It's been reported that an "insider" revealed that Christopher Nolan has been auditioning several actresses in their late 20s/early 30s for a lead role. No names were mentioned and the actresses apparently weren't even told what the role they were auditioning for.
There are a few female characters Nolan could choose, but does Batman really need to have another love interest? == TEASER == I'm not trying to be sexist or have this just be a boys' club but it seems whenever there's a female character, they're usually just a distraction to Batman. I wouldn't mind seeing Catwoman or Talia al Ghul in a role worthy of their comic book counterparts. I understand why Hollywood might want to try to infuse some love or chemistry in movies but that's not a large part of who Batman is. As a Batman fan, I want to see him using his detective and crime-fighting skills. I don't need to see him struggling with trying to choose between love and his dedication to rid the city of evil.
Hopefully we'll be getting more details soon. It's hard to say how reliable that "insider" might be with their information. I do have a feeling we well see yet another female character added. I would like to see the character serve more of a purpose than just playing a love interest for Batman or Bruce. We should have faith in Nolan, especially since Warner Brothers is practically giving him free reign over the movie. If we do have a female character, who would you want to see? Catwoman? Harley Quinn? Talia? Lady Shiva? Some other random "girlfriend"? What Hollywood actress would you like to see join the cast?
I dont know why Batman needs such a strong love interest. Batman Begins focused more on Bruce and Rachel's friendship from adolesence to the then present. TDK I found Rachel's death to be glossed over, you only see Batman mourn her death on one instance.
Its almost as if Nolan uses the love interests as a vehicle for casting another shade of the Batman dynamic. In this movie I am not sure what he will do but I can't see a lead female evolving and it certainly wont be like Batman Returns with Michelle Phieffer or anything.
Take Spiderman for example: the love angles ruined the franchise for me and for many other Spiderman enthusiasts.
@HexThis I agree completely. Catwoman is not just some chick who EVER played the damsel in distress or was part of a sappy love role. She is multifaceted in all the right ways, which I feel would greatly benefit the final movie. a.) She is a lot like Bruce in many aspects: both are costumed heroes, both are highly skilled fighters and a force to be reckoned with, both base their costumes and identities after a certain animal, both are orphaned and have a history of personal pain/grief, both need love. b.) While Batman not having a love interest would be different from the other movies, it would not necessarily be a good idea because he is human and needs love like everyone else. Protecting Gotham and kicking ass would never really be enough for him, which is why Batman has had great love interests in the comics period. c.) Their relationship would not in any way be a sappy love story, they would have a common background (for the most part) and oppose eachother enough not to be too much alike. Catwoman, though a catburglar, is not evil or a true villain. Though somewhat morally ambigious, she is more like Bruce than anyone (no offense to Talia fans...) and they love each other without saying it. Besides, why wouldn't Batman deserve to find love after Rachel's death? With all he does and sacrifies, he is more entitled to a suitable, but still very interesting, love interest. d.) Though on his side when it all boils down, Catwoman does not fit in Batman's box or any other box someone would want her to be. She exemplifies independence, sassiness, sexiness, and the other qualities of a strong woman. Plus, she's no damsel in distress, which would serve a nice change of pace from Rachel's character. e.) They are both rediculously hot and look good together (you can't deny that folks! lol). Plus their relationship has never been conventional and has always been interesting. I think of Selina as Batman's soulmate because not only is it nearly impossible not to include her in any Batman installment, but they are always drawn to one another.
If possible, they should bring in Talia or Harley (both of whom I also love) as the villain and let Selina serve as his foil, ally, rival and/or love interest. It is the FINAL film after all and it would be an insult for the great series to end with Batman fighting alone in a fight that will likely never end. Plus we ALL, men and women, are dying to see some girls kicking a$$ in the Nolan series!
The rules of movies say it does. But I personally think it doesn't.
I would actually like a female "lead" to show up at the end of the movie. Like this: Batman manages to redeem himself and at the end of the movie - when he has stabilized Gotham, he does some business as Bruce Wayne and meets Selina Kyle (cameo by a great actress who is not a big star in Hollywood). Then the movie ends.
It would be a nice way to wrap up the trilogy; this story ends but Batman's work continues as one of his biggest love interests enters his life.
