Ain't It Cool News (www.aintitcool.com)
Movie News

Regarding Heath's work as The Joker in THE DARK KNIGHT

Hey folks, Harry here... There's a lot of rumors swirling around right now in regards to Heath and where his involvement with THE DARK KNIGHT was. I got it confirmed from a source involved in Post-Production on THE DARK KNIGHT. Heath's post work was complete. He had indeed finished it, as to not interfere with the production of the film he was doing with Gilliam. We're now working to find out what's going to happen there. The last known photo of Heath was as a clown in that film. Will Terry re-cast? What will happen? We'll try to find out for all of you. But there will be no-dubbing on Heath in THE DARK KNIGHT - his performance was finished. Harry

Readers Talkback
comments powered by Disqus
    + Expand All
  • January 22, 2008 7:26 PM CST

    So no Oliver Reed floating head?

    by chrth

    That's a relief

  • January 22, 2008 7:27 PM CST

    Ok

    by Aphex Twin

    In truth this is the least of my worries regarding his death.

  • January 22, 2008 7:27 PM CST

    FIRST

    by KingMong

    R.I.P

  • January 22, 2008 7:27 PM CST

    Should be a fitting tribute

    by Skin26

    Knock it out the park heath!!!

  • January 22, 2008 7:27 PM CST

    NOT

    by KingMong

    R.I.P

  • January 22, 2008 7:27 PM CST

    I look foward to his final performance

    by robotdevil

    It's a sad story, but at least we still have what could be his best work to come.

  • January 22, 2008 7:28 PM CST

    Yeah, they should dedicate it to him.

    by skywalkerfamily

    But if it's an end credit it will be creepy if Joker dies in the movie

  • January 22, 2008 7:28 PM CST

    Lohan and Paris

    by samsquanch

    are alive and well out there somwhere.

  • January 22, 2008 7:29 PM CST

    This Movie will be a great tribute

    by Virtual Satyr

    Heath's acting will shine.

  • January 22, 2008 7:30 PM CST

    If you're gonna go..Go with a smile.

    by Jugdish

    RIP Brother

  • January 22, 2008 7:30 PM CST

    That was the final joke

    by Gd00

    If this should turn out just the half of what it seems (an excellent performance that is) well, the final joke is on us. He will be missed.

  • January 22, 2008 7:30 PM CST

    Is this really all you're worried about at this point?

    by JackIsLost

    I mean, it's just a movie. Does this news make Heath's death LESS tragic? My question is--is it possible Heath was on drugs while acting as the Joker? And if so, will I be able to watch THE DARK KNIGHT without feeling really wierd?

  • January 22, 2008 7:31 PM CST

    I didn't really respect the man much...

    by vezner2007

    but I will say RIP nonetheless. It's always sad to see a life cut short like this. I will watch The Dark Knight and remember him for his positive attributes.

  • January 22, 2008 7:32 PM CST

    i like batman too but ...

    by law04230

    give it a rest with worrying about the damn movie. it's just a film, it was just a job. get some perspective. we can worry this stuff over later. 'too soon!' no shit

  • January 22, 2008 7:32 PM CST

    It'll be interesting to see the reviews

    by chrth

    I suspect there will be a lot of eggshells walked on

  • January 22, 2008 7:34 PM CST

    BTW, there are two talkbacks

    by chrth

    This was a good idea of Harry's. We have one talkback to pay our respects, and another (this one) to discuss the impact on the movie. There's no reason we can't have both.

  • January 22, 2008 7:36 PM CST

    Talk about weird

    by chrth

    Just had a Why So Serious? ad on the right. Might want to talk to the site managers, Harry.

  • January 22, 2008 7:38 PM CST

    He was a damn good artist.

    by Stereotypical Evil Archer

    I hope it wasn't drugs, but it must've been.

  • January 22, 2008 7:38 PM CST

    Of course we have to discuss the movie

    by chrth

    We can't let the terrorists win

  • January 22, 2008 7:38 PM CST

    How can it impact the movie

    by skywalkerfamily

    It's done filming, so the only thing of concern is how it does at the box office. It will either flop or be a success. There's now 2 deaths associated with this movie.

  • January 22, 2008 7:39 PM CST

    Well, good.

    by WillowFan2001

    I'm really happy for your sake that even though a man is dead, you'll still be able to enjoy your piece of art just the way you want it. :::shakes head::: Jesus Christ, man.

  • January 22, 2008 7:40 PM CST

    APHEX TWIN wtf?

    by FlyinHawaiian

    "In truth this is the least of my worries regarding his death." Then what's your biggest concern? Did you know Heath? No, you didn't. It's a big worry for me, because atleast we'll get to see Heath throw down one more great performance, complete, by him.

  • January 22, 2008 7:42 PM CST

    R.I.P

    by --- Emperor ---

    I can't help but feel for his family and friends...He was quite popular here in australia...Never cared much for his movies, but I was certainly (still am) looking forward to his Joker. He was simply too young to die. Goodbye Mister Ledger.

  • January 22, 2008 7:42 PM CST

    BROKEBACK BOOT HILL

    by spearsi

  • January 22, 2008 7:42 PM CST

    blech people

    by troutpencil

    What would happen to Batman occurred to everybody at once, everyone wants to know. But of course they're afraid to bring it up. Loose your fetish for the moral highroad, for god's sake.

  • January 22, 2008 7:42 PM CST

    it's won't be weird to watch the movie

    by Rupee88

    Do you watch a movie from the 40s or 50s and is it "weird" that most or all of the actors are dead?

  • January 22, 2008 7:42 PM CST

    Wait, who else died from TDK?

    by chrth

    I mean, besides Katie Holmes' career?

  • January 22, 2008 7:43 PM CST

    Maybe it was a fanboy...

    by Tourist

    ...Who offed him. Hoping for a re-cast for the next flick.

  • January 22, 2008 7:43 PM CST

    A stuntman died when they were filming

    by skywalkerfamily

    a scene where a car explodes.

  • January 22, 2008 7:44 PM CST

    Unexpected to say the least...

    by Oldnewbie

    Of all of the actors in young Hollywood today, I cannot think of someone less likey to be found dead in a NY apartment; a bottle of sleeping pills by his side. While he wasn’t a major star, his upcoming performace as the Joker in “The Dark Knight” was rumored to be a star making turn. If I recall correctly, a few weeks ago director Chris Nolan commented on Heath saying that becoming the Joker for him was a deep process that made him face some dark sides of himself… … maybe too dark…

  • January 22, 2008 7:44 PM CST

    thx skywalkerfamily

    by chrth

    Oh right, I remember that now

  • January 22, 2008 7:45 PM CST

    Right now there is a fucking"Why so serious" ad..

    by travis-dane

    on my sidebar of AICN "powered by google"!SHIT!thats fucked up.

  • January 22, 2008 7:45 PM CST

    good news?

    by hippolyta

    I'm sad to be relieved by this. But we'll never know what could have been.

  • January 22, 2008 7:47 PM CST

    Nicholson is happy

    by Budkilmer

    Looks like he'll be playing the Joker in the third movie.

  • January 22, 2008 7:48 PM CST

    That bites

    by Kentucky Colonel

    I mean, it really really bites...

  • January 22, 2008 7:48 PM CST

    That Sucks

    by kevinwillis.net

    I wasn't a big fan of Ledger's work, but he was looking to turn out some good stuff and he had a whole lot to live for. That just sucks, for him and his family. Rest in peace, Heath, and God bless.

  • January 22, 2008 7:50 PM CST

    In a few months there will be dvd packs of all ledger's films

    by ludmir88

    Fucking vultures!!!!

  • January 22, 2008 7:50 PM CST

    i'm sorry but all of u people who say that u dont care about the

    by MajorTierce79

    No one here knew the guy, all u knew were his movies, and ur an hypocrite if you say that when u heard the news you didnt think about the dark knight status.

  • January 22, 2008 7:53 PM CST

    Gilliam has no luck

    by aversiontherapy2

  • January 22, 2008 7:54 PM CST

    WB will milk his death and it will pay off.

    by AllPowerfulWizardOfOz

    The Dark Knight WILL be the biggest movie of 2008. It was already going to be a huge box success but with the death of one of the main actors there is no question that Warners will play the douche bag move and milk his death to sell movie tickets turning it into a cash cow. A demographic of movie goers that may have stayed away from the movie will go out of the curiosity. The saving grace in all this of course is that it will introduce Heath's talent to a whole new fan base because of his death. The sad part is that new fan base only has a handful of movies of his short lived career to look back on.

  • January 22, 2008 7:54 PM CST

    Best Actor Oscar 2009

    by rhine1784

    The joke will be on the academy when they will have to nominate him for what will be he best yet final performance in The Dark Knight. Who will be the Joker in the next Batman movie???

  • January 22, 2008 7:55 PM CST

    Apparently he OD'd on sleeping pills...

    by JackIsLost

    According to what I read on batman-on-film.com so probably not actually doing drugs while acting. Yeah, it will be nice to see him give what I am sure will be a great performance and sad to think there will be no more. I think the best praise I can give to Ledger is that from the trailer alone, his work as the Joker appears to be iconic and brilliant. I now hope Christopher Nolan killed off the Joker at the end of THE DARK KNIGHT, b/c it's hard to imagine another actor matching his work. RIP Heath.

  • January 22, 2008 7:55 PM CST

    rhine1784, no one will be the joker.

    by AllPowerfulWizardOfOz

    I have a feeling with Nolan at the helm right now that this will be the last Joker on screen for quite some time. At least 10 more years.

  • January 22, 2008 7:58 PM CST

    THE DARK KNIGHT WAS CURSED!!!!!

    by ludmir88

    - THE STUNTMAN DEATH - EXPLOSIONS GOING WRONG - ACCIDENTS ON SET - CHINESE WATER INFECTED BY (I DON'T KNOW BY WHAT) - HEATH'S DEATH COME ON!!!

  • January 22, 2008 7:58 PM CST

    I WOULD IMAGINE

    by BurgerTime

    That if there are any reshoots to do, Nolan might either cut around his performance in minor ways, or get WB to spend a few more million to CGI his remaining performance a la Oliver Reed in "Gladiator" So sad, though. There can't be anything worse for a filmmaker than learning that someone they worked so intimately with has passed and they will now need to fill in the small gaps of their performance with a stand-in or CGI effects. :(

  • January 22, 2008 7:59 PM CST

    WHERE'S THE NOLAN STATEMENT??

    by ludmir88

    I WANT IT NOW!!!

  • January 22, 2008 8:00 PM CST

    BurgerTime did you bother reading??

    by AllPowerfulWizardOfOz

    Harry said that all the shooting for the movie for his parts was done. There is nothing more to shoot. No over dubs needed. His part is complete. Try reading before posting.

  • January 22, 2008 8:02 PM CST

    joker-less sequels?

    by Jubba

    if the joker survives TDK, would it be possible to recast the role for future sequels (if there are any)?

  • January 22, 2008 8:03 PM CST

    I have read conflicting reports...

    by JackIsLost

    About whether the Joker survives THE DARK KNIGHT or not... do you think Nolan could somehow reshoot it to kill him off or would he just recast for the third film? Okay, so I guess I really am interested alot about what's doing with the movies... (sue me)

  • January 22, 2008 8:04 PM CST

    Lets hope that #2 or #3 is...

    by happybunni

    Lindsay Lohan. Why is it the good guys always die in the 3's? Why not some talentless hack.

  • January 22, 2008 8:08 PM CST

    AllPowerfulWizardOfOz

    by BurgerTime

    He's done now. But tell me, oh wise one, how many films can you remember DIDN'T change one bit before hitting theatres? There's five months to release, dude. This film could be in front of test audiences TEN times and need some tweaking before then. It's not inconceivable reshoots MIGHT be required.

    BTW, I said "IF" reshoots are needed. So trying reading before post. ;)

  • January 22, 2008 8:09 PM CST

    New Possible Cause of Death

    by Budkilmer

    According to TMZ, an DVD Screener of "Meet the Spartans" was found in Heath Ledger's DVD player

  • January 22, 2008 8:10 PM CST

    work done for TDK is fine but...

    by Silverglade

    Setting my sadness aside and to the chagrin of some to discuss marketing a sec... here goes anyway. Nolan, whatever ending he had which may include leading to The Joker in the 3rd film (if he does one) will have to be addressed. Maybe changes to the 2nd film. Any work on that third film outline with his brother will have to be altered as well. Now that I have got that out of my system, this event today is the worst thing ever. Heath will never know how loved he was and how promising his future was becoming. It is a great loss.

  • January 22, 2008 8:13 PM CST

    BurgerTime

    by Guy Who Got A Headache And Accidentally Saves The World

    Reshoots before this Summer? Get out of here. And why would they anyway? Because "test audiences" don't like what they see? Fuck 'em Nolan's an artist. We're not talking about Jerry fucking Bruckheimer here.

  • January 22, 2008 8:13 PM CST

    well..

    by joevfx

    if i was gonna die, i would want it to be playign one of the greateast and well known comic book villians of all time. i think its a great performance to end on.

  • January 22, 2008 8:14 PM CST

    BurgerTime

    by AllPowerfulWizardOfOz

    Harry clearly said there were no reshoots needed so there is no need for an "If" in your statement. What's there is there and that is it.

  • January 22, 2008 8:15 PM CST

    PLEASE MR. NOLAN DON'T CHANGE ANYTHING!!!

    by ludmir88

    DON'T!!!!

  • January 22, 2008 8:15 PM CST

    deliciouscowbell

    by joevfx

    that person obviolsly doenst know anythign about a frank miller style batman, or chrostopher Nolan movies.

  • January 22, 2008 8:15 PM CST

    ABE VIGODA LAUGHS AT YOU ALL!!

    by thelordofhell

    Abe Vigoda will outlive everyone!! All hail the great Abe Vigoda!!

  • January 22, 2008 8:16 PM CST

    by Guy Who Got A Headache And Accidentally Saves The World

    by BurgerTime

    (great handle by the way)

    I don't care how good Nolan is. There's 100+ million on the line. If WB wants reshoots, they'll get 'em if they feel they're necessary. Don't tell me you still believe in the "auteur system." :P

  • January 22, 2008 8:18 PM CST

    im a little worried

    by joevfx

    that they will change the ending or something about the movie cause of his death. i hope they give him the respect of making the movie that was originally suppossed to be made.

  • January 22, 2008 8:18 PM CST

    Funny you should mention that Rupee88...

    by FlickaPoo

    ...because I DO often while watching an old movie think that it is weird that most or all of the actors are dead...especially the really hot chicks...I always think how strange it is to know that such a vibrant and sexy stage presence is either dead and rotting or old and senile. Then I think that at least there is a record of this persons youth and talent...I hope someone gives a crap when I'm dead...

  • January 22, 2008 8:18 PM CST

    WARNER EXECS ARE WORRIED RIGHT NOW ...

    by ludmir88

    If they change something i will boycott the film!!! It was dark from the begining , it should stay that way or even darker. R rated please!!!

  • January 22, 2008 8:19 PM CST

    one of us

    by waggy

    I don't have the slightest clue whether Heath was ever a comic reader or not, but anyone who comes off an Oscar-nominated performance with the world at his feet and picks a role in a superhero movie as his next project, takes the part 100% seriously and by all accounts knocks it out of the park is a friend in my book. I've been bummed by this news all evening, but it helps a little to hear that the performance we were all so looking forward to was completed and will not need to be modified without Heath. It just sucks to know that that performance is the end of the line, and we don't get to see how he grows from there.

  • January 22, 2008 8:20 PM CST

    AllPowerfulWizardOfOz

    by BurgerTime

    Okay. Whatever you say man. But at this stage in production, the cut is still fluid. Pick-ups / reshoots can be needed at any point until a month or so before a flick is locked, printed and released. Even if they say they're not needed right at this moment.

  • January 22, 2008 8:23 PM CST

    BurgerTime is a fucking idiot.

    by FlyinHawaiian

    Stop trying to retort "I said if." Shut it, stop trying to look smart, because you've failed.

  • January 22, 2008 8:23 PM CST

    Why the dedication has to be an end credit...

    by Sledge Hammer

    ...otherwise you put too much baggage on the front of the movie. Reminding people that one of the lead actors died not so long ago right before rolling film on what is, at it's heart, meant to be an entertainment, is not a good thing for either the film or the audience. The dedication should be there, but it needs to be after the final scene wraps.

    Rest in peace you poor, crazy bastard.

  • January 22, 2008 8:28 PM CST

    Shades of River Phoenix

    by CreasyBear

  • January 22, 2008 8:28 PM CST

    that ad has to go

    by CherryValance

    jeez.

    I guess it's good that his work on the film was complete but it's still just terrible to even think about.

  • January 22, 2008 8:28 PM CST

    His death is already a sound bite

    by snakecharmer

    " 28 year old actor found naked with pills all around him. " Fucken Media

  • January 22, 2008 8:29 PM CST

    Are you serious Harry?

    by crazay

    No offense man, I know you're just doing your job and this is going to catch shit from some people but is that really what we should be talking about at this point? A wonderful and young talent has just passed away and we're most concerned about a goddamn movie? I'm surprised at you man. I always thought you had more class than that

  • January 22, 2008 8:32 PM CST

    Mr Saxon: He won't be there until next year

    by chrth

    Of course, there won't be anyone shown this year because it'll be cancelled

  • January 22, 2008 8:34 PM CST

    WHY SO SERIOUS?

    by thecomedian

    Sorry, I couldn't help it. I just got online and read this today. What a waste. Was probably accidental. Seriously was this guy that fucked up in real life? Who would have thought in a million years that this would happen. RIP man.

