Johnny Depp to play The Riddler?

Reuters

THE RIDDLER? Johnny Depp has been approached to play a villian in the next Batman film.

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Johnny Depp has reportedly been approached to play a villain in the next Batman movie.

The actor is wanted to portray The Riddler in the sequel to ‘The Dark Knight', according to studio bosses.

A source said: "Johnny would be amazing as The Riddler. The studio knew they needed someone who could match or even top the late actor Heath Ledger's performance as The Joker in the most recent film ‘The Dark Knight', and think Johnny has the potential to do so."

The Riddler is a manic super-villain who baffles Batman with his cryptic criminal clues.

He first appeared in the comic book series in 1948, and was portrayed by Frank Gorshin in the 60s US TV show, a role which earned him an Emmy nomination.

More recently, The Riddler was played by Jim Carrey in the 1995 movie ‘Batman Forever'.

Studio bosses are also said to be keen to sign up Philip Seymour Hoffman to play The Penguin in the new movie.

They reportedly believe the Oscar-winning star would be the right choice to play the aristocratic, intelligent and terrifying villain.

Christian Bale is currently wowing critics with his portrayal of the Caped Crusader in ‘The Dark Knight' alongside Heath Ledger, who died of an accidental drugs overdose in January, Aaron Eckhart, Sir Michael Caine and Maggie Gyllenhaal.

- Z_Bang! Showbiz