The Dark Knight Writer Confirms The Batman Movie Villain Rumor You Heard Is True

The Riddler wasn’t the only villain from Batman’s rogues gallery that was passed on at some point in the Dark Knight trilogy. In 2008, «Batman Begins» screenwriter David S. Goyer explained to Digital Spy he wanted to use characters who hadn’t been in live-action before, which is why Liam Neeson’s Ra’s Al Ghul and Cillian Murphy’s Scarecrow are the primary antagonists. Goyer specifically mentioned Catwoman and Penguin as villains he didn’t want to use right away, given their extensive history of appearances. Meanwhile, «The Dark Knight» landed on the Joker nearly from the get-go, as the iconic Clown Prince of Crime was a no-brainer to be the main antagonist in the sequel

In «The Dark Knight Rises,» Catwoman, played by Anne Hathaway, debuts in the universe. However, Bane’s inclusion wasn’t what the studio initially wanted. According to Goyer, Warner Bros. wanted Leonardo DiCaprio to play the Riddler in the film, but the writer rebuffed the suggestion. Although, considering Jonathan Nolan mentions the Riddler was under serious consideration, it’s safe to assume there was ample discussion about a potential role for the villain — even if Goyer didn’t want to see it happen.

To read more about Christopher Nolan’s Batman movies, check out the untold truth of the Dark Knight trilogy.