  • January 22, 2008 8:34 PM CST

    I highly Doubt

    by THE KNIGHT

    Nolan will change a thing for the 2nd film. He'll release it as it was meant to be released. The outline for the 3rd film will obviously have to be altered.

  • January 22, 2008 8:35 PM CST

    EDIT

    by THE KNIGHT

    Nolan won't change a thing for the 2nd film. He'll release it as it was meant to be released. The outline for the 3rd film will obviously have to be altered.

  • January 22, 2008 8:36 PM CST

    RIP Heath

    by awesomebri

    Its very sad and I'm really bumbed about it, and of course people are going to talk about the faith of the movie its natural. But at least as fans we can say its a great film to take a bow on. Batman and of course the Joker sits in the hearts of many of us, if it had been a chick flick or something he would not be acknowledged as the great actor he is. Now we will always remember how to "...put a smile on that face!"

  • January 22, 2008 8:36 PM CST

    Gilliam gets screwed once again

    by Phenom

    Thanks Heath.

  • January 22, 2008 8:36 PM CST

    ANYONE NOTICE?

    by THE KNIGHT

    Maybe I'm wrong... But no actor has ever played THE JOKER twice in a batman sequel?

  • January 22, 2008 8:37 PM CST

    there are some pictures of his body in a bag leaving ...

    by ludmir88

    the apartment

  • January 22, 2008 8:37 PM CST

    if you act as a fag or as the crow your doomed

    by johnnyg korrupt

    So he comes off a fag movie and dies a la River Phoenix And people say the Joker is too much like the Crow - another dead Your doomed.

  • January 22, 2008 8:37 PM CST

    ANYONE NOTICE?

    by THE KNIGHT

    Maybe I'm wrong... But no actor has ever played THE JOKER twice in a batman sequel?

  • January 22, 2008 8:38 PM CST

    Willowfan, Mysterious Yobo, etc.

    by westwood13

    When an exceptional young artist dies, part of the tragedy is the loss of what promised to be a great body of work that could have touched millions of people. The news that Heath's work on TDK is a great relief, not because of concern over the movie itself, but because it means we'll get to see his last performance, his final bow, the way it was meant to be seen.

  • January 22, 2008 8:39 PM CST

    Is it wrong?

    by Quixote.Is.I

    Yes, Heath Ledger was an actor, a great one at that. But is it wrong that one of the first things people worried about was what's going to happen with The Dark Knight flick? I hate to imagine what would have happened if he had died whiling shooting the Batman movie. People would be shouting and screaming that their precious movie might be delayed, canned, etc.

  • January 22, 2008 8:39 PM CST

    Credit to his skill in the craft

    by harverydent22

    I'm certainly in a weird place right now as a result of this. I have been keeping tabs on this movie since the rousing ending of the last film. Rather than harp on the details of this tragedy (of which none of us know the full story behind), I offer this simple tribute as a fanboy To his credit, Ledger's final performance as the ace of knaves will, hopefully, be phenominal. I find it oddly warming, that we now look forward at a possible third batman film, and think, who ELSE can play the Joker? But it was only ten months ago so many people were complaining and worried that Mr. Ledger could not pull it off. It is truly a testiment to the talent he had, that after two trailers, we can say such things. I hope his last performance is his best. I hope he wins some post-humonous awards. My thoughts go out to his friends and family

  • January 22, 2008 8:40 PM CST

    Credit to his skill in the craft

    by harverydent22

    I'm certainly in a weird place right now as a result of this. I have been keeping tabs on this movie since the rousing ending of the last film. Rather than harp on the details of this tragedy (of which none of us know the full story behind), I offer this simple tribute as a fanboy To his credit, Ledger's final performance as the ace of knaves will, hopefully, be phenominal. I find it oddly warming, that we now look forward at a possible third batman film, and think, who ELSE can play the Joker? But it was only ten months ago so many people were complaining and worried that Mr. Ledger could not pull it off. It is truly a testiment to the talent he had, that after two trailers, we can say such things. I hope his last performance is his best. I hope he wins some post-humonous awards. My thoughts go out to his friends and family

  • January 22, 2008 8:40 PM CST

    BTW Poor Mathilda...

    by skoobyx

    And Michelle Williams...that can't be easy one way or the other. I always thought she seemed sweet.

  • January 22, 2008 8:41 PM CST

    For those who say...

    by Greenleaf1

    ...that it's crude to be talking about the dark knight when a man is dead, let me just say that how many people die of overdoses every day and nobody cares. It's a tragedy, but just because he's famous doesn't make his death any more special, except through his work in movies. If we are concerned about the status of his final performance, that doesn't make us any less concerned over his death, perhaps we are even more concerned.

  • January 22, 2008 8:41 PM CST

    The truth of the matter...

    by PirateEmery

    I haven't watched a single thing that Heath Ledger was in. I don't know what his "real" voice sounds like... I didn't give a damn about him prior to Dark Knight.

    So, I'm SORRY if a bunch of you think that Harry is a heartless wretch, but Dark Knight was the second thing that came to my mind after the news this afternoon. I appreciate this article for what it is: "what does this tragedy mean to Dark Knight?"

    Get over it... It's not like we're spitting on Ledger's memory. My prayers go out to him and his daughter.

  • January 22, 2008 8:42 PM CST

    Your Moms Box

    by AllPowerfulWizardOfOz

    I think most of us are truly upset about the death of Ledger. I personally have been a fan of his since A Knights Tale which is one of those movies that I can watch over and over again.

    That being said you have to keep in mind that this is still a website that reports on guess what... wait for it.......wait for it....... MOVIES you dumb down shit for brains. I think it's really sicking that you would discount any of our sadness because you have some stupid opinion about where you think that is rooted from. So fucking what if some of the people who are said over his death may not have heard or known much about Heath prior to his casting in The Dark Knight? It does not diminish how horrible this news is for people. This was a young actor with tons of promise and he's gone. Your fool hardy tirade doesn't add to the conversation it just makes you look like a fucking idiot for posting it. Get off your goddamn soap box for a second and truly take a look at what you posted. The impact of his death should not be measured based on the fact that he had an ever growing fan base the impact is what it is. Even if someone like me or you were a fan of his work prior to TDK it does not make the feelings people have any less then yours or mine and who are you to judge?

    And as far as Harry making a post about the movie. Again idiot this is a movie site. It's Harry's job to report news on such. So what if people have questions about if he finished his role in the movie. Harry did nothing wrong and you choosing to make some rant about it only makes you look even dumber. Go fuck yourself you heaping pile of dog shit.

  • January 22, 2008 8:43 PM CST

    Mr Saxon: The fun part will be ...

    by chrth

    if they air the oscars, and when they do the people that died, there will be ten million talkbackers screaming 'WHERE'S HEATH LEDGER?!? HOW COULD THEY FORGET HEATH?!?'

    Although to be honest, I thought I read somewhere once that the cutoff date was actually February 1st, not January 1st, so it is conceivable Heath makes it.

  • January 22, 2008 8:44 PM CST

    His career was starting to get really interesting.

    by rbatty024

    It wasn't until Brokeback that I really looked at him as a quality actor. It's such a shame that just when he was turning in exceptional work his career is cut short. Even he said that he was allowed to make a lot of mistakes on screen. You could tell he was a talented actor through hard work.

  • January 22, 2008 8:44 PM CST

    christ harry give it a rest. WTF.

    by dr.bulber

    the dude died just TODAY.

  • January 22, 2008 8:45 PM CST

    His death will SELL TICKETS

    by aceattorney

    I doubt they'll recast.

  • January 22, 2008 8:46 PM CST

    It is only natural to think of this in selfish terms...

    by JackIsLost

    None of us were personal friends of Heath Ledger. There are thousands of people who die every day you don't think twice about, b/c they have no relationship to you. What is our relationship to Ledger? His movies... so I guess it makes sense that our first thought: "Man, I hope this doesn't negatively affect Batman". It's only natural. In fact, I think going into crazy mourning over someone you don't know is kind of wierd...

  • January 22, 2008 8:46 PM CST

    What would really make Heath a Legend?

    by spidermanfreak20

    Bury him with his art. Don't release it in theaters. Recast the Joker with someone else. How awesome a Joke it would be if Nolan and WB edited the film made the print then took all reels of him playing the Joker and buried it with him forever. Burning every trace. Let the art die with the artist. And leaving it for his daughter to watch when she is old enough to understand and care. My vote is to bury Heath with his performance. Making him more of a legend.

  • Then people are really going to see how much of a great actor we are losing and how much of a tragedy his death is.

  • January 22, 2008 8:50 PM CST

    RE: Spidermanfreak20

    by jojo-pimp

    uhh..thats just retarded

  • January 22, 2008 8:50 PM CST

    spidermanfreak, that is just the dumbest thing i have ever heard

    by JackIsLost

    But then I am pretty sure you're joking, so...

  • January 22, 2008 8:51 PM CST

    Unless you were a personal friend......

    by Mister Man

    it's "Ledger" - keep the "Paris," white-trash, pap approach outta here. It's tacky. It's stupid. Not everyone now lives in a trailer, slobbering over "our celebrity pals."

  • January 22, 2008 8:51 PM CST

    Plz, stop posting silly topics

    by Foucault

    Just stop!

  • January 22, 2008 8:56 PM CST

    Wouldn't it be weird...

    by ddschneider1972

    ..if in his next movie he was going to star with Brad Renfro, and Susanne Plechette in a movie about Sir Edmund Hilary and Bobby Fischer...with music by John Stewart of the Kingston Trio...That Grim Reaper has been one busy S.O.B. latley.

  • January 22, 2008 8:57 PM CST

    Oh man I couldn't wait to get home from the hospital

    by ThePilgrim

    too read this bullshit on AICN. I heard it and thought.. Figures. I never knew he had a drug problem- unlike the openly public about it "look at me" Lohan, Britney and Paris. But then I though wow thats weird. I was thinking about the new joker for the last two days. I was even trying my hands at immitating heaths joker laugh while driving around. Deal is this- my moms in a hospital. How do I feel. Well I'm shocked but giving the nature of my world at the moment. I don't really give a fuck. I knew TDK would be everyones big worry shit i thought about it as well. That pretty selfish in a way, but i understand. As Freddie Mercury said "Give Me the Prize", and Heaths new joker seems to have a very good "look at me" ism about it, so I can't blame, but we would be better not to be openly open about it, cause it's just fucking rude. The world is cruel but it takes a real man to stand up against the trappings. Heath never got that chance to face and destroy his own demons. I tried to tell folks. It's not about pain and sarrow it's abotu addicition. You can be a normal person froma normal home and you can still have addictive issues with substance abuse. Heath fuckign proves it. I still think this is the year Harry passes away as well. I have this odd feeling. Can't explain it. Choice is a bitch, but if you always try to make the right ones. You chnaces of living long and yada yada are pretty good. Thsi film is gonna feel like the crow me thinks but in reverse. fucking sucks

  • January 22, 2008 8:59 PM CST

    FlyinHawaiian

    by BurgerTime

    This is rediculous. If you have anything to do with any kind of editing (I post TV commercials) you know that it ain't locked until the tape is on its way to the TV station. And that's a commercial with - say - 10-15 cuts in it. I'm not in feature film production, but I'm pretty sure it's similar. Clients, executives, account managers, etc. can come back at any time and demand re-shoots, pickups, re-edits, whatever. And most of it is due to focus-group testing. Yes, it's a pain in the ass when it happens. Yes it sucks to have your work tampered with. But it gets done whether you like it or not. I hope there's no more work necessary on TDK, because I think Ledger's performance will be one for the ages. And I'm not arguing that there will be any more work necessary for his role. I'm taking their word for it. It's done. But knowing the nature of the beast, it CAN still happen. And IF it does, I was speculating about what the studio might need to do in such an event. Just trying to create some conversation. Jesus, lighten up everyone.

  • January 22, 2008 8:59 PM CST

    I WANT A NOLAN STATEMENT THIS TODAY!!

    by ludmir88

    AND A BALE ONE TOO!!!

  • January 22, 2008 8:59 PM CST

    EVERYBODY'S going to go see Dark Knight now...

    by Yotz Von Frelnik

    And I hate touching on a delicate subject like revenue at a time like this, but geez... realistically, you gotta wonder what kind of effect this will have on it's box office results. It might have insane returns through the roof! Still, I think hearts will be in the right places. Those who knew of him will want one last ride, and those who didn't know him so much will be like, "Hey, I need to see what was so great about the dude!" And so they will find out.

  • January 22, 2008 8:59 PM CST

    I WANT A NOLAN STATEMENT TODAY!!

    by ludmir88

    AND A BALE ONE TOO!!!

  • January 22, 2008 9:02 PM CST

    Watching the family comment about it in Australia

    by Orionsangels

    It's really hitting home.

  • January 22, 2008 9:03 PM CST

    Your Mom's Box, really go the fuck away!

    by IAmJack'sUserID

    Your little 8 year old level diatribe only reflects on how powerfully pathetic you are. Let people mourn in their own way, you judgment arrogant little twat.

  • January 22, 2008 9:04 PM CST

    Here's a suggestion to Terry "Dear Lord, I am FUCKING unlucky" G

    by BadWaldosRevenge

    Re-write the screenplay in revision to conduct a plot device that explain the death or disappearance of the clown role played by Heath Ledger. Think of something non-contrived to keep Heath's last film role while paying respect to the late actor. Don't forget "In memoriam" before ending credit roll. Batman Begins sucked because of Katie Holmes' terrible acting and awful slam-bang Michael Bay convoluted editing, but here's hoping The Dark Knight will be a great film solely based on Heath's mind-bendingly insane performance as the narcissistic, murderously psychotic villain The Joker

  • January 22, 2008 9:06 PM CST

    YOU HAVE TO DIE TO BE IMMORTAL

    by ludmir88

    I WONDER WHAT WILL BE THE LAST LINE OF THE JOKER. I HOPE A COOL AND MEMORABLE ONE.

  • January 22, 2008 9:08 PM CST

    Your Moms Box, you insensitive fuck

    by troutpencil

    http://tinyurl.com/29ryue This girl is dead, and you don't care one iota about her or her poor family. What do you think they're going through right now? Where do you get off browsing internet websites and commenting on shit while brazenly ignoring this family's grief? But I'm asking rhetorical questions, because I know for a fact that you don't give a shit about that girl. She was a human being that died tragically before her time, and you can't even be bothered. Shame on you. Shame on all of you for your indifference to Lyndsay Louise Craig. RIP

  • January 22, 2008 9:08 PM CST

    Sam the Butcher, Pleschette, Heath

    by Grammaton Cleric Binks

    There's the three. Weird.

  • January 22, 2008 9:08 PM CST

    No

    by troutpencil

  • January 22, 2008 9:09 PM CST

    Some google ad just freaked me out a little

    by Lobanhaki

    It's one of the Joker ads, the one where he's written in either blood or lipstick "Why So Serious?" Jeez louise, that phrase takes on poignant significance now, and even makes it a little darkly funny. In a weird way it's reassuring. I think he might have wanted us to enjoy watching the movie, rather than make it into some morbid deathwatch thing.

  • January 22, 2008 9:10 PM CST

    A bunch of pompous assbags trying to "out-grieve" each other

    by Hervoyel

    That's what you people are who keep crying about it being "too soon" and complaining because a website focused on movies is interested in whether or not Heath Ledger finished one that most of us are looking forward to. I want to know if he finished Dark Knight or not. I want to know how much work he'd done on Gilliam's project. I'm not going to the fucking funeral people because I didn't know him personally so what I know about Heath Ledger comes from HIS WORK. I'm interested in where that stands so thanks for posting the information Harry.

  • January 22, 2008 9:10 PM CST

    I agree that Your Moms Box is a shit head

    by virtual_ninja

    Think your tough making threats over the internet? plz get over yourself and get the fuck off this site.

  • January 22, 2008 9:11 PM CST

    Here's hoping Ledger's last role...

    by Regenhund

    will turn out to have been a better choice than Raul Julia's. I still get sad thinking about his "legacy".

  • January 22, 2008 9:14 PM CST

    I've never OD'd on sleeping pills but....

    by JackIsLost

    I have definitely taken more than the recommended amount. Makes you feel high and kind of woozy but I never really thought it was something that could kill me. Kind of scary to think of it. Needless, I won't be doing that anymore...

  • January 22, 2008 9:14 PM CST

    Your Moms Box so tell AICN this numbnuts

    by AllPowerfulWizardOfOz

    Why the fuck are you here on this site at all if that's the way you feel?? Hmmmmm, lets see.

    1. Your Moms Box does not like AICN website, check.

    2. Your Moms Box still visits and post at AICN website, check.

    3. Your Moms Box is still a fucking idiot, check.

    And another thing. I am not some little suburban punk you douche bag. I have my own house in the big little city of Baltimore and I am am movie fanatic. While there are other sites out there to get movie info AICN is my staple and has been for over 5 years. It does a fine job for me in reporting the news. While they are not perfect and don't always get the story straight it's run with real heart and not every website is perfect you dumbass.

    About me sucking on Harry's cock. Well lets see. I don't always agree with Harry. I hate Eli Roth. I thought Death Proof was fucking garbage. Matter of fact I'd say 50% or more of the time I disagree with Harry's reviews. That being I still think the guy runs the website fairly and I enjoy the interviews by Capone. I don't think Harry's a shill, and unless you've met him personally which I have then you don't know what the fuck you're talking about cause Harry ain't living as large as you think. Harry's getting by and keeping this website afloat so turds like you can float around making asinine post based on facts you know nothing about so shut the fuck up.