" Batman doesn't really need another love interest in the movie. Steals too much attention. Doesn't fit Bale either. Well, thats just my opinion. "
I agree that Batman doesn't need another love interest, but he does need a female lead. As long as she fits into the context of the film. I wouldn't mind seeing Renee Montoya. I know she's the Question now, but I was really disappointed she wasn't in Dark Knight. @hushicho said:
" Nolan is not a talented artist, and his attempt to focus on 'realism', as usual with such attempts, misses the entire point of costumed superheroic fantasy. And while Christian Bale may have been a talented child actor, his charisma and acting ability has vanished with age.
The previous films were exercises in mind-numbing boredom and so little restraint was exercised in editing that it made the whole of them seem like hollow, masturbatory gestures for the director.
I for one hope we don't see any kind of female lead in the upcoming film of any real significance. I enjoyed most of the 90s series of Batman films, and the female leads in them were generally interesting and contributed to the story in some meaningful way. The strongest instance was Batman Returns, which really should have been called Catwoman Guest-Starring Batman, since she essentially carried the whole film.
The weakness of the Nolan films means that either the character would be so insignificant as to be negligible (as they have been up to now), or a strong and likely well-loved character downplayed to the point of being insulting.
I don't think the al Ghul family need to reappear in the series; once was painful enough. I'm not a fan of any of them, but the way they were handled in Batman Begins was embarrassing. Huntress would not be a good fit and would likely come off as poorly as possible. Batgirl or Batwoman would likely be insulting portrayals. Catwoman would either dominate the film (as she did in Batman Returns) or likewise be downplayed into a pale imitation of who she should be.Batman really doesn't necessarily need a romantic interest, but he does need someone to provide viewer identification. Presenting him as a sociopathic nutjob only works when there's something a bit less bat-poop insane to identify with, like Robin. But of course Christian Bale has repeatedly whined that he will quit if one is added.I say move for Robin and Bale, don't let the door hit you on the way out. "
I wasn't planning on making a long post, but your post really caught my interest, specifically because I disagree with such a large portion of it. I think Nolan is one of the most talented artists of this decade, in regards to directing. Christian Bale is also an awesome actor. Most of his movies are really well done with the exception of that Terminator movie. To me he's a real professional. Nolan's vision of Batman is the most perfect version I've ever seen. Superheroes are meant to be about fantasy, but alot of people want that fantasy to fit into the real world. I want to see a vision that portrays Batman as if he was part of our world, like the Paranormal Activity movies for example. Nolan's movies revolve around subtly. It's not that the females aren't important, he just doesn't force the character to fit into the plot. He uses the character to the extent that is necessary. Imagine you part of that camp that prefers Tim Burton style movies, which is cool, I guess. I just don't agree with alot of your views.
No, but Hollywood cliche demands it, & I'm sure if they tried to avoid casting a piece of eyecandy to lure in the male 13-25 crowd, then some studio bigwig will demand a script rewrite so that it does.
I can see you will not be pleased unless the movie depicts Catwoman > Batman. It is doubtful you will get your way, as she is quite possibly the best known femme fatale in fiction today, much more Lauren Bacall than Susan B. Anthony. You must also remember that IF she is a villain in this move, she is a VILLAIN, not a female Batman. Keep in mind her current roommate is Harley Quinn. Catwoman is, indisputably, a thief, one who dresses in leather with a whip that can't go out without make-up and uses her sexuality to get out of tight spots (such as guards with guns on her or Batman pulling out the cuffs), not a woman who tries to belittle all men she comes across. Even LEGO BATMAN understood this. She is more interested in artifacts in museums than making a statement about female opression. Not all women in comics are feminists, least of all Catwoman. Catwoman was created as a love interest for Batman that he should not be interested in, fitting his noir style. If you do not like the Catwoman character, that is fine, there are other women in comics, the vast majority of which are feminist.
Nolan is not a talented artist, and his attempt to focus on 'realism', as usual with such attempts, misses the entire point of costumed superheroic fantasy. And while Christian Bale may have been a talented child actor, his charisma and acting ability has vanished with age.
The previous films were exercises in mind-numbing boredom and so little restraint was exercised in editing that it made the whole of them seem like hollow, masturbatory gestures for the director.
