front of a magazine), but I don’t think it’ll be any of these guys – it’s just too soon to be playing the lock-and-lock game. Don’t you agree?

Sure, we’ve been hearing the rumours about Paul Bettany, Lachy Hulme and even, Johnny Depp, for a while now, and it’s quite likely that they’ll all get to test for the role (if they haven’t already), but there’s likely to be some new, fresh faces climbing up the cinematic ladder between now-and-then – who knows, maybe one of these guys from “The OC” or something like “Flags of our Fathers”, Eastwood’s newie, will be the next hot young thing of the multiplex? - so don’t be surprised if one of those guys – whoever it may be – gets it.

But today, now, this week, these are apparently the contenders for the role of the clown prince of crime, aka The Joker, in the next “Batman” movie, according to our buds at Batman-On-Film.com. Who do you like for the role? If it were to be any of these guys, I don’t think anyone would much complain – they’re all definitely actors before they’re “stars”.

Lachy Hulme
You know him from : Well, Aussies know him best for his strong debut comedy “Let’s Get Skase”, from a few years back, but everyone else probably knows the Lachster best for his role in “The Matrix” movies, in which he played ‘Sparks’.
What does the scooper for Batman-on-film.com say about his chances? : “Lachy Hulme is on this list. He is not the “frontrunner” as many have suggested; he is the “dark horse.” WB is concerned about his lack of profile in the US, but they are keeping a very close eye on him. Hulme’s lack of profile could be remedied with two projects, MACBETH and an Australian comedy called BOYTOWN. The buzz for both films is very strong. Cillian Murphy landed his casting call for BATMAN BEGINS off the career boost 28 DAYS LATER gave him; likewise, Hulme only needs for one of these films to click. FYI: Hulme HAS met with the producers. He is the only actor not contracted for sequels to have done so.”

Hugo Weaving
You know him from : Has always been one of Australia’s favourite actors, having appeared in such films as “Proof” with Russell Crowe, "The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Dessert", and “Peaches” with Emma Lung. With the success of “The Matrix”, in which he played the devious Agent Smith, his star has risen rapidly overseas.
What does the scooper for Batman-on-film.com say about his chances? : “Hugo Weaving is also on the WB Casting list”. Weaving, who has a great relationship with Warner, streaming from his association with the “Matrix” trilogy, and more recently, “V for Vendetta”, will definitely be getting a look-in. He isn’t a bad choice either, I have to say.

Jude Law
You know him from : Once linked to the role of Batman himself, Law is now said to be one of the heavy contenders for the role of the Joker. Law has appeared in such diverse films as “Music from Another Room”, “Gattaca”, “The Talented Mr Ripley”, and the forthcoming “All the King's Men”.
What does the scooper for Batman-on-film.com say about his chances? :
“Law’s name was also thrown about re: Petersen’s BATMAN VS. SUPERMAN project. Now it seems we have come full circle. Your site has mentioned Law as a candidate for Harvey Dent. This is incorrect. Law is being [considered for The Joker]. He is a WB suggestion (one of a select few). WB do not have a “wish list,” but WB has narrowed down a couple of names for Nolan etc. to consider later this year.”

Paul Bettany
You know him from : Hit the big time thanks to his supporting roles in films like “A Knight’s Tale” and “A Beautiful Mind”, and really came into his own with strong performances as the villain in both “Firewall” and next month’s “The Da Vinci Code”. Has always been a favourite for the role of Jokes.
What does the scooper for Batman-on-film.com say about his chances? :
“As far as I know, Paul Bettany is not on this list. His name holds some appeal with a section of the Batman fan base, but the idea is not exactly setting WB’s world on fire. Too many creepy villain roles; been there, done that. He was never really in this race, as your site intimated recently – well done”.

Apparently, Hugh Jackman and Sam Rockwell were interested in the part, at one stage, but balked when they discovered The Joker wouldn’t be one of the main characters – he’ll only have a small role, apparently – of the sequel.

Says scooper, “Reps for Sam Rockwell were pursuing the role in the hope that this Joker would be on par with the 1989 Joker, but soon discovered otherwise. Hugh Jackman also expressed interest in The Joker. Upon learning the size of the role he explored the Harvey Dent option instead. Due to Jackman’s association with Marvel, however, you can probably count him out of either role in the BATMAN BEGINS sequel. Probably.”

And despite rumours and flag-flying for them, Robin Williams and Guy Pearce haven’t been approached for any role in the film yet either. Yet. Personally, I’d love to see Williams get a look-in for the role of The Joker. He could bring some bona fide maniacal-ness to the role – especially having seen his noxious performance in Nolan’s “Insomnia”. Scary, scary fellow, that Mrs Doubtfire.

The sequel, scheduled for a 2008 release, will see Christian Bale, Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, Gary Oldman and Katie Holmes reprise their roles from the first film. Last week, it was revealed that Josh Lucas (“Hulk”) has had discussions with Warner about possibly donning the suit-and-tie – and later, explosion of make up – of D.A Harvey Dent in the film, the chap who would become the villainous Two-Face down the line.