    As far as your comment about Harry not caring or others not caring had this been two years ago, please just stop with it. You look foolish man. Really. I guess I really touched a nerve when I called you out and I've already covered the ground in regard to your comments about if people care or not. Like you were some homie of Heath's. You ignorant inbred sociopath. Do me a favor keyboard commando. Pull the hoho's out of your ass and choke on your grape soda in your mommy's basement.

  • January 22, 2008 9:16 PM CST

    Why would Nolan change the 3rd film?

    by Guy Who Got A Headache And Accidentally Saves The World

    Joker can't have THAT big of a role. He could have just as easily got rid of Whatsherfaces character altogether but instead brought in Youknowwho to play her. I don't see why anything has to change, a new actor wouldn't be that big of a deal.

  • January 22, 2008 9:20 PM CST

    it will be hard if Joker dies

    by antonphd

    in the film. knowing that Heath is no longer alive.

  • January 22, 2008 9:22 PM CST

    Just watched Lords of Dogtown

    by RedwingsHoolihan

    Great Heath Ledger preformance. Especially his last scene in the movie.

  • January 22, 2008 9:23 PM CST

    Just watched Lords of Dogtown

    by RedwingsHoolihan

    Great Heath Ledger preformance. Especially his last scene in the movie.

  • January 22, 2008 9:23 PM CST

    re: Too soon or not?

    by digitalcos

    Ok, let's get some perspective here. It's not like we're all knocking on his Mother's door while she's making funeral arrangements to ask her whether his work on Batman was completed or not. We're discussing the subject of his work on a popular movie fan site.

    Why do any of you care at all about Heath Ledger? Why do you even know Heath Ledger's name? Because of his work as an actor.

    I don't see how discussing the subject of how his death will affect the outcome of his final project, even on the day of his death, is at all disrespectful. Especially given what that final project is, and how much many of us have been looking forward to seeing his work in that project. No, it seems perfectly respectful to me.

    That's not to say that how that discussion has been handled so far by some of us has been the model of maturity.

  • January 22, 2008 9:24 PM CST

    The Death Nazis are out in force

    by Ye Not Guilty

    I'm so glad the Death Nazis are here to dictate to everyone exactly how they should be feeling and what they should be thinking and saying right now in reaction to this news. Keep up the good work, Death Nazis!

  • January 22, 2008 9:24 PM CST

    Damn it's easy to double post here..

    by RedwingsHoolihan

    sorry 'bout that

  • January 22, 2008 9:26 PM CST

    THE SHOW MUST GO ON

    by ObiWanCon

    Or what's the fucking point of life.

  • January 22, 2008 9:26 PM CST

    Your Moms Box of course I win

    by AllPowerfulWizardOfOz

    And yeah you just know so much about the property value here in good ol charm city. I guess you're a real estate expert too huh? 25 grand, yeah right. Roland Park buddy, look it up.

  • January 22, 2008 9:27 PM CST

    Great Actor

    by angelopoulos

    Ledger has always done good work, from the underrated 10 Things I Hate About You in which his charisma drove that film, to his amazing turn in BBM. I didn't much care for the film BBM, but his performance was incredible. The trailer alone for The Dark Knight absolutely knocked me out. Again, I was hypnotized by him. Even though it will be sad watching that movie as his last performance, surely no one will have any doubt- Heath Ledger IS the Joker. All other versions have been completely lacking compared to the trailer alone. Seriously, I get goosebumps when I watch him in that. He's just scary as hell. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, his ex, and his little girl. Being a father of a little girl myself, I can only imagine the emotions that little angel is going to be going through. As far as the incident, as far as I'm concerned it was an accident. We all have ailments. His might have been depression. No one calls for a massage before checking out. He was trying to unwind. Everyone on here needs to get over themselves. We should be offering condolences and showing how classy we can be as genre fans, not what complete idiots we are. RIP, Heath. Thank you for your fantastic work as an actor. I feel like something was stolen from me today.

  • January 22, 2008 9:27 PM CST

    Not a bad role to go out on.

    by greenstyle92

    I wonder if there will be a trailer out for Dark Knight touting "..And Heath Ledger in his powerful final performance?"

  • January 22, 2008 9:29 PM CST

    can you believe this guy?

    by virtual_ninja

    what a pathetic little turd of a person

  • January 22, 2008 9:29 PM CST

    I don't see how..

    by hard8

    They could carry the Joker over to the next film. If Heath's performance is anything that Chis Nolan suggests, he owed the role. And since Nolan is using the multiple villian theme in this film that means that there was going to be more Joker in the 3rd installment. Either they are going to have to re-think that and re-cut the ending to write him out or they are going to have find someone else to emulate him in the 3rd film... which I just can't see happeneing. It would be trampling an actor's legacy to a certain degree.
    Paul Bettany just doesn't get me as excited as I was when I heard he was up for the role.
    Seeing the film is going to be tough knowing that is it for him. fin.

  • January 22, 2008 9:30 PM CST

    can you believe this guy?

    by virtual_ninja

    what a pathetic little turd of a person

  • January 22, 2008 9:32 PM CST

    Damn shame

    by Dokkalvar

    Sorry about the pain and anguish this might cause his family and friends, but at least he finished the movie. *wipes sweat from brow* that was a close one.

    .....grumble....

  • January 22, 2008 9:34 PM CST

    Your Moms Box I guess you told us huh?

    by AllPowerfulWizardOfOz

    Wow Harry quick shut down the site. Your Moms Box found 5 other trolls to take his side. It's over Harry time to throw in the towel now you've been called out.

    And yeah I guess I should start packing and move out of my home town. What was I thinking living in Roland Park? What the hell was a I thinking at all?

    Your Moms Box, shut the fuck up.

  • January 22, 2008 9:37 PM CST

    "I wish I knew how to quit you."

    by Skankardly

    sleeping pills seem to work. Thank You! Good Night!

  • January 22, 2008 9:37 PM CST

    Just a suggestion...

    by memflix

  • January 22, 2008 9:39 PM CST

    Alright that's it...

    by digitalcos

    The maturity level in this room has dropped way too low. I'm done. Have fun kids.

    (walks away shaking head)

  • January 22, 2008 9:40 PM CST

    sorry.

    by Skankardly

  • January 22, 2008 9:44 PM CST

    waits behind door to room

    by Skankardly

    and hits shaking head with bat

  • January 22, 2008 9:44 PM CST

    SKANKARDLY - YOU WEREN'T THE FIRST ONE WITH THAT LINE

    by BringingSexyBack

    You were out-tarded by at least a dozen others. Better luck next time.

  • January 22, 2008 9:44 PM CST

    Ledger's last work

    by Shut the Fuck up Donny

    As callous as it may appear on the surface, I think there's merit to showing concern as to whether he finished this film or not, because he will be partially remembered for whatever his last role was. So, do we want to see him (potentially) going out on a high note in The Dark Knight,or do we end up having another Raul Julia or John Candy moment?

  • January 22, 2008 9:44 PM CST

    And another one

    by memflix

    Maybe talkbacks should be disabled for a day or two when a celebrity dies. His daughter is going to be staring at the door waiting for Daddy to pick her up and spin her around, but he never will. Think about that little girl as you all start tearing into one another. Batman or no Batman, a child's father is dead.

  • January 22, 2008 9:45 PM CST

    LOL Your Moms Box actually looked it up.

    by AllPowerfulWizardOfOz

    Well for you information Roland Park is a part of Baltimore City and far from Suburbia. While true it's a beautiful area and was deemed the "first suburb in the country" you do realize that was over 100 years ago? LMAO. This clown doesn't quit does he? Truly you are a mental giant among men. No one likes you and you are just digging a deeper hole.

    Back to one of my questions from earlier.

    Why are you here on this site if you don't like this site? Care to answer that question?

  • January 22, 2008 9:45 PM CST

    Replace him digitally for the third movie???

    by cinemixtape.com

    Is that a possibility? Might be more respectful than recasting, especially if it's a small role. They can almost do it convincingly now, I'm sure they could do it well in 3 years. Maybe.

  • January 22, 2008 9:50 PM CST

    shit!

    by Skankardly

    got here late and got sick of the drivel about ten posts in...well I obviously must tip my cap to those who have out-tarded me. CHEERS!

  • January 22, 2008 9:54 PM CST

    Sorry BurgerTime

    by FlyinHawaiian

    I apologize for being heated, but there will be no reshoots for his scenes, because they went through them so he could film his next movie, as opposed to doing it in a regular fashion. There could be reshoots for TDK, but not scenes containing Heath. I work mostly in technical film, but not editing, so I'm not sure the process they go through exactly, but be rest assured, there will most likely be nothing done.

  • January 22, 2008 9:57 PM CST

    i agree with you memflix...

    by rikazodrac

    i cant imagine what it'd be like not being around to see my daughter grow up. i feel for his daughter the most.

  • January 22, 2008 9:57 PM CST

    Someone call the wambalance for Your Moms Box

    by AllPowerfulWizardOfOz

    Good fucking riddance.

  • January 22, 2008 9:59 PM CST

    i agree with you memflix...

    by rikazodrac

    i cant imagine what it'd be like not being around to see my daughter grow up. i feel for his daughter the most.

  • January 22, 2008 10:03 PM CST

    your moms box...dumbass

    by BULLMICHAEL

    First Harry did do the obit....and I know first hand it sucked for him, I called him the second the news broke, he has and had no clue who I was but knew it was important to all, not just us "comic book geeks", you could tell how upset he was just for the minute I talked to him....Second...it's his damn job to let the geeks here know what's going on, yes we all hate the fact that he is gone and will miss his acting and yes we can't wait to see the greatness he brought to the joker...so fuck off and leave harry alone....dumbass....RIP Ledger...God bless his family esp that little girl....this sucks ass

  • January 22, 2008 10:09 PM CST

    what if Michaelangelo died while working on the Sistine Chapel?

    by Rupee88

    Don't you retards understand how that would be tragic for all of humanity? Goddamn some of you are dumb. Yeah, we feel bad for his 2 y/o daughter, but millions of people appreciated his work and losing that is tragic as well. Go watch Epic Movie or Meet the Spartans, you retards.

  • January 22, 2008 10:11 PM CST

    Let Your Mom's Box keep talking....

    by IAmJack'sUserID

    "Let him rave on, that men will know him mad". No rebuke of ours is as damning as the putrid garbage flying from his ignorant mouth. Tis a sad boy indeed, and I would pity him but I save my pity for those who truly deserve it.

  • January 22, 2008 10:12 PM CST

    and no a batman movie is not the same as the fucking sistine cha

    by Rupee88

    if that's all you get out of my post, then you really are dumb

  • January 22, 2008 10:13 PM CST

    wernt you going to sleep your moms box?

    by virtual_ninja

    if not keep up the posts, they are hilarious

  • January 22, 2008 10:16 PM CST

    Joker no more

    by rhine1784

    I had heard that Nolan was not going to kill the Joker in TDK, so what now? Also Heath is the 3rd if you count Brand Renfro as number 1. RIP Heath!!

  • January 22, 2008 10:17 PM CST

    dear god

    by Deep Roots

    fuck, people! who cares? someone died. A human died. A really wonderful actor, and a human. People who want to talk about TDK, fine. I can see how that fits in. If you don't wanna talk about it, then fine...I can seee that too. But sonofabitch, how can two talkbacks dedicated to Heath Ledger erupt into petty fighting? Settle down folks.

  • January 22, 2008 10:19 PM CST

    yobo

    by troutpencil

    He doesn't get a second thought? The entire internet is consumed with strangers wishing RIP on message boards and in comments for TMZ articles and related bullshit. The guy is going to be infinitely more fellated than the other mopes who died the same day he did. It's the Princess Diana syndrome. The people who don't care are a lot more grown up than those that bawl and pull their hair out and make a point of expressing the most polite grief possible via internet messages. You're a fucking holier-than-thou liar if you say that you didn't think about what would happen to The Dark Knight when you found out he was dead. I myself was pretty bummed to find out, but my only connection with Ledger is with his movies. It's all I care about personally. I feel bad also when anyone dies, but not moreso because they're rich and famous, like you dicks with Ledger. The only reason I care more about him than the poor deceased Miss Craig is because he was connected with something which I am interested in; The Dark Knight. If I were in Harry's place I probably wouldn't have posted this update on TDK, but that's not because I'm smarter than him. It's because I'm a pussy, and I know that awful, stupid people like you exist to tear me down for being reasonable. So I now have more respect for Harry for posting this. Because fuck you assholes.

  • January 22, 2008 10:21 PM CST

    Heath would appreciate this article.

    by cinemixtape.com

    And not everyone dwelling on how he died.

  • January 22, 2008 10:24 PM CST

    Why the Dark Knight is important...

    by br1947

    because it is his work, what he cared about. It is what Ledger's life was about, what he was good at. There is no finer tribute to the man than saying his final work is complete.

  • January 22, 2008 10:26 PM CST

    Good post, Harry Bolzonnia.

    by IAmJack'sUserID

    That's how I feel. I admit I am not a fan of Ledger, and when I heard he was cast as the Joker, I didn't know what to think other than "what the hell?" But I heard, saw, and read good things about his upcoming performance, and I could see he didn't appear to be a typical Hollywood media whore actor like a lot; he genuinely seemed like a decent person in real life although of course I didn't know him. But I truly felt that his performance in The Dark Knight WOULD make me a fan, and I'd be one for the rest of his hopefully long and prosperous career. I think a lot of this unexpected grief (at least on my part) is because I won't be able to see him grow into an iconic actor, and I was looking forward to having him blow me away with his Joker performance.

  • January 22, 2008 10:29 PM CST

    Heath

    by SaveTrestles27

    The real tragedy is his daughter's loss of her daddy.

  • January 22, 2008 10:42 PM CST

    sorry

    by dizzywhip

    didnt really like his movies. not really a fan of him, probably cause 10 things was so lame. shocking to see people so young go but still i'll be ok with them having a differeent joker in batman 3. they have a different rachel so whats the dif.

  • January 22, 2008 10:48 PM CST

    Heath

    by wcgilb

    Thanks for the update Harry. What a huge loss.

  • January 22, 2008 10:51 PM CST

    Man ...

    by Dr.Poots

    This thread has devolved from a relatively respectful talkback to a broken beer bottle fight between two toothless, drunken, shrieking, burly trannies fighting to the death over a straight guy who doesn't even realize they're there.

  • January 22, 2008 10:54 PM CST

    you are totally wrong dude

    by troutpencil

    The morally outraged bullshit that you pulled out is indefensible. Because you guys have your internet pride at stake, you will defend it to the last, but it really is dumb. When I found out he died, I was shocked. I think it's sort of stranged that I would be shocked; it wasn't like I woke up expecting specifically that Heath Ledger would not die today; my expectations weren't dashed. But it was out of the blue. At the same time that I was appalled, I had the immediate impulse to post in one of these talkbacks pondering what would happen to TDK, the public reaction, etc. But I held back because it seemed rude to me. I had the same thoughts initially that you did. "That would be insensitive assholery." But after thinking about it, I realized that that was dumb. It was just the constrained, foolish part of my personality that was influencing me. You fellas submitted to that. You wouldn't bring it up in front of his mourning family, but AICN is just the place for it. And about this halfassed point about disrespectful followups to a person's death, talking about their "projects"... Look in that article I linked: http://tinyurl.com/29ryue In the first paragraph, they mention her job. Child care worker. In the last couple they talk about how they're going to donate her organs. Her dad is quoted: "I would like to know how they are doing. It is comforting to know that she did not die totally in vain." I don't want to get into any debate about how a person's life is the sum of their works. That would be foolish. But what a person does is what carries on after their death. Just being alive is notable, but what makes someone truly notable is what they do, you see, that's why people are interested. It is totally sensible to want to know about Batman. Especially here. So seriously. Sheath the moral outrage.

  • January 22, 2008 11:00 PM CST

    This sucks so much ass.

    by Pagliacci

    This is worse than when Chris Farley or Steve Irwin died. Ledger had so much potential. I was hoping to see his Joker in two, maybe three movies. Fuck it all, some days it doesn't pay to wake up. Ah well.......... "That which doesn't kill you, can only make you... STRANGER..."

  • January 22, 2008 11:03 PM CST

    What the hell, this just sucks

    by kafka07

    I wonder how it will effect the Bat-franchise down the road.

  • January 22, 2008 11:04 PM CST

    RIP Heath.

    by Pagliacci

    That's all I got left tonight.

  • January 22, 2008 11:05 PM CST

    What the hell, this just sucks

    by kafka07

    I wonder how it will effect the Bat-franchise down the road.

  • January 22, 2008 11:08 PM CST

    CNN is covering how the Joker "consumed" him

    by jdl82

    I knew it.

    I have no emotional connections with Ledger. His performance as the Joker was going to be my first conscious introduction to the man. But I do not -- I absolute DO NOT -- want Nolan to kill-off the Joker. I do, however, want him to reappear in future sequels, so I would not object to the Joker being re-cast in later films.

  • January 22, 2008 11:17 PM CST

    The Crow already did it.

    by Darth Philbin

    If you wear clown makeup in a comic book movie you are playing with teh fire.