I for one hope we don't see any kind of female lead in the upcoming film of any real significance. I enjoyed most of the 90s series of Batman films, and the female leads in them were generally interesting and contributed to the story in some meaningful way. The strongest instance was Batman Returns, which really should have been called Catwoman Guest-Starring Batman, since she essentially carried the whole film.
The weakness of the Nolan films means that either the character would be so insignificant as to be negligible (as they have been up to now), or a strong and likely well-loved character downplayed to the point of being insulting.
I don't think the al Ghul family need to reappear in the series; once was painful enough. I'm not a fan of any of them, but the way they were handled in Batman Begins was embarrassing. Huntress would not be a good fit and would likely come off as poorly as possible. Batgirl or Batwoman would likely be insulting portrayals. Catwoman would either dominate the film (as she did in Batman Returns) or likewise be downplayed into a pale imitation of who she should be.
Batman really doesn't necessarily need a romantic interest, but he does need someone to provide viewer identification. Presenting him as a sociopathic nutjob only works when there's something a bit less bat-poop insane to identify with, like Robin. But of course Christian Bale has repeatedly whined that he will quit if one is added.
I say move for Robin and Bale, don't let the door hit you on the way out.
@batman_is_god: Meh, feminism has many colors. Wonder Woman is simply a more overt example. Catwoman has out-smarted Batman, she's totally physically capable, a self-made woman, a brilliant thief, and an occasional hero...that's excellent criteria for a feminist icon. Difference is, she can be feminist without it being the only facet of her character and isn't defined by it...doesn't mean she isn't, in theory, feminist.
But I like where Hashbrowns is coming from, after all, I didn't say anything about feminism to begin with anyways nor did I say anything about her being a villain. Catwoman informs Bruce's character and highlights his dysfunctions/complexities/eccentricities though in a similar way to the Joker though perhaps less maliciously.
A superhero movie with a mult-million dollar budget needs one.
But aside from that, why are we still hung up on feminism? Why can't Catwoman be a person, not a symbol of gender-identity? She should be a fully realized character. Yes, she's a woman, but she's CATWOMAN. Her character and personality define her, not her gender.
That's not feminism, it's just old-fashioned decency.
@HexThis: My point is that she is NOT feminist. Wonder Woman is, but not Catwoman. Catwoman needs to be a villain, not a rights movement. She would be used as a new love interest that actually understands him, while being her trademark femme fatale self.
The thing is, Catwoman is definitely not a final foe like Ra's or Joker. I am thinking Talia would be better in that sense.
@batman_is_god: If the character of Catwoman is, by virtue, incidentally feminist how would that impede at all on the movie or how well it works? She's inevitably going to be a strong, semi-imposing, and physically combative as a character. If you include her at all in anyway that justifies the character she'll be arguably quite feminist, the movie doesn't automatically become a feminist movie because of that though. I mean, would you prefer chauvinist?
Anyways, though it absolutely is a Batman movie, choosing the villain to compliment him is a big part of his appeal, almost no other superhero has such a rogues gallery. Catwoman would be one of the best avenues to go down when it comes to understanding his character.
Like I said, feminism would not work for the movie. If they use Catwoman, it would be like her depiction in The Long Halloween (which is one of Nolan's inspirations for his movies), not a Wonder Woman type of deal. I agree we do not need another skinny white celebrity with cute sass, but there is what we think, then there is what will sell, then there is what will work for the movie.
No matter who the villain is, it is still a Batman movie, not a Catwoman or Black Mask movie.
@batman_is_god: Awh, rubbish. "Girl power" is just a marketing scheme, a catch phrase to soften the blow of the notion of a female hero being taken seriously. There are plenty of empowered male cliches that are cheesy at this point as well, lest we forget.
See, most people think "girl power" and Catwoman and they want her to be Scarlett Johansson in Iron Man or Jennifer Garner in Daredevil...or, worst of all, Halle Berry's Catwoman. I see Selina in this next movie as a heist extraordinaire and gritty, street-trained brawler with a deceptive finesse & wit about her. Smart, polished, and brilliant.
