Heath Ledger Is The New Joker

Heath Ledger will finally do what was missing in Brokeback Mountain, wear lipstick.

According to news reports, the Oscar-nominated actor's next big project is taking on the role of the Joker in the next installment of Batman titled, The Dark Knight.

Christian Bale will reprise his caped crusader role and Chris Nolan will be back at the helm.

As a Batman fan, I think Heath can pull it off. He has the smile. And he has proven himself as a flexible enough actor. My friend, Gilu, only hopes Nolan has learned his lesson from the Tim Burton-directed version of the franchise and not kill Joker off at the end of the movie.

Because that's how we ended up writhing in pain from Schwarzenegger's acting in that very tragic production of Batman & Robin.

We also heard Paul Bettany was in the running to play the Bat's nemesis. Would've been nice, too. And a possible good news (cross your fingers!) Katie's not coming back as she's busy playing fake mom and girlfriend to a real-life joker.

The Dark Knight is set for 2007 release. I can barely wait...