  • January 22, 2008 11:22 PM CST

    White paint is the kiss of death.

    by skywalkerfamily

  • January 22, 2008 11:28 PM CST

    jdl82 - whoop dee do

    by JimCurry

    now warner Bros. can get started thinking about another sequel because you wouldn't object to the joker being recast.

  • January 22, 2008 11:30 PM CST

    Wow.

    by mfcorleone

    His Joker is going to rawk. effing paris hilton lives and this guy dies. I call shenanegins. GO GIANTS!

  • January 22, 2008 11:35 PM CST

    I always found Star Wars loving dorks to be socially vacuous

    by BringingSexyBack

    and Darth Philbin and Skywalkerfamily just proves it. Why don't you play with your light sabers and leave grown-up talkbacks to the able-minded?

  • January 22, 2008 11:38 PM CST

    noiretblanc, an answer to your stupid q.

    by JimCurry

    Eddie Murphy in a Rick Baker suit, bitch!

  • January 22, 2008 11:40 PM CST

    It would be disrespectful to his work

    by zooch

    If they did anything else other than complete the film, the way it was intended to be completed.

  • January 22, 2008 11:42 PM CST

    some of you

    by hard8

    are bawiling like you personally knew the man. you are tools on the internet without a moderator. shut up already about how disrespectful it is. we don't give a fuck about your feelings or anyone elses for that matter. it's morons like you that make "leave Britney alone!" videos for youtube cause you have no "real" people to care about. The guy may be dead, and it's sad, but don't kid yourself into thinking that you would have been a part of his personal life if he were still here.

  • January 22, 2008 11:43 PM CST

    On the Joker...

    by RAVENL0RD

    I highly doubt they would recast the role for this series of Batman movies. Don't forget, guys, there are several other villains in the Batman universe.

  • January 22, 2008 11:45 PM CST

    No

    by PFFFFT

    oh well thank fuck fior that huh harry. his work was complete for batman huh. well thank fuck for that huh? wouldn't want his death to ruin the movie for ya hey harry. you fat cunt.

  • January 22, 2008 11:49 PM CST

    ATTN PFFFT

    by hard8

    see one post up.

  • January 22, 2008 11:49 PM CST

    ATTN PFFFT

    by hard8

    see above.

  • January 22, 2008 11:50 PM CST

    skywalker - re: "White paint is the kiss of death"

    by Lamerz

    Jack Nicholson is dead too???? When will it ever end????

    Geez.

  • January 22, 2008 11:52 PM CST

    I Predict....

    by wattos new hat

    TDA will be the highest grossing film of the summer '08. look out indiana jones and ironman

  • January 22, 2008 11:52 PM CST

    noiretblanc you are so wrong

    by JimCurry

    Damn you for doing this. Show some goddamn respect you hobo.

  • January 22, 2008 11:54 PM CST

    So painfully ironic

    by kafka07

    Some of his last few movies have dealt with death and loss. Those pangs will be felt all the more whenever I revisit them, and when I see Dark Knight for the first time. I will still see and enjoy TDK even though Heath's death changes things, and WB may change or cancel the film's marketing, push up the release, etc. Besides, it'll be a good way to celebrate him by appreciating his work as the Joker. It looks like he put everything into it.

  • January 22, 2008 11:56 PM CST

    PFFFFT

    by torgosPizza

    That made me laugh for about 10 fucking minutes. Thank you.

  • January 23, 2008 12:01 AM CST

    attn HARD8

    by PFFFFT

    hey, i dont give one fuck about ledger. but i certainly do give a shit about some dumb fat american fuckbag who is more concerned with a movie than a death. BITE ME hard8 you fucking clown.

  • January 23, 2008 12:05 AM CST

    Hey you louse

    by JimCurry

    If you're going to be a motherfucker, and a cocksucker, and a fuckin mothersucker, then get lost and do your doody in some other pool. This one here is filled with chlorine (i.e. people who respect loss), and we ain't dealing with no floating turds today...

  • January 23, 2008 12:06 AM CST

    It appears it's an illness rather than OD

    by alpha

    We will have to await the autopsy but it appears that he may have suffered breathing difficulties due to fluid on his lungs and that combined with the sleeping pills amy have resulted in his sad passing. As for his work - he was probably unlucky not to be rewarded for Brokeback - it really was the best performance of the year. He always worked hard to embody the roles he played and it's a shame we wont see where he could have gone.

  • January 23, 2008 12:09 AM CST

    FlyinHawaiian

    by Aphex Twin

    Sorry for the late reply. No I didn't know Heath personally. But reassuring people that his work on The Dark Knight was finished and fans have nothing to worry about is rather shallow considering the man isn't even cold yet. A beloved actor has died, why are we worrying about whether he finished his part in a movie is finished when he has a 2 year old daughter he left behind? WTF indeed.

  • January 23, 2008 12:16 AM CST

    FlyinHawaiian

    by Aphex Twin

    Sorry for the late reply. No I didn't know Heath personally. But reassuring people that his work on The Dark Knight was finished and fans have nothing to worry about is rather shallow considering the man isn't even cold yet. A beloved actor has died, why are we worrying about whether he finished his part in a movie is finished when he has a 2 year old daughter he left behind? WTF indeed.

  • January 23, 2008 12:20 AM CST

    Your Mom's Box

    by 5 by 5

    It's pretty stupid to paint with broad strokes Your Mom's Box. I've seen a lot of this guys work, and when I saw the headline on Fox News, I was genuinely sad and shocked. I would have been just as shocked before he was cast in a Batman movie. Hell I just watched him in Casanova because somebody here had mentioned he was good in that. The truth is you have no fucking clue what each individual feels, why they are here, and how they feel about anything or why. That's the truth. So when you say that we wouldn't be so sad about it if he wasn't in Batman, you're wrong. Just. Plain. Wrong. I know it's hard, but try not to think in stereotype. I'm looking forward to seeing his performance in Batman, and I hope that he made some type of deal that if the film is successful, those profits will go to help his family.

  • January 23, 2008 12:23 AM CST

    FlyinHawaiian

    by versatol

    Some of us care about the TDK being completed because Heath's last film will be the last impression we have of this great artist. Have you seen how crappy Game of Death looked with Bruce Lee being crappily superimposed in certain scenes? We want Heath to go out on a high note as he was supposed to.

  • January 23, 2008 12:24 AM CST

    WHO CARES ABOUT FILMS AT THIS STAGE?

    by Vamp-AICNchat

    Not me, I more concerned about a 2 year-old girl who hasn't got a dad now.

  • January 23, 2008 12:29 AM CST

    The Joker

    by Scared Crab

    All of us on this site will remember Heath as the Joker no matter what. We're geeks and this is a geek role! Condolences to his family...he will be missed.

  • January 23, 2008 12:33 AM CST

    Are you jerkoffs serious?

    by SilentP

    Just because some people are concerned about whether or not The Dark Knight is still finish-able doesn't mean we are not concerned at all about Heath Ledger's death, and that we do not have respect for him. These worries are not mutually exclusive. IT IS POSSIBLE TO WORRY ABOUT TWO THINGS AT THE SAME TIME.

  • January 23, 2008 12:35 AM CST

    For all you folks knockin Harry

    by kafka07

    This is a movie website. This info he wrote here is relevant and morally acceptable. And it's one of the things going through a lot of people's minds right now, is what the hek is gonna happen next. How do you even know who Heath Ledger is? Because he's in MOVIES. I am sorry if this sounds nasty because your concern over his death is real, and I respect that. He was a real person, yes. But he's not your neighbor or your brother.

  • January 23, 2008 12:41 AM CST

    R.I.P. Heath

    by That 70s Venom

    Rest in peace brother.

  • January 23, 2008 12:49 AM CST

    ATTN : PFFFT

    by hard8

    and you're so concerned about death that you're on a talkback forum taking your wildly mistargeted grief out of someone you don't even know, about someone you don't even know. Logic > you.

  • January 23, 2008 12:49 AM CST

    rip shia labeuf

    by seabiscuits

  • January 23, 2008 12:49 AM CST

    CNN had Dr Drew on talking about

    by the podosphere

    a narcissism inventory he's given quite a few actors and musicians.

    I can't decide right now whether that interview constitutes good journalism or the ghoulish dissection of a couple of fresh bodies.

  • January 23, 2008 12:57 AM CST

    Very Sad

    by secretcylon

    My sister made me watch a Knight's Tale and he wwas even good in that.

  • January 23, 2008 1:00 AM CST

    Yeah, they should dedicate TDK to him

    by SpencerTrilby

    if not WB are sick bastards.

  • January 23, 2008 1:05 AM CST

    Monsters Ball. Really thought he came into..

    by GQtaste

    ..his own around that time. Yes, is was a minor part and yes, he comits suicide in the film. But justthesame, that's when I noticed a change in his career.

  • January 23, 2008 1:06 AM CST

    endless, pointless static, but yet you all want to be heard....

    by noncents

    ...a moment of silence for an artist...every life is worth that much...this post should have never happened...and neither have should the self-absorbed comments....silence.......................................

  • January 23, 2008 1:12 AM CST

    you goddam nerd

    by happyboy

    URMOMSBOX wrote: "the guy wouldn't give a shit even if he heard about me dying" that's a pretty high threshold to ask of a movie actor. if that's the cuttoff, then everyone on this messageboard, and everyone in the world is on your hit list. HINT:if one fat geek bit the big one in the forest would anyone care? the real BOTTOM LINE, isn't whether anyone cares if YOU exist (the answer is no) it's that Ledger was genuinely one of the best young actors, and the one of the few that most moviegoers didn't have the sudden urge to throttle with their smug self-complacent attitudes (Shia Lebouff are you listening? jewish kid from Juno, are you there?) This talkback splits into 2 camps: people who know movies and understand what a loss Heath Ledger is and those who come here to post 300 words of talkback no one cares about their own lives because there's no one in the real world who cares to listen

  • January 23, 2008 1:14 AM CST

    ATTN: HARD8

    by PFFFFT

    GRIEF? who said anything about grief? my grief? i'm not grieving at all fool. way to try and flip the argument. my comments were purely in retaliation of harry caring more about an unfinished movie role than that person's death. the guy left behind a little 2 yr old. you fucking piece of shit. you're as bad as harry. hopefully you'll be #3.

  • January 23, 2008 1:16 AM CST

    gilliam just cant catch a break

    by ls420

    every movie..drama and more drama

  • January 23, 2008 1:18 AM CST

    I actually didn't think about the Joker

    by Sepulchrave

    I sort of knew that Batman was in the can. I really just felt shocked that such a great actor and (it seemed) decent guy had done the dumbest thing in the world. Again.

  • January 23, 2008 1:21 AM CST

    Uh.

    by Mostholy

    Are we really getting lessons on how to mourn one of the more promising actors of our generation from a guy called "Your Mom's Box"? Please, get over yourself. Yes, Ledger's passing got more play in every media outlet than Renfro's. Why? Because it was more of a surprise, and Ledger is still an A-lister, and, yes, he's playing the Joker, and many of us have an emotional investment in that forthcoming two hours of entertainment. Such is the way of the world...get used to it.

    Look, if it's any consolation to you, noone's life is important in the end. Our tiny sun in this pitiful, infinitesimal corner of our universe will wink out someday and noone -- not you or me or Ledger or Renfro or Brando or Mohammed or Jesus -- will be remembered in the end. Until then, I'll watch I'M NOT THERE, BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN, and THE DARK KNIGHT a few more times and lament an actor whose time came too soon.

  • January 23, 2008 1:33 AM CST

    Lets Make Ledger A Legend For His Daughter

    by spidermanfreak20

    I was serious. Let's bury this performance for Matilda. No Dark Knight in theaters. http://tinyurl.com/2wdl4b Unspace where neccesary

  • January 23, 2008 1:51 AM CST

    Re: My last post

    by Vamp-AICNchat

    If you read my post I said who cares about movies AT THIS STAGE - It was only a matter of hours. Yes, I didn't know him, No, I'm not gonna cry about it but I do feel for him and his family.

  • January 23, 2008 1:51 AM CST

    FUCK!!!! NO SHADOW OF THE BAT!

    by messi

    This was going to be the first decent superhero film with the recurring villain. don't say supes 2 cos that sucked. But the idea of the joker returning like the comics and the same actor. AHHHHH. fucking continuity.

  • January 23, 2008 1:51 AM CST

    FUCK!!!! NO SHADOW OF THE BAT!

    by messi

    This was going to be the first decent superhero film with the recurring villain. don't say supes 2 cos that sucked. But the idea of the joker returning like the comics and the same actor. AHHHHH. fucking continuity.

  • January 23, 2008 1:53 AM CST

    Why hasn't anyone done anything about this awful family?

    by Vamp-AICNchat

    READ THIS, it's about Heath Ledger/The Westboro Baptist Chruch.... only in America... - http://wwtdd.com/post.phtml?pk=3425

  • January 23, 2008 1:57 AM CST

    Halfbreedqueen please shut the fuck up

    by messi

    why shouldn't i be upset, he won't be back for the third.

  • January 23, 2008 2:01 AM CST

    Frustrating

    by Fat and Curious

    Every time Brokeback Mountain came on Cinemax in my apartment, I'd flip to it for a little while and tell anyone who would listen that Ledger was a great fucking actor and made the gay cowboy romp worth watching. TDK teaser got me more excited than any teaser has in a long time, mainly because I was so excited to see him as the Joker. I want to puke right now, or maybe have diarrhea. Or both. Regardless, RIP and thanks for the performances you blessed us all with.

  • January 23, 2008 2:01 AM CST

    BurgerTime

    by messi

    hahahah it's Christopher Nolan, not Christopher Columbus. Nolan doesn't do test screenings.

  • January 23, 2008 2:06 AM CST

    Mysterious Yobo and Your Mom's Box

    by messi

    too bad Ledger died instead of you two fucks. of course i'm worried about TDK and the third Batman.

  • January 23, 2008 2:13 AM CST

    I wonder

    by templar

    if playing the Joker actually fucked him up. Read somewhere that he couldn't sleep because of it.

  • January 23, 2008 2:21 AM CST

    Tonight I did a radio show about the death of Heath Ledger

    by EvilDoeR

    You can check out the hour long show here... www.blogtalkradio.com/thajackal

  • January 23, 2008 2:23 AM CST

    spidermanfreak20, that is fucking stupid

    by I Dunno

    and i'd guess the exact opposite of what he would have wanted.

  • January 23, 2008 2:30 AM CST

    That Westboro Baptist Church site looks like a satire

    by the podosphere

    but apparently they're serious.

    Bearing in mind I'm all for the First Amendment, I think it's a right marvelous idea for Ledger's kin to sue the living fuck out of those hatemongers for the premeditated and wonton infliction of emotional distress.

    WWJD? The question I would pose is, would He even recognize them, by their actions, as members of His flock?

    What ever happened to loving the sinner but hating the sin? If they honestly believe the fate of Mr. Ledger's soul hangs in the balance, shouldn't they hie themselves to their place of worship and pray fervently and with all their hearts for his everlasting soul???

  • January 23, 2008 2:31 AM CST

    I feel really bad about everything that's happened

    by BobPalpatine

    But I haven't laughed this hard in a thread in a long time.

  • January 23, 2008 2:31 AM CST

    I

    by the podosphere

  • January 23, 2008 2:36 AM CST

    I have no idea who should organize this, but

    by the podosphere

    wouldn't it be just grand for everyone who disagrees with Westboro and their tactics to mount a counter-demonstrations in LA on Feb 24? All we have to do is dress up like cowboys and march and mingle with them and have some pre-arranged signals for chants like "God loves everyone". Smile, shake their hands, tell them God loves them in the sweetest of voices. Carry Bibles. Give them church-hugs.

    Well, that's the idea. Discuss.

  • January 23, 2008 2:39 AM CST

    What did the Westboro Baptist Church

    by templar

    do?

  • January 23, 2008 2:46 AM CST

    Joker vs Westboro Baptist Church

    by messi

    hopefully some dude dresses up like The Joker, scares them to death and then kills them. Awesome Viral Marketing.

  • January 23, 2008 2:48 AM CST

    Your Moms Box

    by messi

    of course i wouldn't give a shit if you died, you didn't do a note perfect portrayal of The Joker.

  • January 23, 2008 3:02 AM CST

    It's just sad

    by jmike9243

    I could care less about The Dark Knight. The role probably didn't mess him up. Wish he hadn't done it and wish he was till here.

  • January 23, 2008 3:04 AM CST

    Here is Heath's last interview folks.

    by AllPowerfulWizardOfOz

    http://tinyurl.com/2qmmud

    Heath himself confirms what Harry has posted here that the shooting was wrapped up for his role as the Joker. This is a hard interview to watch but it's his last and I felt should be posted.

    I sent an email to Harry with the link so hopefully he will have this up tomorrow to coincide with his post.

  • January 23, 2008 3:06 AM CST

    podosphere...

    by Vamp-AICNchat

    ...they are completec cunts. Protesting at soldiers funerals should be a criminal offence - if it happened here in England they would get their heads get kicked in... and a lot more. I'm sure their time will come on. BTW, I saw a docu about them with my fave docu maker - Louis Theroux - entertaining, but very cold and bizarre.

  • January 23, 2008 3:07 AM CST

    WESTBORO BAPTIST CHURCH

    by Jerri Blank

    Ok, I'll buy their theory that he died because of his portrayal of Ennis in Brokeback, but then they have to buy my theory that the reason James Dean died such a violent death was for his portrayal in Giant of a power mad and money hungry oil barron from Texas with little regard or empathy for the lives of others.

