Heath Ledger Cast as The Joker in Next 'Batman'

(andPOP) - Australian actor Heath Ledger has been confirmed to play the role of the Joker in the next Batman movie. Titled "The Dark Knight," the film will also star Christian Bale in his second appearance as Bruce Wayne.

E! Online reports that Warner Bros. confirmed the casting on Monday with a statement from returning director Christopher Nolan.

"I'm excited to continue the story we started with 'Batman Begins,'" said Nolan. "Our challenge in casting the Joker was to find an actor who is not just extraordinarily talented but fearless. Watching Heath Ledger's interpretation of this iconic character taking on Christian Bale's Batman is going to be incredible."

The 27-year-old Ledger is best known for his Oscar-nominated role in last year's "Brokeback Mountain." His casting as the Joke has been rumoured for the past three weeks.

The role of the Joker was originally taken on by Jack Nicholson in the first "Batman" movie. Michael Keaton played the caped crusader in that film, as well as the follow-up, "Batman Returns."

"The Dark Knight" is set to start shooting in early 2007, making a summer 2008 release very likely.