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Christopher Nolan: 4 facts you didn’t know about The Dark Knight Rises

By Joe Anthony Myrick

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 22: A Bane costume from the 2012 Dark Knight Rises film worn by Tom Hardy and designed by Lindy Hemming is on display at the DC Comics Exhibition: Dawn Of Super Heroes at the O2 Arena on February 22, 2018 in London, England. The exhibition, which opens on February 23rd, features 45 original costumes, models and props used in DC Comics productions including the Batman, Wonder Woman and Superman films. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 22: A Bane costume from the 2012 Dark Knight Rises film worn by Tom Hardy and designed by Lindy Hemming is on display at the DC Comics Exhibition: Dawn Of Super Heroes at the O2 Arena on February 22, 2018 in London, England. The exhibition, which opens on February 23rd, features 45 original costumes, models and props used in DC Comics productions including the Batman, Wonder Woman and Superman films. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) /
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The Dark Knight Rises, Joker, Christopher Nolan
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 22: A clown mask worn by actor Heath Ledger in the 2008 film The Dark Knight is on display at the DC Comics Exhibition: Dawn Of Super Heroes at the O2 Arena on February 22, 2018 in London, England. The exhibition, which opens on February 23rd, features 45 original costumes, models and props used in DC Comics productions including the Batman, Wonder Woman and Superman films. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) /

Heath Ledger Almost Had A Digital Cameo

Heath Ledger’s passing right before the release of The Dark Knight was undoubtedly a tragic loss.  He was able to leave behind an Oscar-winning – and quite frankly unforgettable – portrayal of The Joker. It’s a real shame that he never got to see the praise he deservedly received for the role because he redefined everything about the legendary character. And because of that, so many have often wondered if he would have reprised his role in the sequel had he not tragically passed away.

Interestingly enough, Christopher Nolan did still consider having Ledger make a posthumous appearance in The Dark Knight Rises. Early into production for the third film, ideas were tossed around for Ledger’s Clown Prince of Crime, however brief, to have a cameo of some sort by using unused Joker scenes from the previous movie and CGI of Ledger’s face imposed on someone else’s body.

Ultimately, out of respect for Heath Ledger, Nolan decided against this idea. That same level of respect is reason why there is absolutely no mention of The Joker in The Dark Knight Rises.

It’s hard not to think about what the movie would have looked like if The Joker was referenced in some form or another. Nonetheless, it’s completely understandable that Nolan chose not to digitally feature him.

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