  • January 23, 2008 3:12 AM CST

    10 things...

    by billyhitchcock

    ...one of the best teen movies ever and one of my fave movies ever. dk is gonna rule, nolan do not change a thing!!!!

  • January 23, 2008 3:14 AM CST

    Sad...But

    by The Taste

    Ok he is gone. I am very saddened by this tremendous loss. I have been following the production of this grand movie since I first heard of it going into production. There will be no more HL films. But my dear talk backers and Batman fans, we are all about to see something rare and exceptional which I feel will be the greatest swan song ever given by an actor who has just passed. He will be in TDK and possibility we will all see his greatest performance ever. I know it will be bittersweet and I know that allot of you are hurt deeply by this tragic news (I am still in shock. But look on the bright side, we as fans will finally get to see his Joker on screen once and for all. Please feel sad for HL and his living family. But my dear fans be happy that the Dark Knight w/ Ledgers final performance will be shown to us this July.

  • January 23, 2008 3:34 AM CST

    I wonder

    by templar

    if some bean counters at WB are thinking that this movie will do even better than they originally hoped because of Ledgers death. I remember how everybody wanted to see Brandon Lee's last film. I think it probably added to the popularity of the first film.

  • January 23, 2008 3:38 AM CST

    Not to say that it wouldn't have done extremely well

    by templar

    if he didn't die!

  • January 23, 2008 3:47 AM CST

    Gilliam really does get all the luck.

    by henrydalton

    I'm starting to think that he may ACTUALLY be cursed.

  • January 23, 2008 3:48 AM CST

    The Taste

    by messi

    It's not just that, it will be bittersweet because Joker survives and was supposed to come back for Batman 3, just like the comics. And even if they recast with another exceptional actor, continuity is a bitch and it just won't be the same. There's the Frustration.

  • January 23, 2008 4:00 AM CST

    Hell...

    by 11dayempire

    Fuck knows what this means for Batman 3 - I could even see Bale and Nolan walking away from the films after this. And what young actor is going to want to step into Ledger's shoes after he'd delivered the performance of his life?

  • January 23, 2008 4:03 AM CST

    Brokeback

    by Shinobi666

    MAybe it be a good idea for Jake to get tested now

  • January 23, 2008 4:26 AM CST

    This is sad...

    by Redbox

    Truly the sociopathic are out tonight. I don't give a god damn about this movie right now. Have a bit of respect. This just happened this afternoon. Tact is a lost art. That goes especially to Aintitcool. Harry, that is so cold, man. I'm glad his folks can go on the web and read this great tribute. Man, the internet has turned folks into little judgmental bitches.. Ok, maybe that's nothing new, but people sure feel more comfortable digging thru the dead man's wallet behind a firewall.

  • January 23, 2008 4:27 AM CST

    those Westboro nutjobs make me violently ill

    by drave117

    I just saw that flier announcing their intent to picket Ledger's funeral, and it's pretty vicious, even for them. I may not be a Christian, but I have nothing but respect for those who actually try to live by Christ's ideals. These people, however, are diseased, depraved, deranged animals who do not deserve to call themselves human beings. If I ever become filthy rich, I am going to send the Westboro Baptist Church compound a little care package every day for the rest of my life. That package will contain a drum of lube and a crate of baby Jesus butt plugs. If I think of anything that might offend them even more, I will include that as well.

  • January 23, 2008 4:37 AM CST

    baby Jesus butt plugs

    by the podosphere

    Yup, this is an AICN talkback....

  • January 23, 2008 4:47 AM CST

    I'm a bit freaked out

    by Turtle_Z

    ...by the negativity and animosity on display in this thread. I had hoped that people would just be here saying the same thing I'm here to say. Heath Ledger was a great actor and always seemed like a genuinely nice, grounded bloke. I'm surprised and saddened by his death. Despite the reported marital troubles, my heart goes out to his wife and kid. Poor buggers gonna have it harder than anyone right now. I always feel for the families who lose someone close in these sort of circumstances.

  • January 23, 2008 4:52 AM CST

    Watch the Haters now Backtrack

    by redfist

    All of you asshats that taked all that shit about how this guy would teh suck as the joker will now lean back in your seat and say this will be a great tribute to him, well you all can suck my ass. Those Westburo nazis will get a cowboy boot to the head if they march at his funeral also.

  • January 23, 2008 5:00 AM CST

    Redfist

    by snappy

    You took the words right out of my mouth. Fucking hypocrites. And the Westboro idiots will rot in hell.

  • January 23, 2008 5:04 AM CST

    What's up with Westboro?

    by EvilGeek1

    Why are they picketing Heath's funeral? Is it an Australian thing?

  • January 23, 2008 5:18 AM CST

    Don't be in too much of a hurry...

    by abulafia24

    To find out about Gilliam's film. He's gone now and nothing can change that. It seems best to just let these things take their course. On the one hand, I'm glad he finished his work as the Joker. On the other hand, I don't care. He was still a person, and his death was sad, no matter the cause. Unless the Olsens were involved. If so, it only strengthens my case that Full House kills. Just trying to add a little levity to a very sad situation. It really does break my heart that he won't be the Joker again, 'cause my gut tells me he was damn good (at least as good as Hamill).

  • January 23, 2008 5:49 AM CST

    Snarky2

    by templar

    Point well made. Agree with you 100%

  • January 23, 2008 5:54 AM CST

    You've got to have some perspective

    by templar

    here. My only frame of reference for this guy was his movies. Was it terrible that he died, SURE! but people (more deserving some might say) die everyday. What's different here? Anyway RIP dude

  • January 23, 2008 6:04 AM CST

    One Spot Of Good News In A Maelstrom Of Bad

    by LaserPants

    What a waste of a good actor to die so young. Note to up-and-comers -- stick to the drugs that don't kill you. Like, say, marijuana, which should be legalized and hopefully someday will be. RIP, Heath.

  • January 23, 2008 6:18 AM CST

    What about the third film?

    by Olee Starstone

    I'd heard rumers that the Joker doesn't die in TDK, that is written for him to return in 3. Are we looking at a re-cast, or re-write?

  • January 23, 2008 6:19 AM CST

    Everyone has an opinion - dosen't mean I have to read it

    by Yeti

    That being said I think was an accident not a suicide. As for the "christian contingent" planning on picketing his funeral because of his work in BBM, you have more in common with Al Queda and the Taliban. Hatred, intolerance and pious self-rightousness, ah yes, the lords work.

  • January 23, 2008 6:39 AM CST

    Westborough probably doesn't even beleive their own shit

    by I Dunno

    What they do is instigate people, get kicked out of wherever they are and sue. The entire family are lawyers. That old guy from Poltergeist 2 looking motherfucker needs to be shot in the face. Someone said once that would make him a martyr but I doubt it.

  • January 23, 2008 6:41 AM CST

    I've met the Westboro Baptist Church in person

    by KnightShift

    It was about a year and a half ago. Shirley Phelps Roper came to our TV station (in a small town in North Carolina) and she brought a whole contingent of her church/family who stayed outside to protest while she went in to be interviewed. These people *have no soul*. When you see a little 4-year old kid waving around a sign that reads "Thank God for Wounded Soldiers"... that one still bothers me. I wound up having to speak to Shirley Phelps Roper once and will never forget having to look into her eyes and literally, LITERALLY, seeing something very horrible in them. If you want pics and the full account of what happened that night go here: http://tinyurl.com/3davga I'll say this: what I saw that night was enough to convince me that someday, these people WILL suffer some honkin' bad blowback from it. They are going to "picket" the wrong event, and there will be people there who will not take kindly to it at all. When that day comes, we are going to be reading about some Westboro Baptist members getting injured and probably worse. I wouldn't wish harm on anybody, but in all sincerity, these are people who you can't say did not go out looking for trouble when trouble finally comes.

  • January 23, 2008 6:48 AM CST

    Bale should be on the case

    by messi

    at the scene finding out what went wrong, not to get into character but because he is Batman. I'm just shocked at this.

  • January 23, 2008 6:54 AM CST

    ...

    by ditschster

    Rest in Peace Heath..

  • January 23, 2008 7:02 AM CST

    Hope Bale is at the funeral

    by messi

    so then he can go to the westboro members and bust some heads. Don't fuck with Bale.

  • January 23, 2008 7:04 AM CST

    FUCK! I"M STILL DEVASTATED

    by messi

    I don't even want to swear or crack a satirical joke or a nonsensical one. I have never been in disbelief before. All I thought was The Dark Knight and how big it was going to be and imagining Ledger doing interviews and the news talking about his performance. Now it's going to be completely different.

  • January 23, 2008 7:21 AM CST

    RIP

    by fireclown

    He seemed to be a decent guy who could have become a great actor. I'll miss him and will regret the work he never did.

  • January 23, 2008 7:47 AM CST

    You fucking sycophantic hypocrits!

    by ApneicMonkey

    You Talkbackers are the biggest bunch of sycophantic and hypocritical wankers going! As soon as the announcement came through that Heath Ledger was cast as the Joker in The Dark Knight, you couldn't wait to pull out the gay remarks and trash the guy's career back to the stoneage. Oh, but now that the guy's dead you can't wait to see his final performance and believe it'll be a fitting finale to a brilliant but all too short acting career. You fucks make me sick!

  • January 23, 2008 7:49 AM CST

    Sick eh ?

    by stamper

    Consider this, Steven Seagal is still shooting movie. With his hairpiece.

  • January 23, 2008 7:55 AM CST

    Did he commit suicide?

    by DarfurOnTheRocks

    Just wondering.....

  • January 23, 2008 7:56 AM CST

    Wasn't Heath supposed to be in the next movie, too.

    by Smerdyakov

    The one with Two-Face?

  • January 23, 2008 7:57 AM CST

    ET are doing backflips....

    by DarfurOnTheRocks

    Just when they ran out of Anna Nicole stories, they get some fresh material...

  • January 23, 2008 8:01 AM CST

    Here's my guess: recasting for 3rd movie

    by Samuel Fulmer

    If Nolan and WB want the Joker in the 3rd movie he'll be there. They'll just recast. I know the circumstances are different, but they've already recast the character Katie Holmes played in the first one. They've already thrown acting continuity out the window, so they can get away with having someone different in the part (even with the tragic circumstances surronding the recasting). No offense to Ledger and his legacy, but if the original Batman series was able to change Batmans, this one can change Jokers.

  • January 23, 2008 8:01 AM CST

    Fuck Heath Ledger (yeah I said it)

    by spire_walk

    Life was so goddamn hard being a fucking celebrity and rising film icon. People loved him from his roles in Brokeback to Batman.

    People who commit suicide are selfish assholes, and he's worst than a selfish asshole -- he's a selfish asshole with a daughter who is now fatherless. Fuck him.

    The only thing that's of any interest to me, as with ALL film celebrities, are their movies. I don't know them, and don't want to know them. They're mostly selfish fucking children with acting talent and NOTHING ELSE. So I don't get it when people whine about how we should care for this guy and be respectful of him. Fuck you. He left his friends and family behind because life was so goddamn hard. When he was alive, he went to work, starred in movie roles, and I paid money to watch some of them. That's as far as our relationship goes!

  • January 23, 2008 8:07 AM CST

    For the morbid

    by Rodo

    here is the link to the police photos. Don't ask me how they got them...just fucking wrong. http://tinyurl.com/dnm7v

  • January 23, 2008 8:16 AM CST

    Bruce Lee

    by Rodo

    He died of brain swelling.

  • January 23, 2008 8:19 AM CST

    What's fucked up is when ..

    by Stalkeye

    ..some ppl *cough* fanboys*cough are more concerned about Ledger finishing his portrayal of the Joker, than his sudden demise.

    How typical.

  • January 23, 2008 8:25 AM CST

    From what I heard, he had promblems playing Joker

    by Stalkeye

    Which is known to be much darker than Jack (Nicholson's) Joker. It's more closer to Frank's DKR concept.

    So that may in part, explain the sleeping pills, but it's gotta be more than the pills that killed him.

  • January 23, 2008 8:27 AM CST

    No

    by Silverglade

    "some ppl *cough* fanboys*cough are more concerned about Ledger finishing his portrayal of the Joker, than his sudden demise." Oh please. Fans of the film aren't going to just stop caring about the film if any one member of the cast dies. And it does not mean they are not also grief-stricken over the loss. They care about both.

  • January 23, 2008 8:31 AM CST

    Jett

    by Rodo

    Maybe you're not a forensic cardiologist. Maybe you have no fucking clue what you're talking about. Weird.

  • January 23, 2008 8:32 AM CST

    In All FAirness

    by greg39

    In all fairness to AICN, this is a movie website, not a people website. It's perfectly legitimate for them to report that his work on a film was complete.

  • January 23, 2008 8:43 AM CST

    Who cares about the film? He's dead for fuck sakes.

    by MMacKK

    As a film community, we should look beyond this film/his future work. Its sadder that this film may have met his demise, and that his end came at 28. He was ultimate...

  • January 23, 2008 8:46 AM CST

    Well that's the problem MMacKK...

    by Rickey Henderson

    I'd be willing to bet that the fact that Ledger will not be around to play the Joker in another batman sequel is the main source of sadness for millions of people in this country. Sorry for being cynical, but it has to be said.

  • January 23, 2008 8:46 AM CST

    Oh yeah, and fuck Spire_Walk

    by MMacKK

    Dude, good one. Apparently you know more than the coroner and humanity on how he died. FUCK YOU, YOU NOTHING PIECE of SHIT. Good for you putting out your opinion... You are a true hero, saying it like it is. Man, can't wait for your face to be red. You are an absolute disgrace.

  • January 23, 2008 8:49 AM CST

    And Rickey...

    by MMacKK

    I agree. Its a shame he won't be around for a sequel. Trailer alone, he looks amazing and I wish he was here to further himself. But yeah, at this very moment, I think we should look beyond that. This is the kind of shit that's said when the film has been released...

  • January 23, 2008 8:50 AM CST

    No

    by MMacKK

    BTW, I'm An Australian. Ledger was the closest thing we had to royalty.. because we don't like Kidman or Crowe... They're our Fosters.

  • January 23, 2008 8:55 AM CST

    Sequel (SPOILER)

    by Rodo

    Joker dies in the same "Joker-made" explosion that scars Dent. The scene is pretty intense. The Joker laughs as he burns to death.

  • January 23, 2008 9:03 AM CST

    WTF is a Foster?

    by Stalkeye

    Isn't that some Austrailian Beer?

  • January 23, 2008 9:07 AM CST

    Foster's is an 'Australian Beer'

    by MMacKK

    Butt no-one in Australia actually drinks it... But in America its made out to be this huge, Australian Beer. No-one.

  • January 23, 2008 9:07 AM CST

    Aussies don't drink

    by Rodo

    Fosters...VB FTW!

  • January 23, 2008 9:08 AM CST

    Fuck you all

    by performingmonkey

    That is all.

  • January 23, 2008 9:14 AM CST

    Cap'n Jack

    by Rodo

    Is it because you're a necrophiliac?

  • January 23, 2008 9:15 AM CST

    Your Moms Box, does it hurt

    by TheLastCleric

    to be that stuffed with your own shit? Ledger was already a significant star, widely known and critically praised. Most people didn't even yet know that he was the Joker in the next Batman film. Brad Renfro on the other hand had completely fallen off the map years ago and he still got some significant coverage. That said, Ledger was a far bigger star so I really have no idea what the fuck you are droning on about. Maybe in that thick, stupid head of yours starting this type of shit and then insisting how right you are despite the obvious fallacy of your stance gets you off. Personally, I don't give a shit what your problem is, just realize that you really have no idea what you are talking about.

  • January 23, 2008 9:16 AM CST

    Seriously People....

    by The_Hanged_Man

    This is a MOVIE website, and they're posting MOVIE news. No one thinks the movie is more important than the man, but it's this site's job to post about new movie news. Quit trying to make yourselves feel superior by proselytizing on a Movie website.

  • January 23, 2008 9:18 AM CST

    I Love This Board.

    by MMacKK

    Its always got some twisted, sick weirdos who know when to joke at the most inappropriate of times. God bless you, you cynical motherfuckers. May your laughter ring true and forever. And may the world know that your lives are insignificant! May your resentment reign for years to come!

  • January 23, 2008 9:30 AM CST

    Warners marketing department to commit mass suicide?

    by The Evil Lawyer

    Their whole promotion plan for the movie just got blown up. See, shitheads, that's what you get when you have a movie about Batman and you base your whole ad campaign on his fucking opponent. Good job, marketing dept.!

  • January 23, 2008 9:31 AM CST

    Autopsy Released...

    by Rodo

    http://tinyurl.com/dnm7v Tragic...

  • January 23, 2008 9:34 AM CST

    Everyone in Australia drinks Foster's and loves it.

    by The Evil Lawyer

    I know - I saw them in that famous documentary series about Australia and crocodiles. You probably know it too, it was called "Crocodile Dundee".

  • January 23, 2008 9:43 AM CST

    It's true...

    by Kid Z

    ...in Australia, no one drinks Foster's, in Mexico Corona is viewed in the same way Americans view Old Milwaukee, in Germany only the homeless drink Jaegermeister. Make me wonder... is Boone's Farm Strawberry Hill fortified wine being marketed somewhere as a distinctly American, quality product?

  • January 23, 2008 9:46 AM CST

    Your Moms Box

    by DannyOcean01

    Why are you still posting? If you're so concerned about being disrespectful over this tragedy, why are you allowing yourself to get caught up in this tawdry bitchfest? It seems clear to me you're an attention whore, and the only thing you respect is yourself and your ginormous ego. Now hush up you stupid little infant.