Batman needs something in his life to keep Bruce Wayne alive, whether that be a love interest or some other individual he may personally care for. Yes, Batman's detective and fighting skills are awesome but if that's all there is then it makes him inhuman, almost invulnerable in a sense. In my opinion Bruce is just as important as Bats, so if Nolan wishes to keep the character's humanity in check and he plans on doing that through a female lead then I am totally behind his decision (though Dick Grayson would work perfectly for Batman's softer side).
It would be great if this female lead were to play Catwoman. It would be infinitely better if the female lead were to be Kate Beckinsale. She can totally do the tight leather clothing and cat-like appearance quite well, though she may be just a little too old for Nolan's casting calls. What do you guys think? Hawtness at its finest I say, especially for a potential Catwoman. The character will definitely add a playful element to The Dark Knight Rises, and it may also lead to adding something darker to the movie. It's Nolan's universe and I think there's a maniacal balance that must be reached. The playfulness of Catwoman will offset it a bit so adding in some f***ed up s**t will definitely level it out. Win-win.
Because of her appearance in the film, Batman's sense for justice will fight against his boy-like urges. Not only will her appearance have an effect on him, but her ability to do what she does will really catch his attention in more than one way. I think this is a fresh way for Bruce to have a sense of life or a youthful vigor to balance his darker half. Though it is light and juvenile, it makes absolute sense considering the kind physical and mental tortures he has to live through. We all rely on something to keep us from delving into the depths of depression. Introducing Catwoman would be a very human solution to the Bruce/Bats; vulnerable/immortal dichotomy. Win-win-win!
Hmm. I don't really think so, but if Batman 3 has the movie CATWOMAN suit, then it's going to be a movie that isn't that cool. Hopefully they have the modern catwoman suit or one of the 1940's suit.
If they go with Talia in the 3rd movie(in the current series) then that would make it just like Spidey 3. Though i think a more logical decision would be Catwoman.
I agree with everyone who says Harley Quinn sans Joker wouldn't work. Also, i don't know of anyone who could match Ledger's performance(aside from Mark Hamill and he's a voice actor).
@HexThis: its the last sentence that worries people about casting her. I want catwoman in as well, but too much "girl power" would ruin Nolan's classic style.
he needs to be a man, but I'm not so sure about his getting involved with freaks that also do the costume thing. I mean there are people who are into that and all but really should they be teaching the kids that? lol
ok this may sound stupid but maybe here is a chance to use talia and catwoman in the same film. talia comes in as business mogul and selina keeps batman on his toes and seduces him. but to to agree with most of the members, i believe this film should show bruce his darker side of being the dark knight. he showing off his detective skills and kicking bad guys asses. i hope the main bad guy the choose is between the riddler and the penguin. oh and create a new animated dvd that tells the story of batman after the dark knight movie and show some bad guys that will be impossible to add in the movie.
It seems likeevery movie has to have even the tiniest love story i it. Since they are obviously havne a leading female character, it has to be Talia orCat woman. i would hate to see it be some random reporter or someone they make up. Most of the female characters in the previous batman series were useless except for cat woman and poison ivy (i though uma Therman portrayed her well but i just dont find Uma attractive at all)/
Considering the last Villain was the joker it is almost to easy to use Harley Quinn so I honestly wish they would. I think she deserves her Film debut.
I would LOVE to see either Catwoman or Talia in the new Batman movie!! I mean with someone who knows his "other side" they can totally make a better movie out of it. Plus, Talia/Catwoman were his best girlfriends so far!!!
I would like to see Talia but now that I saw Wonder Woman, I would prefer to see her too! She and the Batman have a great relationship together and it would be great to see her on the big screen. There should definitely be a female lead that can hold her own to not only Bruce, but to Batman as well...!
