Cast members arrival on a special black carpet for the screening of Heath Ledger's final completed film, in which the late Australian actor plays The JokerPhotograph: Keith Bedford/ReutersWelsh actor Christian Bale once again stars as Bruce Wayne, the millionaire businessman who became Batman after growing up an orphan when his parents were killed by street thugsPhotograph: Keith Bedford/ReutersThe new film also has a British director, Christopher Nolan, who revived the DC comics franchise three years ago with the brooding origin tale Batman BeginsPhotograph: Stephen Lovekin/Getty
Heath Ledger's Joker has been the subject of most critics' early praise, but another newcomer could leave a more lasting impression on Nolan's series. Aaron Eckhart plays Harvey Dent, Gotham City's crime-fighting new district attorney, well at least for now ...Photograph: Keith Bedford/ReutersNolan's Batman places a powerful emphasis on character, but there are still plenty of boys' own thrills: The Dark Knight's new toy, the Batcycle, being one of themPhotograph: Evan Agostini/APGary Oldman returns as Batman's ally and occasional confidant, Lieutenant James GordonPhotograph: Keith Bedford/ReutersThe character of Rachel Dawes, Bruce Wayne's childhood friend turned forthright Gotham lawyer, was created for Nolan's take on Batman. Maggie Gyllenhaal takes over from Katie Holmes this time aroundPhotograph: Keith Bedford/ReutersMorgan Freeman plays Lucius Fox, a key Batman ally who helped Bruce Wayne compile a bruising arsenal of high-tech gadgetry in the first film - and ended it as the new head of Wayne EnterprisesPhotograph: Keith Bedford/Reuters
Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.