  • January 23, 2008 9:50 AM CST

    DannyOcean

    by Rodo

    Thats a gay TB handle...lol. You're a fucking tool! LMAO. Hey, everyone! Look at the tool! He thinks he's George Clooney! LMAOLMAOLMAO....Tooooool!

  • January 23, 2008 9:55 AM CST

    Those Westboro Baptist scumbags...

    by Kid Z

    ... should all be tossed into a pit filled with flesh-eating bacteria-infested pig feces, scorpions and Amazonian Needle Fish. Suggestion to the Ledger family: These wastes of DNA have been protesting at soldiers funerals here in the USA. But there is hope... the Hell's Angels. These badasses have been volunteering to attend many such funerals and they set up sort of a motorcycle barricade out of earshot of the services. When the whackjob biblethumpers are stopped in the street by 300 lb., denim and leather clad, Harley riding mofos... they tend to suddenly reverse direction and head out of town... they're cowards, after all. So, if all else fails, security-wise: call the Hells Angels!

  • January 23, 2008 10:01 AM CST

    Phew....thank God

    by Bobo_Vision

    For a moment there, I was worried he had some ADR work left to do, but now that I know he's done, I can rest well. Thanks, Harry.

    P.S. - This is sarcasm.

  • January 23, 2008 10:06 AM CST

    WSB Faggots

    by Rodo

    They are hilarious! He's going to be buried in Australia. Those hicks can't afford that.

  • January 23, 2008 10:07 AM CST

    spire_walk

    by messi

    Suicide has been ruled out you stupid dumb fuck.

  • January 23, 2008 10:08 AM CST

    Why so serious?

    by darrenspool

    Can't we just be happy. If Batman bashes the Joker's face in, the Joker could just get a face-reconstruction and then Mark Hamill could continue the role.

  • January 23, 2008 10:10 AM CST

    Ledger's final work

    by torLIKEhulk

    I find it really sad that AICN and many readers are selfishly placing an emphasis on how much of Ledger's recent work was completed -- hidden meaning: for "us," the fan community. Ask much as I anticipate The Dark Knight and anything Gilliam makes, our thoughts should be directed to Ledger's family; not how his death affects our personal entertainment habits.

  • January 23, 2008 10:10 AM CST

    Stalkeye

    by messi

    Actually it's closer to Alan Moore's Killing Joke version and Grant Morrison's Arkhum Asylum version.

  • January 23, 2008 10:19 AM CST

    I wrote to their website

    by Rodo

    About assisting them with their travel plans!!!!

    Greetings and Happy Anti-Faggotry! Just wanted to let you guys know that Heath Ledger will be buried sometime next week in Perth, Australia. Since you seem like smart people...damn near genius, I just wanted to assist you people in your quest to fuck up someone elses burial. We offer great flight rates to low income, low intellect families and businesses, to include Churches who shit on the word of Christ for their own agendas. Right now, we offer a round trip from Hicksville to Perth for only 5 cows, and three go-rounds with yer sister. There is a major possibility of crashing, since I would love nothing more than to see you all die a firey death, but all FFA rules and regulations will be followed in the recovery of your bodies. We also offer burial services, if you die in one of our crashes (which you will), that ecompass a grand ceremony. It begins when we raise the American flag high above your heads, and sing the negro spiritual "Oh, ungrateful Redneck" while soldiers walk by one by one and pay their respects. They won't spit or yell horrid remarks like you, but will most likely look down in shame, knowing that God has punished you for the blasphemy that you call the preaching of His word. If this trip sounds like something you would enjoy taking part in, please give me a call at 1-888-FK-YRSLF.<\p>

  • January 23, 2008 10:26 AM CST

    What could have been...

    by grabbie

    I was looking forward to seeing jack nicholson and heath ledger at the premiere together. What a shot that would have been. My condolences to his family and friends

  • January 23, 2008 10:27 AM CST

    You people gettin upset over the story

    by lonecow

    As unprofessional as Harry and Co carry themselves at times, they are still journalists, and it is their job to get news on all things entertainment. They have a job to do. They aren't your best friend where you can be like, "too soon man". People want to know, and it's their job to tell us. And the comment about burying him with his work is the stupidest thing I've heard all day. It is more of a tribute to someone if you honor their work, not bury them with it. He was an actor and he acted so people could enjoy his work. Again it comes down to their job. You people have a hard time separating personal feelings from professionalism.

  • January 23, 2008 10:28 AM CST

    nice one, Rodo

    by drave117

    Let us know if they respond!

  • January 23, 2008 10:33 AM CST

    Jesus, get over yourselves!

    by UnCoolNews

    Guy dies at 28. That's sad. Leaves behind a little girl. Also, very sad. I never met the guy. I didn't know him, any of his friends or any of his family so that's where it ends for my personal involvement in his death. I'm willing to bet that none of you who are posting so passionately about this knew the guy either. But you saw him IN A MOVIE so you feel like you need to "mourn" him and everyone else should, too? Ew.

    I do enjoy movies, though. (Which is why I am on this site.) As someone who is looking forward to the new Batman movie, I wondered if Heath's death was going to affect the movie. Since I am planning on going to the movie when it's released, that actually *does* affect my life. So I went to a MOVIE NEWS WEBSITE to see if I could find the answer and I did. If you want to mourn the guy like a teenage girl, go to a more appropriate site.

  • January 23, 2008 10:37 AM CST

    yes, it's sad, but we still care about his work as well

    by drave117

    People need to lay off of Harry about posting this article. He posted the obituary one before he posted this one, and just because we are sad about his death doesn't mean we don't want to know where he was at in terms of filming his latest roles. When you don't know a man personally, the best way to pay tribute to him is by appreciating the art he presented to the world. I, for one, am comforted to know that this particular piece of art will be his finished painting, so to speak, and not one that another artist had to touch up with CG brushes.

  • January 23, 2008 10:45 AM CST

    spire_walk has a point about stars to off themselves

    by DarfurOnTheRocks

    I reserve judgement of Heath, but if he did commit suicide then I am more sad for his family than him.

  • January 23, 2008 10:47 AM CST

    At least he did not make Streef fighter as his last film....

    by DarfurOnTheRocks

    Sorry Raul....

  • January 23, 2008 10:49 AM CST

    i will truly miss heath ledger.

    by RustyStardust

    i got to meet him last year when my girlfriend was doing the makeup on a michelle williams film in portland. he was really cool. and, such a talent. it's sad all the way around. but, as a postscript, it's kind of eerie how he resembles brandon lee in 'the crown', and it's their final films...

  • January 23, 2008 10:51 AM CST

    not a suicide

    by drave117

    Preliminary autopsy reports are not totally conclusive, but they are saying it definitely looks like it was an accident. They will know more in a couple of weeks.

  • January 23, 2008 10:52 AM CST

    I Think Nolan Will Leave It Alone

    by TheLastCleric

    All reports and interviews indicate Nolan planned to keep the Joker alive, much like the character is always a presence in the comics. I think the best thing he can do is have the Joker locked away in Arkham and be done with it. If Ledger nailed the role as completely as I think he did, it will be hard, if not downright impossible, to recast the character. I also have a feeling Nolan only has one more Batman film left in him before he'll move on to something else, effectively taking most of the cast with him. The third film will be all about Two-Face anyway, so maybe the best we can hope for is a brilliant trilogy. I do think Ledger might become a symbol for the angst ridden gothic douches in the coming years, especially since his Joker looks to have a punk/grunge look, but hopefully he will be remebered as a talented and gifted actor beyond merely this singular role and a bunch of inevitable Hot Topic merchandise.

  • January 23, 2008 10:53 AM CST

    I have a better idea, podosphere...

    by DocPazuzu

    ...instead of the cowboys smiling, shaking hands and saying "God loves everybody" at the prearranged signal, how about if they all simultaneously pull out truncheons and smack them as hard as they can into as many pointy Westboro heads as humanly possible?

  • January 23, 2008 11:01 AM CST

    your moms box

    by spasticus

    i kind of understand your point but heres the thing We do not know heath ledger we have not met him. we 'met' him through his movies. Most people met him through brokeback mountain. Isnt it like damning someone for only 'meeting' someone near the end of their life. if we'd met the mans family we would enquire about them more. But we know only about his movies so thats our connect to the man. He obviously cared for the work he did,and through that work we show our respect. this was sad shocking news and i will be queing for the movie

  • January 23, 2008 11:01 AM CST

    Oh man, suicide is a SIN again

    by Sepulchrave

    DAMN those self-harmers and those convicted of despair: damn them to hell. Get over yourself. People lose hope. people get killed. This was sad and pointless.

  • January 23, 2008 11:11 AM CST

    UnCoolNews

    by Abominable Snowcone

    I like the way you put it. Didn't mince words, at the risk of sounding unpopular. Sad news, but I suppose I think the same as you about it. I didn't know him, and thus can only say in a general way that 'this is sad news.' But it's for his friends and family to mourn him and us to discuss his work in movies.

  • January 23, 2008 11:13 AM CST

    Cause of death

    by password.swordfish

    I don't know what caused his death, but I know that it's really rare to OD on medications like sleeping pills... at least accidentally. So please all those slamming him for being a drug user, how about holding off until we know more. Not to say it was suicide, but apparently he did have one attempt in his past. I can't remember who commented on it, but saying the he's a selfish asshole if he committed suicide just shows how little you understand about anything. You see his life from the outside and assume you knew what it was like to be him? Grab a brain. I agree with other posters, I don't see why you can't feel sad for his family and the loss, while still being concerned that his final flick was completed in a way that would best respect him and his work. Finally, I have to send mad kudos to spearsi for the Plan 9 reference. Tasteful, yet hilarious.

  • January 23, 2008 11:15 AM CST

    Oh yeah

    by password.swordfish

    I really hope this was an accident, mostly for the family's sake.

  • January 23, 2008 11:27 AM CST

    Bravo Rodo!!!

    by nerosday

  • January 23, 2008 11:31 AM CST

    What Would Jesus Do?

    by ArcadianDS

    Jesus would attend the funeral, probably say a few nice words about heath. Then he would take a rawhide whip to the entire Westboro clan. Then he would go to a hooker's house and make dinner for her.

    Cuz he's good like that.

  • January 23, 2008 11:33 AM CST

    Another Terry Gilliam production disaster

    by Bobo_Vision

    Poor Terry, the guy just can't catch a break.

  • January 23, 2008 11:34 AM CST

    Westboro Baptist Church = ATTENTION WHORES

    by Puddleglum

    Obviously they want the news media to pick up on who they are so they can have their agenda in mentioned nationally (globally?) It would be better if nothing more was said about this fucking morons. They're almost as fucked in the head as Memories-of_murder is about Indiana Jones and his fedora. Almost.

  • January 23, 2008 11:35 AM CST

    Bobo_Vision - Gilliam

    by Puddleglum

    heh, true. It is kinda par for his course, isn't it?

  • January 23, 2008 11:41 AM CST

    Forget everything I said about Heath!

    by ganymede3010

    He'll forever be the joker in my book now.

  • January 23, 2008 11:44 AM CST

    Best thing to do with Phelpsie and the Westboro fucks...

    by Richard Cranium

    Is ignore them and realize they've got nothing to do with God, or any type of real Christianity. All they're doing is hiding behind freedom of speech and religion to try to get somebody to pound the piss out of them so they can sue.

  • January 23, 2008 11:56 AM CST

    TheLastCleric Nolan will recast

    by messi

    Like he said and every cast member and Ledger himself has said, the characters are bigger and more important than the actors. but fuck does it hurt when you now it's motherfucking Christian Bale as Batman and Heath motherfucking Ledger as The Joker. How do you improve on perfect.

  • January 23, 2008 12:01 PM CST

    Westboro fucks should be dragged on the street ...

    by moviemaniac-7

    ... and shot in the fucking head. What a bunch of whining pieces of shit these 'people' are. Fuck, even Jesus would, upon seeing them, ask for a 9 millimeter and aim at them. These people piss me off and quietly I hope I will ever encounter a bunch of them protesting at a funeral. Heath was a talent and it is sad he is not here anymore. For now, I could care less about the movies he was making, but I don't understand why people question AICN in reporting on those movies. Westboro Baptist Church sucks and is full of scum that will rot in hell.

  • January 23, 2008 12:16 PM CST

    Messi, Maybe they will

    by TheLastCleric

    but if the third film is about Two-Face it may not be necessary. I think Nolan may be done after the third film regardless, but I agree that the characters are icons and eventually somebody else will play the Joker. That said, this appears to have been brilliant casting and finding a new Joker will be very difficult.

  • January 23, 2008 12:17 PM CST

    Hundreds of people die every year in Africa...

    by darrenspool

    But since they've never made a movie, I wouldn't give a shit. Heath matters. That is all.

  • January 23, 2008 12:18 PM CST

    Recast for Heaven's sake

    by mukhtabi

    The Joker is the iconic villain. He is the opposite side of Batman's soul. My big problem with Tim Burton's Batman was that they KILLED HIM OFF!! Joker never dies in the comics, he just keeps going to Arkham. They need a new man in the joker role, simple as that. Although its a big pity that this will the last performance of Heath Ledger's brilliant little career.

  • January 23, 2008 12:20 PM CST

    If they have to recast, there's still hope...

    by Kid Z

    ... There's one other actor that could provide the sort of manic, loopy intensity needed for the role... "the Man Called Depp"! Just keep it to a cameo, though

  • January 23, 2008 12:22 PM CST

    Highway to Heaven

    by DarfurOnTheRocks

    We will miss you Heath....

  • January 23, 2008 12:23 PM CST

    To everyone bitching at Harry...

    by eXcommunicated

    This is a MOVIE SITE. It's about MOVIES. Of course it will talk about the effects Heath's death will have on MOVIES. Sure, I was shocked at the news of Heath's death. I am STILL bummed about it. I will be bummed probably for the next few weeks. But one of my first thoughts was, you guessed it, about his role as JOKER in a little movie called THE DARK KNIGHT. My thoughts ran the gamut from "did he complete his scenes?" to "was he too stressed working on the film and that contributed to his death?" to "wow, this is going to be so weird watching him on screen this summer knowing this was his last performance." Am I an asshole to some of you now because I admit these thoughts? My first thought was one of MORTALITY, because Heath was BORN 4 MONTHS after me! I have a 2 year old daughter TOO. Am I an ass because thoughts of his career were mixed in with my personal sense of loss? Lay off of Harry, fuckers. He has feelings about this tragic event, but he also has a SITE TO RUN. A MOVIE site. A site that PAYS HIS BILLS. You cock wranglers.

  • January 23, 2008 12:26 PM CST

    Westboro Baptist Church - Thanks for reminding me...

    by IAmJack'sUserID

    ...why I renounced religion and think of it's organized version as a very very dangerous force on this world. If there is a god -- and I hope to god there is -- he does not HATE, nor does he create "fags" if he creates us all in his image.

  • January 23, 2008 12:29 PM CST

    CEKMA: I agree 100%

    by BRUTICUS

    TDK should be dedicated to ANYONE who died. Just for one guy cause hes famous would really suck. While ANOTHER guy lost his life ON the freaking set.

  • January 23, 2008 12:33 PM CST

    "cock wranglers" - LOL

    by Puddleglum

    AICN is filled with "cock wranglers" and "asspickles".

    So is Westboro Baptist Cunts

  • January 23, 2008 12:35 PM CST

    @IAmJack'sUserID

    by ArcadianDS

    You shouldn't renounce things you believe in based on what one single family has decided to do in the name of God. One snake handling crackpot and his dumpling-fed daughters aren't exactly the authority on Christianity. You nailed it: God doesn't HATE sinners. He has some very big issues with the activies of SIN, but at no point EVER, will you find an example of Christ hating 'sinners' - the guy had dinner at the homes of the Old Testament equivalents of John Gotti; he would bring food to the people that the rest of society deemed unworthy of their time or charity. If Jesus walked among us today, he'd be healing people with AIDS, and chastizing people who condemn homosexuals - people like the Westboro nutjobs. There's a line in the New Testament, and I dont know the direct quote, but the essential component is that there is a stern warning to anyone who would bring shame to the name of Christ through their actions - and that generally, it was that you would quickly no longer be in a position to continue said shameful actions.

    Look for the Westboros to go down in flames before long. Something looms around the corner for that bunch.

    I dont know much about Mr. Ledgers personal spiritual life and perhaps that is for the best - I can only hope that he walks with the saints today. If he does, then there's no need to feel sorry for him, OR for his daughter. He speaks her name to God's ears continually.

  • January 23, 2008 1:02 PM CST

    Rodo - the next knock on your door

    by the podosphere

    will be from Westboro Baptist. Have your lawyer on speed-dial.

  • January 23, 2008 1:04 PM CST

    may be TOO SOON but, ROCKWELL for Joker, if in B3

    by George Newman

  • January 23, 2008 1:05 PM CST

    uhhhh people die every day

    by BRUTICUS

    people in others respective families die. people's neighbors die. some guy gets pulled out of an apartment building or car wreck on a stretcher dead and you see the guy. i'm saying people who people ACTUALLY KNOW OR SEE IN REAL LIFE. most of our only connection to Heath is through his films. Its not cold hearted to wonder about the film. You are just being melodramatic if you think it is.