" You know, I'm so tired of people stereotyping and pigeonholing Catwoman/Selina Kyle as this temptress dominatrix who just slinks in to purr. If people took Catwoman half as seriously as Batman they'd realize she's not only a great love of his but also one of his greatest FOILS, arguably his greatest. She's no accessory to Bruce, she's not even always his girlfriend, Selina Kyle is a direct confrontation of Bruce himself and his own dysfunctions/trauma. Bob Kane intended Selina Kyle be his female equivalent from day 1, not a pinup or some prostitute who gets bored and starts stealing (I'm looking at you, Frank Miller). Selina was orphaned at a young age just like Bruce, just like Bruce she opts to conceal her identity and sees her superhero persona as her only conduit to fully express herself, and just like Bruce she's always in survival mode. Unlike Bruce, Selina Kyle is a working class gal, she had no resources to draw upon and was disregarded very early on and sent to juvenile hall then subsequently nearly executed by the authorities there. Unlike Bruce, she never went on some self-imposed exile, she doesn't know the warmth of inclusion or acceptance which is why they have such an interesting chemistry. So it's not necessary she be in it to fill some chick role, she's too good of a character and too important to Bruce to not be in the films. And can I just say? It's about damn time Chris Nolan lets a woman in on all this action. "
Agreed. Like Joker, Catwoman is a cornerstone of the Bat mythos. She should be in this movie.
Bruce Wayne needs love. He's human. Romance (or at least matters of the heart) is a critical ingredient in most (all?) of Nolan's movies. You'll see what I mean if you look at the plots of the movies Nolan has made so far.
Nolan isn't afraid of inventing new characters to suit his purpose either. Rachel was his invention (I believe) and she lasted 2 movies. People are looking at established female characters in the Bat universe but Nolan is equally capable of simply making one up to fit the plot.
Batman is a hero and a heroes save people. But audiences won't care if he's just saving random people. Giving him (Bruce) a romantic lead makes sense to his characteres motivations as it serves the movie. There aren't many people left alive that Bruce cares for on a personal level. So who can he save from death that will mean anything to the viewers? His butler? Fox? Gordon? His choices are all old men. If he had Richard Grayson as a ward, he could save him and that's a possibility in the upcomming film, or he could have a romantic lead and save her, or he could make a very good friend and save him/her. Those are the choices.
I thought The Dark Knight showed people that a comic hero movie could be about more than simple fights and action. Romance has it's place too. Let's see what Nolan does.
batman is just as human as anybody so he needs love so a love interest brings the human element into the batman movies and imo catwoman done rite as a love interest and catburgler could be rele good. in my eyes christopher nolan can do no wrong so whatever he decides will be great
@queenfrost_: Sofia's not a love interest in the slightest.... Sofia Gigante Falcone... she's a main character in The Long Halloween and Dark Victory, but I threw her in with Harley and Talia because the roles they would be assuming in the third film if present, would be taking over where Carmine/Joker/Ra's left off.
I know a lot of people want to see Talia, but I just don't get why she'd be necessary now that Ra's is out of the picture. I look at it this way: you don't see Dick, Barbara, Jason, or Tim following Batman around.... you shouldn't see Talia. If Ra's wasn't grooming Bruce to marry his daughter in the first one, then she might as well not exist here.
I agree with those saying that there shouldn't be a "love interest" as the female lead. I didn't like Rachel because she was just that, only split between Bruce and Harvey. Whatever happened to Guilda?
You know, I'm so tired of people stereotyping and pigeonholing Catwoman/Selina Kyle as this temptress dominatrix who just slinks in to purr.
If people took Catwoman half as seriously as Batman they'd realize she's not only a great love of his but also one of his greatest FOILS, arguably his greatest. She's no accessory to Bruce, she's not even always his girlfriend, Selina Kyle is a direct confrontation of Bruce himself and his own dysfunctions/trauma. Bob Kane intended Selina Kyle be his female equivalent from day 1, not a pinup or some prostitute who gets bored and starts stealing (I'm looking at you, Frank Miller). Selina was orphaned at a young age just like Bruce, just like Bruce she opts to conceal her identity and sees her superhero persona as her only conduit to fully express herself, and just like Bruce she's always in survival mode.
Unlike Bruce, Selina Kyle is a working class gal, she had no resources to draw upon and was disregarded very early on and sent to juvenile hall then subsequently nearly executed by the authorities there. Unlike Bruce, she never went on some self-imposed exile, she doesn't know the warmth of inclusion or acceptance which is why they have such an interesting chemistry.
So it's not necessary she be in it to fill some chick role, she's too good of a character and too important to Bruce to not be in the films. And can I just say? It's about damn time Chris Nolan lets a woman in on all this action.
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