Filmstalker: Ledger out and Hoffman Penguin in?

According to reports today Heath Ledger has not signed for the Batman Begins sequel and is in fact proving reluctant to do so, further rumour is that an appropriate actor for Penguin is being sought.

From Batman on Film through Jo Blo comes the rumour from their trusted source:

...while an offer has been made to Heath Ledger, Ledger has not signed any deal, and is reluctant to do so (at the moment.) Ledger is not a lock...
...I can confirm that an offer has been made to Phillip Seymour Hoffman for the role. Yet Hoffman has indicated that he may not get involved in the sequel.

...the role refers to that of the Pengiun, a rumour that BoF had been touting for a while and which the source has now confirmed, as much as secret sources can that is! Further rumour has the character as a British arms dealer in Gotham.

I'm unaffected by the news Ledger isn't so keen, as for Hoffman as the Penguin, well it would be a much more mature take on the character than we've seen in the past.

What do you feel about Hoffman as Penguin? Another off the wall choice with the Ledger-Joker story, or something a bit more grounded?

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Ah yes, now that's more like it! I'd love it if Hoffman took this role. With the exception of Ledger (if he does sign on the dotted line), this cast is shaping up rather nicely.

Posted by: Jayne | July 31, 2006 8:01 PM

I heard this long ago and was all in favour of the move. Hoffman seemed to have a lot of fun with his role in Mission: Impossible III, so I would very much like to see him as The Penguin.

Batman Begins was firmly grounded in "reality", and I think a more serious, non-umbrella wielding, "wah-wah-wah" screeching portrayal of The Penguin would greatly benefit the sequel.

Is it impossible to fathom a "Penguin" who is merely a gangster with said nickname? Perhaps a limp which causes him to resemble a penguin while he walks would be adequite enough to give them that handle (or a different trait)?

When I heard the Hoffman rumors before, it was in relation to The Penguin being an arms dealer in Gotham. Once again, firmly grounded within the real world.

I'd love to see this, perhaps with The Joker being in "partnership" with The Penguin yet with very minimal screen time. As I've said countless times, have The Joker there, but not the focus of the movie. Plus it would add to the buildup between Batman and The Joker before the climax of #3.

I should work for WB.

Posted by: spidey1703 | July 31, 2006 8:23 PM

I'd watch anything with Hoffman in it!

Posted by: Simone | July 31, 2006 8:24 PM

Since Hoffman rules and can do anything, I think this is a great choice. He's one of the most under-rated actors in Hollywood. I've always said that until he was finally recognized for his Capote role last year. Even in suck movies, his character is always awesome (ahem, Twister). He was amazing in Almost Famous, Boogie Nights, Owning Mahoney and several others. He's te man and will be a great penguin.

~Drewbacca
MoviePatron.com

Posted by: Drewbacca | July 31, 2006 9:02 PM

Drewbacca, I kinda liked Twister actually.

I started to notice Hoffman's brilliance in "Scent of a Woman." ;D

Posted by: Simone | July 31, 2006 11:11 PM