  • January 23, 2008 1:06 PM CST

    Good, in a way...

    by Token

    but at the same time I know at least some of my enjoyment of the movie will be tainted by the fact that Ledger wasted his life in such a weak and stupid way. Maybe if instead of grieving, we should revile idiots that get into a drugs/booze spiral and screw up their lives. My disgust with people like Amy Winehouse and Britney Spears and the rest of that pack of idiots is almost overwhelming. Maybe they would wake up if they realized they were objects of scorn instead of pity and sympathy?

  • January 23, 2008 1:08 PM CST

    knowthyself

    by eXcommunicated

    Dude, get over yourself. Did you know Heath personally? Some of us only knew him through his movies and public appearances. Some of us weren't a groomsman at his wedding like you.

  • January 23, 2008 1:11 PM CST

    Token

    by eXcommunicated

    Token... hold up there buddy. Do you have the inside scoop on how he died? You must, since you are passing judgment on him. Don't keep it to yourself, clue us in.

    Because if you don't know how he died (how could you? the autopsy was inconclusive), then STFU with that judgmental shit.

  • January 23, 2008 1:18 PM CST

    Complainers: This was his LIFE'S WORK

    by kevred

    When working in film was what he devoted his professional/creative life to, what's wrong with talking about it? It was his life's creative pursuit--would it be more respectful to not talk about something that was so important to him?

    It might be hard for some people to comprehend, but it's possible to care about both the man and what he was working on. I don't think anyone here is saying, "stupid guy, I hope he doesn't ruin my Batman!"

    And a simple note for all of those idiots saying things like, "why don't we care this much about people dying in [Iraq, Africa, etc.]?" If you're trying to make that point, is attacking people for caring about one person's death really the best way to do it? Shouldn't you be encouraging more positive behavior, rather than attacking one instance of it?

    Again, it is possible to think about, care about, be concerned about more than one thing at once. Expressing one thought at one moment is not the same thing as expressing all of one's thoughts about everything in the universe. To judge it as such is just stupid.

  • January 23, 2008 1:20 PM CST

    knowthyself

    by eXcommunicated

    Translation:"Fuck anybody who doesn't share my emotions!!!"

  • January 23, 2008 1:20 PM CST

    ... Somewhere a Lonesome Cowboy sobs in the Night...

    by Stark Industries

    Famous Deaths always comes in 'Threes'. Spec on the next two? -Stark

  • January 23, 2008 1:26 PM CST

    Spec on the next two - Would have said the JLA movie

    by Puddleglum

    but I guess that would make Heath #3, then, no?

  • January 23, 2008 1:27 PM CST

    Because Stark forgot to count Renfro

    by Puddleglum

  • January 23, 2008 1:28 PM CST

    He is the reason I want to see The Dark Knight

    by disfigurehead

    He was a great actor and I want to see his take on The Joker.

  • January 23, 2008 1:29 PM CST

    if you were truly upset

    by crazy4dragons13

    by this actors death and didnt want to know what was up with his final projects you shouldnt come to a movie scoop site you should be in your bed crying like a little girl. first thing i thought of was 1. will they have a recasted joker in part three or write him out and replace him with riddler or some other villain 2. was he finished with the batman filming? 3. great now he wont be in gilliams movie 4. yay now he wont be mad max 4

  • January 23, 2008 1:35 PM CST

    Good God people, get off your soapbox

    by TruPhan

    Heath Ledger was an actor, here to entertain us. I don't think anyone is going to disagree with that.

    I don't think that anyone will disagree either that the only way that many of us even knew of Heath Ledger was through his work i.e. The Dark Knight. It's like when a person who was only an acquaintance dies, but you know that the acquaintance was really good friends with your brother, your concerns are going to be for your brother first, not the acqaintance because you have a more intimate knowledge of your brother (haha lolz insest joke) than you did with the acquaintance. Many of us here, and I don't know what the implications of our personal lives it with this fact, have a more intimate knowledge of Batman and The Dark Knight than we actually did with Heath Ledger. So our concerns naturally gravitate towards that.

    If you knew Heath personally, that is to say *not* through The Dark Knight, then yeah, if your concerns gravitated towards that film then that's ridiculous. But for the rest of us, we just didn't know Heath that well, and to hold us to the standard of as though we do, well that's just equally as ridiculous.

  • January 23, 2008 1:35 PM CST

    who will replace him as the Joker?

    by The Dum Guy


    I just watched The Lookout last nite and thought Joseph Gordon Levitt looks alot like a (brunnette) young Ledger.

    I wonder if Nolan will even try to have the Joker as a character in the next (possible) Batman?

  • January 23, 2008 1:41 PM CST

    You're right! I forgot! Soooo... Who's Next?

    by Stark Industries

  • January 23, 2008 1:45 PM CST

    About 150,000 people died yesterday.

    by ZeroCorpse

    Only one of them was a celebrity, apparently.

    I don't see any of you "oh, respect the dead!" people mourning the loss of any of the other approximately 149,999 people who died yesterday, but you're sure getting all teary and emotional and indignant over Heath's death. Why is that? Are you such celebrity-obsessed assholes that you think Heath was "more important" than other, non-celebrity people? Or is it that you're such lonely fucks that you think that celebrities are part of your friends & family grouping because you see them more frequently than you do your own parents?

    It's sad that an actor died. He was a good actor, too, which apparently makes it even more sad than if Jim Belushi were to die, for some reason. But it's not a fucking tragedy. He either had pneumonia or he popped pills, but he's just as dead either way and he ain't coming back. He ain't going to Heaven or Hell (mythological bullshit). He isn't "suffering" for his actions in life, and he's not smiling down at anyone from a fucking cloud, either. He's DEAD. His brain is shut off. The electrochemical processes that comprised the sum total of his thoughts and memories has ceased. He's a cold, empty shell now. He will be buried, feed the Earth, and be remembered for his contributions to society. End of story. He doesn't "go on" from here. He doesn't exist anymore. Heath Ledger, and 149,999 other people stopped existing yesterday.

    I know some of you have a hard time facing death, but it's not so bad. Do you remember anything from before you were born or conceived? Anything at all? Think back. Think hard. Did not existing cause you to suffer at all before you were conceived? No? So why does it concern you and frighten you so much when you're alive to think that you will someday return to that state of non-existence? Why must you rant and rave and rail against it, to the point of getting in other people's faces and chastising them for dealing with death in their own way?

    Fuck you for being so indignant and insisting I mourn a certain way, or a certain amount. He was a just a man, and he was in no way more important than the other 149,999 people who died on the same day as him.

    You go ahead and mourn your way, and believe in your myths. I'll continue to believe that speculating on a human's afterlife just TRIVIALIZES and BELITTLES their actual life.

    We have one shot, kids. Are you really going to spend it lecturing people about how they deal with the demise of someone NONE of us, save maybe for Harry himself, even knew personally?

    Yeah. In the words of George Carlin, "Fuck you, you sanctimonious prick!"

    (Now there's a man I'll drink to when he dies.)

  • January 23, 2008 1:46 PM CST

    either bale and nolan

    by crazy4dragons13

    will call it quits or wait 3 years and make another film without joker, or put joker in part 4 with him played by david bowir or christian glover or 84 year olf jack nicholson or marc hammil or joseph gordon levitt or heath ledgers younger brother or christian bale in split screen or boner or redubbing the scenes from TDK and superimposing them or caesar romeros grandson.

  • January 23, 2008 1:59 PM CST

    wait what?the best boy from Apple Dumpling Gang died??

    by ArcadianDS

    At least his legacy is assisting the Key Grip on that scene where Don Knotts slips up the side of the bank on a rope. Classic Best Boy moment there. He will be missed.

  • January 23, 2008 2:01 PM CST

    Stark - hopefully Glovedone over in the other Ledger TB

    by Puddleglum

    Ok, maybe not "dead", but just banned. What a fuckwit.

  • January 23, 2008 2:01 PM CST

    Can't believe i'm already thinking of recasting

    by messi

    it's fucking frustrating, how can you improve on brutally perfect? The only way you could do it is the guy basically does the same thing. The only one I can think of is Daniel Day-Lewis, with the same make up would look very similar but why would he do an impersonation. Other actor's would want to bring their own take on it, but why would you do that if Ledger's IS The Joker. Fuck.

  • January 23, 2008 2:03 PM CST

    crazy4dragons13

    by messi

    that made me laugh. superimposed over caeser romero's grandson. brilliant.

  • January 23, 2008 2:04 PM CST

    Arcadian, I heard the Gaffer from Pete's Dragon is ill

    by Puddleglum

    I hope he's not "celebrity death" #3!

    Or the technical assistant to the head of wardrobe from Cleopatra that has Alzheimers.

    All I can say is, thank god Slimer from Ghostbusters can't die again or he might be #3. He hasn't done anything since GB2.

  • January 23, 2008 2:05 PM CST

    This shit is pathetic, P-A-T-H-E-TIC

    by Marbeque

    Your worried about the fucking movie? This is a new low for nerds, be ashamed.

  • January 23, 2008 2:06 PM CST

    Story is important to Nolan

    by messi

    he'll keep The Joker and recast. They all know the characters are beyond any one actor. But Fuck. CHRISTIAN BALE AS BATMAN! It's been 4 years and I still can't believe it's true. And Heath Ledger playing the best Joker. AHHHH. perfect voice, mannerisms. everything.

  • January 23, 2008 2:08 PM CST

    Marbeque

    by messi

    What else do you want to talk about. none of us knew heath ledger personally and in the cosmic sense it is a shame he has died. but what the fuck man. of course we are worried about the movie. it's not like we aren't sad he has died.

  • January 23, 2008 2:13 PM CST

    He could be the next Bruce Lee

    by Avon

    I mean, Dark Knight might be the movie that would have pushed him into the stratosphere. My condolences to Heath's family. I'm sure he was on his way to making some great films. I also feel for Terry Gilliam. He must be shattered at the loss personally and professionally. The bulk of work on his film had been finished in London and they were set to start studio work in Vancouver this week with Ledger who appeared happy and upbeat in recent photo's. I'm calling accidental OD on sleeping pills. He wouldn't purposely top himself mid-way through filming.

  • January 23, 2008 2:20 PM CST

    Marbeque

    by TruPhan

    Please reference my prior post.

  • January 23, 2008 2:21 PM CST

    Heath Ledger: If it was suicide

    by Supermans

    I have to say if Heath did commit suicide, then it is even more devastating for his little girl to find that out later in life. I'm pretty sure that if it was, perhaps the coroner's will only let family members know and keep it a secret telling everyone the findings were inconclusive. In either case, committing suicide in my faith means you do not reach heaven which is also very sad to think about. My prayers are with the famies and friends involved and that all of them find solace in Jesus Christ as their savior if they are Christians and if not, that one day they come to believe in him and find salvation.

  • January 23, 2008 2:26 PM CST

    Supermans

    by messi

    fuck off with your jesus shit. pay respect but don't bring that shit here knowing it sounds condescending when alot here don't believe in your myths.

  • January 23, 2008 2:31 PM CST

    Messi

    by Rodo

    Chill Bro...why you gotta bag on the way and the light? Lol.

  • January 23, 2008 2:33 PM CST

    Supermans

    by TruPhan

    I don't find what you did nearly as offensive as messi does, but yeah, give the family well wishes - don't wish for them to convert if they haven't.

  • January 23, 2008 2:42 PM CST

    ZeroCorpse is Right

    by DarfurOnTheRocks

    all human life is sacred but this chap's life is no more so. The pain that people are feeling for this man, must be felt for everyone that has passed on.

  • January 23, 2008 2:47 PM CST

    J'accuse!

    by Borgnine JR

    Either Jack Nicholson or Crispin Glover. Or maybe both!?

  • January 23, 2008 3:00 PM CST

    Seriously terrible that that's the first thought

    by quadrupletree

    The first thing lot of people I know including myself thought when they heard the news is how is this going to affect the Dark Knight? It's selfish I know. Glad to hear that the post work is done though. This is really horrible news. This guy has such a bright future. I heard on the news that he recently told a reporter that he couldn't sleep and was taking more than the recommended dosage for Ambien. If that's in fact how he died, that is seriously fucked up. I hope at least that sends a message to everyone, if your prescription drugs aren't working, go back to the doctor, don't just up your dose!!

  • January 23, 2008 3:08 PM CST

    Oh wow, ZeroCorpse, it must be so nice

    by TheLastCleric

    To have it all figured out. I especially enjoyed your comment about the 150,000 people who died yesterday and why we aren't mourning them. Profound shit, assuming of course my head is as far up my own ass as yours appears to be. I didn't know Heath personally but I was a fan of his work and through his work there is a connection. I don't mourn his death the way I would my family, but it still bothers me and I don't really think that's a problem. Those 150,000 people you mention are strangers to me; I don't know their work, their contributions, or anything else about them. How can I be expected to feel something for people who I don't know even exist? Conversely, I knew who Heath was and I liked what he did, that's why I mourn his passing. Can you grasp the difference? As to what happens when we die, who knows? I'm agnostic and open-minded, unlike some of you fuckstick athiests who walk around with a chip on your shoulder and cry like cunts about anything that upsets your little viewpoint. Truth be told, your beliefs are just as narrow as the people you admonish; you're simply too fucking narrow-minded to see it. You might be correct that it's all over when we expire or you might be dead wrong; there's no way to know. I will state for the record I find your casual comments about death "not being so bad" amusing. We'll see how big your balls really are when faced with the big empty. I'm betting you won't meet death with a tenth of the bravado you put on display here, big man.

  • January 23, 2008 3:13 PM CST

    Your Mom's Box

    by sakic_jade

    I can't believe no one has made any comments that all this "better than you" BS is coming from a guy claiming to be a "professional" yet posts on here under the name "Your Mom's Box". His screen name alone should explain his attitude.

  • January 23, 2008 3:15 PM CST

    I'm still pretty fucked up about this

    by Charlie Murphy

    and that asshat glovedone in the other TB nearly made me fucking lose my shit... so i came over here. you know, if heath wasn't playing joker, i probably would've heard this and been all "well, that fucking sucks" then let it go after a few days. but since his casting, i've been so psyched for it, i've watched nearly every ledger movie that i had no desire to see before. and i must selfishly admit my first thought when i heard the news was "what does this mean for batman 3 in three years?" but that was because i just could not fucking believe the news. when i found out he had a daughter i nearly burst into tears. it's so fucking sad. also when i heard those assholes are planning to picket his funeral, i felt like puking. it's times like this i wish i had the guts to kill someone, because that's just effed. may heath rest in peace...

  • January 23, 2008 3:28 PM CST

    Thinking about it. Seems like a Joker prank.

    by messi

    Like the Joker's first appearances. Making you believe he was dead. Creepy I know.

  • January 23, 2008 3:29 PM CST

    Rodo

    by messi

    I want to say silly shit but i'm still pissed about Heath's death.

  • January 23, 2008 3:37 PM CST

    messi

    by ArcadianDS

    you're all full of the silly shit in the other thread. why not here?

  • January 23, 2008 3:42 PM CST

    Movie Postponed??

    by bradlm

    I heard a rumor that "The Dark Knight" is being postponed to Xmas to give the cast a bit more time to deal with this before hitting the talk shows and such. Anyone hear anything about that?

  • January 23, 2008 3:43 PM CST

    You Can Use The Bible To Justify ANYTHING

    by LaserPants

    So using it as a measure of morality or history or reality is, well, insane. As a metaphor and/or work of art, its amazing, however.

    Oh, and, btw, the Bible says nothing about gays whether good or ill. That wild misinterpretation came from hatemongering right-winger fundies -- you know, the usual vicious sociopaths -- not the Bible. The Bible did say, however, that "he who is without sin should cast the first stone." Also, if I'm correct, didn't Jesus hang out predominantly with prostitutes, criminals, outcasts, the disenfranchised, the downtrodden, and the like? Odds are he also hung out with gay men and women. Jesus being one of them thar dad gum lib'rals. Always carin' 'bout people n' stuff. Probly was a tree-huggin homersexshul too! Never quite figured out why the hatemongers chant the Jesus brand name so often seeing as how their hate ideology and his ideology of peace are directly at odds. Perhaps the fundies feel that if they chant the brand name often enough they won't be sent to the hell they made for themselves? Guess so.

  • January 23, 2008 4:16 PM CST

    Ledger's Performance as Joker was so Shitty...

    by tonytodd

    ...that I guess he figured killing himself would be easier than facing the fans and critics!!! What a douche...

  • January 23, 2008 4:17 PM CST

    Another Batman movie fucked up........

    by godhatesyou

    I'M glad............Nolan is a loser...........a money grabbing cunt. Explain this in a viral email....you sad loser.

  • January 23, 2008 4:19 PM CST

    If The Joker is still around

    by ClarkK82

    I totally agree about Joseph Gordon Levit(sp?) If he added some size I could be sold, especially following Brick and The Lookout. My other suggestion would be Ryan Gossling. This is still a tragedy and I do agree that the loss of Ledger the man is far more important than the loss of the actor portraying a fictional (if iconic) character.

  • January 23, 2008 4:22 PM CST

    Actually, Laserpants

    by eXcommunicated

    The Bible does mention homosexuality as an abomination in both the old and new testaments. But here's the thing, its only 2 or 3 random passages, separated by 100s of pages other other shit. And this is what Christians want to enshire into The Constitution?

