The Dark Knight was probably the best movie I saw this year (other than, maybe, The Wrestler, which I highly recommend), so I trust the people running the movies to some degree. But Eddie Murphy being cast as the Riddler for the new film? That’s a stretch.

EDDIE Murphy is reportedly set to play The Riddler in the next Batman movie, ending speculation Johnny Depp was in line for the role.

UK’s The Sun reports the actor and comedian has been signed on by Christopher Nolan, with the film rumoured to be scheduled for a 2010 release.

Murphy would reprise the role played by Jim Carrey in 1995’s Batman Forever.

Nolan had been tight-lipped about the future of the Batman films after the death of The Dark Knight star, Health Ledger.

A film insider told The Sun “Chris wasn’t sure if he wanted to do another movie but as soon as he decided to, he got the wheels in motion.

“Eddie’s a fantastic addition. Everyone’s excited to see what he does as the Riddler.”

Shia LeBeouf is reportedly said to have signed up to play Robin, while Christian Bale will return as Bruce Wayne as will Michael Caine in the role of Bruce’s assistant Alfred.

I think it’s pretty safe to call bullshit on this one since the people behind the film have said they haven’t even begun working on a concept, but people on the Internet seem to be getting up in arms over this already. Let’s say, hypothetically, this were legitimate news. The Shia LeBeouf thing would be retarded, but Eddie Murphy could be solid. In multiple ways really. If they decide to turn Batman into a movie about various silly characters farting in fat suits, then you’ve found your guy. But also, if you want to have the Riddler as some sort of twisted guy who does comedy but seems to be heavily tormented and who loves the company of transvestites, then, well, Eddie Murphy doesn’t appear to be much of a stretch.

I seriously hope there’s someone on the Internet right now doing one of those “Eddie Murphy aaaaand…EDDIE MURPHY!” trailers for a potential Batman movie. Don’t let me down Internet. Not like the time I did a search for “teen camera phone sexting pics” and found nothing. Sigh. What a waste of seven weeks.

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