The Big Picture

  • The Dark Knight Rises was rumored to feature Heath Ledger's Joker, but his untimely death prevented his return.
  • The initial treatment for Batman 3 included plans for the Joker to play a significant role in the film.
  • Christopher Nolan decided to exclude the Joker entirely from The Dark Knight Rises out of respect for Ledger and to avoid addressing a real-life tragedy.