  • January 23, 2008 4:43 PM CST

    eXcommunicated What Does It Actually Say?

    by LaserPants

    Does it actually say "god hates fags"? Probably not, right? And if it does say that, doesn't the Bible also feature Lot offering up his daughters to be gang-raped rather than have the raging mob sleep with some friends of his? Not exactly the pinnacle of morality or coherence here, and certainly not something that should be used to shape policy. (A point on which you seem to agree.)

    Either way, though, I'm curious about what the actual words are that led people to think that "god hates fags" rather than "god, if he even exists, is most likely indifferent to who you bump uglies with, being, at the end of the day, a metaphor for the totality of existence, not an actual bearded man who lives in the sky and knows when you've been naughty or nice."

  • January 23, 2008 4:45 PM CST

    Deuteronomy 23:1

    by LaserPants

    "If a man commits adultery with another man's wife--with the wife of his neighbor--both the adulterer and the adulteress must be put to death."

    Damn! How long before the Fundies want this put in the Constitution too. I bet this would be popular amongst cuckolds.

  • January 23, 2008 4:48 PM CST

    On which of the two Heath TBs

    by Abominable Snowcone

    is it okay to make insensitive jokes? I don't want to be caught on the wrong board.

  • January 23, 2008 4:55 PM CST

    Buried in perth.

    by C.K. Lamoo

    Just like my wife's lipstick.

  • January 23, 2008 5:04 PM CST

    rolled twenty dollar bill

    by grubosch

    was apparently found in the room. Bummer that!

  • January 23, 2008 5:07 PM CST

    ha

    by slkboxrman

    all u people should stop giving harry shit, we all know that, that was the question on every fanboys mind when they heard heath was dead....not OMG hes DEAD, but OMG i hope he finished DARK KNIGHT......some of the losers that roam these talkbacks eat, breath, sleep and jerk off too stuff like that....its called "no lives" ....and while im not "celebrity obsessed" im appaled by the lack of any respect for the man...sayin he killed himself because his joker performance was shitty....thats pure fanboy talk from u assses that think nicholson should have played joker again...and other retarded comments like the "149,000 people died yesterday" not to be impersonal but honestly, who cares ????? people die everyday, do i know any of them ?? unlike even some of my friends i dont care what happens to other people around the world that i dont know from shit,..the only reason im even here is because i respect the mans work, and feel bad for the loss of a potential great star....he was on the rise and dark knight would have put him on the map big time.....i dont care if he was doing drugs, if he was gay, or whatever.....its sad that all the keyboard jockeys of AICN would see this as an opportunity to make jokes, then act like u care, then rip harry for a talkback u know was coming sooner or later because YES YES there are insensitive people that ARE ACTUALLY WORRIED ABOUT whether their precious DARK KNIGHT was completed....those are the crazies, not the people that dont care about the other people that died yesterday...being a celebrity means people "care" if that makes any sense.. just imagine if that fat pig OPRAH ever dies..ur gonna think the president was assasinated when u see the media on that....that will be a year i will not be watching tv news....RIP HEATH, way too young, went too soon.

  • January 23, 2008 5:22 PM CST

    Gilliam is jinxed.

    by Stop Apologizing For Garbage

    His movies always seem to be brutal with regard to getting done. Just riddled with issues.

  • January 23, 2008 5:23 PM CST

    LOL at all the self-righteous Heath-lovers

    by tonytodd

    Okay, you guys who are slamming everyone for "only caring about the Dark Knight" are such hypocrites! You DON'T know the guy from Adam, but then justify your indignity saying that although you don't "know him" you "respect, admire and know of him, because of HIS WORK." Well, when people are talking about the Dark Knight, they are talking about HIS WORK. Basically none of us really care about "him" we care about "his work." Those of us who talk about the Dark Knight are being real and honest, instead of deluding ourselves with self-righteousness.

  • January 23, 2008 5:23 PM CST

    The nutbags are out in force....

    by Kid Z

    ... yeah, I know anyone who posts to AICN Talkbacks aren't exactly the poster children for "SANE"... but some of these losers are getting nasty, Harry... nasty and particularly insane. You really have to clean up these Heath Ledger TB's, stat!

  • January 23, 2008 5:26 PM CST

    And hell...

    by Kid Z

    ...they've remade Journey to the Center of the Earth... again??? Didn't they just do that like, 5 years ago... and it sucked then? And... Ricky effin' Shroeder??? WTF???

  • January 23, 2008 5:34 PM CST

    two quotes

    by slkboxrman

    which should be cited for proof of fanboy insensitivity and plain old stupidity............."Ledger's Performance as Joker was so Shitty that I guess he figured killing himself would be easier than facing the fans and critics!!! What a douche"........ and ......."Basically none of us really care about "him" we care about "his work." Those of us who talk about the Dark Knight are being real and honest, instead of deluding ourselves with self-righteousness.".......truly scary

  • January 23, 2008 5:50 PM CST

    tonytodd & godhatesyou

    by Mr. Nice Gaius

    Cunts.

  • January 23, 2008 6:00 PM CST

    ROLLED UP BILL & "DRUG PACKETS"

    by Frijole

    The rolled up bill has been confirmed, but the uncited "police" source that fed TMZ the line that the bill had a powdery substance or that any illegal narcotics were found in the room has been debunked by the latest OFFICIAL police report.

  • January 23, 2008 6:04 PM CST

    This will make his performance legendary

    by HudLives

    even more so then it was already going to be.

  • January 23, 2008 6:45 PM CST

    TheLastCleric--

    by ZeroCorpse

    I already died once. I don't know how I faced it because my brain was shut off long enough for a large chunk of my memories to be wiped out. Luckily, I was only about eight years old at the time, but I can tell you this: No tunnel of light. No pearly gates. No fiery doom. No dead relatives waiting for me. Just nothingness. Anyone who says different was suffering from some last misfires of their neurons.

    And hey-- I watched Ledger's movies too, but I certainly don't feel a "connection" to him. He's a guy on the screen. I never even saw the REAL guy; Just the character he was playing at the time, whether it was the Joker, the gay cowboy, or the public persona-- None of those were Heathcliff, the man. So you'll have to excuse me when I say you have as much "connection" to Ledger as you do any of those other 149,999 people. The only difference is that their effect on the world perhaps wasn't seen by you DIRECTLY. You may have actually met one of them in person, though. You may have shared an elevator with one, or saw them in line at McDonald's. You may have called them an asshole when they cut you off in traffic.

    I'm willing to bet that out of ALL the people who died yesterday, you had some personal interaction with one of them at some point in your life, or were directly affected by decisions they made. I'm willing to bet that one person (maybe more) had more of an direct effect on your life than Heath Ledger ever did.

    All I'm saying here is that it takes a lot of nerve to tell me how and when and how much I should mourn, when you're not willing to take the same advice yourself.

    I liked the guy as an actor and regret that I won't be able to enjoy any more of his work. If you see anything more than that, you either knew him personally, or you have social issues.

    I have plenty of perspective on death. I've seen more corpses in my life than most people see on TV. Please don't insult me by insinuating that I wouldn't know how to deal with mortality. I've got a pretty good grasp on it. It's all the people who can't accept that death is real and final, and must make up some "afterlife" that aren't coping with death.

    You want bravado? Try washing your girlfriend's blood and cerebral fluid from your hands after watching her die in the street before the ambulance could arrive. I've got all the bravado and perspective on death I'll ever need, Internet tough guy.

  • January 23, 2008 6:51 PM CST

    These Ledger talkbacks...

    by DocPazuzu

    ...have truly been disgusting - perhaps a new all-time low for talkbackdom.

    I don't know which group sucks the most. Is it the attention-whoring cretins who try to be as offensive as possible simply to piss as many people off as they can? Is it the empathy-deficient moral guardians going for the cheap points in order to elevate themselves? Or is it possibly the chronic relativists who habitually present something which is always bigger, worse or more tragic in order to undermine the empathy of others and give themselves an excuse to not care about anything? The latter group is particularly odious as they will say things amounting to "Why feel bad for Ledger when hundreds of thousands of people die every day" and in the process trivialize and cheapen the deaths of those very same hundreds of thousands in order to "win" an internet argument and make themselves feel better about not giving a shit about anything.

    Ah, who am I kidding - you all fucking suck.

  • January 23, 2008 6:55 PM CST

    Joseph Gordon-Lovett

    by Drath

    He looks a hell of a lot like Ledger. He's not as physically imposing as Ledger I suppose, but work with a personal trainer could probably solve that, There were times I confused him for Ledger in Brick. He'd probably be very good as a replacement for Ledger if the Joker returns in future Batman movies. I don't know at all about him in Gilliam's film though since right now Lovett is still clearly younger than Ledger, but he's quickly developing into just as good an actor. It's a shame they never played brothers actually (and too bad they only acted off each other in the light-weight 10 Things I Hate About You).

  • January 23, 2008 7:00 PM CST

    Doc, you think it's uglier than the Bob Clark death TB

    by Puddleglum

    with the illegal immigrant drunk driver, and all. That one got pretty stank, but you may have a winner for 2008 here.

  • January 23, 2008 7:26 PM CST

    Joseph Gordon-Lovett

    by tme2nsb

    from 3rd Rock? Don't you know Ledger is faking his own death for publicity?

  • January 23, 2008 8:00 PM CST

    I just wish the media would leave him alone

    by Silverglade

    Where I work there is FOX News on all day whether we like it or not. And they seem to think they are stirring up the next Anna Nicole Smith hot mystery story to intrigue and grab viewers by talking it up with conspiracy theories and the like. I just wish they would leave Heath and his family alone. As an aside, TDK will mean much more to me now knowing first how impressed the insiders are with his performance but also for me personally knowing it was his last finished work and that he put so much of himself into it to make it right. I am really sorry we lost Heath Ledger.

  • January 23, 2008 9:04 PM CST

    Joker

    by Cowboy Bert

    Well, I didn't know the guy, but it is sad just like it is when every other person in the world dies. It's our big obsession with celebrity that makes us take things like this so personally. I personally am glad he finished Dark Knight because I've been waiting for it for a year.

  • January 23, 2008 9:15 PM CST

    Cowboy Bert

    by tonytodd

    "It's our big obsession with celebrity that makes us take things like this so personally." EXACTLY!!! That gets to the crux of this talkback. IMO, all the sadness from the moral-police-Heath-Lovers isn't because they knew him, or had a relationship with him, or because he affected their lives, or any type of legitimate reason you'd feel so strongly over someones death. It's because their losers who live in movie/celebrity/AICN Lalaland who can't seperate that from reality. That's why they think they're so sad. In reality, the only way this guy affected you was with his "rivetting" performances in 10 things, The Patriot, Knight's Tale, and soon Batman. His work is the only thing thing affects most of us here, whether you want to accept that reality or not. None of you are gonna "miss" Heath; you never knew him. You are gonna miss having the same actor for Batman Begins 3 as the Joker and thats about it.

  • January 23, 2008 9:38 PM CST

    Heath in I'm Not There

    by solomonkane

    If you haven't seen this by all means you must! Another great performance by the man. Christian Bale is in there too btw.

  • January 23, 2008 10:03 PM CST

    people who say that heaths joker voice was

    by crazy4dragons13

    dead on should realize that the original joker was printed on paper and so were all his words, theirs no true voice of the joker just interpretations. i dont know i heard some people make this accusation.

  • January 23, 2008 10:36 PM CST

    His voice was perfect

    by tme2nsb

    As in a maniacal psychopathic mass murder clown face.

  • January 23, 2008 10:39 PM CST

    ah

    by crazy4dragons13

  • January 23, 2008 11:14 PM CST

    Thank you

    by jokrysu

    As sad as it is, it's good to know that his work was completed on Dark Knight at least. Small consolation, but thanks for letting people know.

  • January 24, 2008 12:17 AM CST

    Call me a cold hearted bitch...

    by Madame_Silky

    but I don't feel TOO bad when celebrities dye. Why should I? Just cause they where well known doesn't make them different from everyone else. If I cried for everyone who died I would be a fucking waterfall. I was actually more worried about the long awaited movie then an actors drug induced death

  • January 24, 2008 12:17 AM CST

    Die

    by Madame_Silky

    they don't change colors...

  • January 24, 2008 1:09 AM CST

    ArcadianDS

    by messi

    Nothing like I usually am.

  • January 24, 2008 1:10 AM CST

    crazy4dragons13

    by messi

    because it's the voice we hear in our heads when we read the books and imagine a more adult version.

  • January 24, 2008 1:12 AM CST

    DocPazuzu

    by messi

    Except me. I rule. because I agree with you. we all know aicn has some of the lowest scum of humanity through type in this planet. but some shit here is fucked up. where's the compassion and logic?

  • January 24, 2008 1:16 AM CST

    The Dark Knight was too good to be true, very sad

    by zooch

    Everything was going right for this film. From the marketing, to the posters, to the imax prologue, and the trailer, everything indicated this was going to be the perfect Batman film. And it could still be, but unfortunately many people are going to see it very differently now, their will no doubt be a twinge of sadness in air. Still very much looking forward to it though.

  • January 24, 2008 3:13 AM CST

    Douchebag complainers...

    by Executor

    When is the appropriate time to talk about Heath's upcoming movies? Should we wait a day? A week? Never? It's not like we're crank calling his mom and asking her...this is a movie news website.

    Get a grip. It's not that anyone doesn't think his death is tragic. (In fact, every death is tragic, so people saying "it's a tragedy"...it's kind of redundant.) But those asking for a moratorium on Heath movie news and chiding us for wanting info are moronic fucking douchebags.

  • January 24, 2008 6:00 AM CST

    Pathetic

    by Lost Jarv

    I agree with the doc.

    A fucking vile performance for AICN.

    Obits/ remembrance TB's should be one RIP post and then you fuck off to argue elsewhere. You shouldn't post thousands of combatitve sentences to try to either out cynic or out mourn everyone else.

    A new low.

  • January 24, 2008 6:26 AM CST

    WTF did Jack Nicolson mean..

    by Stalkeye

    when asked about ledger's role as the new Joker, He said ( in a cryptic tone) "I warned him".

    Does that refer to the stress of playing a fictional homicidal comic character or the meds?

    I'm slightly curious how Heath's Joker will measure up to Jack's whose performance was the best thing about 1989's Batman.

    What's fucked up is TDK's box office results will be shot through the roof due to ppl having a morbid curiosity of Ledger's last finished role.

  • January 24, 2008 7:54 AM CST

    AICN Cares....

    by DarfurOnTheRocks

    They do.... I just wonder how profound is AICN caring when Harry is about to crap himself with joy from the new Rambo feature. But like any good soldier he has compartmentalized his feelings for Heath....

  • January 24, 2008 8:22 AM CST

    Stalkeye

    by messi

    he warned him about taking ambien and sleeping pills.

  • January 24, 2008 8:34 AM CST

    Nicholson back for third?

    by Olee Starstone

    He wants it. I say let him have it.

  • January 24, 2008 9:54 AM CST

    Imaginarium of Dr Parnassus

    by Steve_Dooku

    While it would be unprecedented, would it be that hard to just recast his part, leaving his work in the film and changing the actor for what remains? The audience already knows he died and couldn't possibly finish the film. It is, afterall, a movie and not real.

    It's not too much to ask the audience to suspend their belief an extra time in memory of the actor.

    I think it'd be a bold move.

  • January 24, 2008 10:24 AM CST

    Dooku, it would be too much to ask

    by Bobo_Vision

    It has been done before, like with Bruce Lee in "Game of Death". It was worth it just so that the movie could be released to see the final fight scenes with Bruce Lee, but all the other scenes were unwatchable. While Ledger is a good actor, such a move would not be the same because people going to see Imaginarium would be going to see the movie and not Ledger, unlike those going to see a Bruce Lee film. So the switch in casting would be too jarring, unless it was worked into the script somehow in some surreal manner.

  • January 24, 2008 10:41 AM CST

    too bad...

    by Steve_Dooku

    The re-editing they did for Brainstorm didn't really work. They totally recast Eric Stoltz in BTTF and re-filmed all his scenes. Then there's Brandon Lee in the Crow....

    Ah well....

  • January 24, 2008 11:40 AM CST

    in fairness

    by mrbong

    AICN is just reporting film news here, which is what they do. Harry & Co are just as saddened by the loss of Heath as the rest of us (less the cynical who for some reason did not appreciate his work), but if they didn't comment on the status of TDK, they wouldn't be reporting on the subject of the site and the subject they love - cinema. give them a break, chaps.

  • January 24, 2008 11:54 AM CST

    Please no Cardboard cutout of Heath....

    by DarfurOnTheRocks

    They did that for Bruce Lee in GoD.

  • January 24, 2008 3:00 PM CST

    stalkeye

    by TheAllSeeingEye

    I don't think Jack meant anything by it, infact, i don't think he gave a fuck and was saying it for a laugh because he started smirking like a jackass immediately after his "i warned him comment".

  • January 24, 2008 3:09 PM CST

    Jack Warned Me about Taking Drugs....

    by DarfurOnTheRocks

    He pulled down his shades and told me that the FDA was reexamining the effects of Celebrex. Thanks Jack!

  • January 25, 2008 11:37 AM CST

    Why So Posthumous?

    by henrydalton

    zing.

  • January 25, 2008 9:44 PM CST

    re: dizzywhip

    by thejflo

    Whats the difference between changing actors for The Joker if for Rachel Dawes? Are you serious (don't dare make a pun out of that)? THE JOKER is THE archenemy of Batman. He is an important character. Anyway, this is my first comment here. What an interesting talkback. My piece will seem redundant by now, but rest in peace Heath Ledger. Every time I see this story its like seeing it for the first time.