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We previously reported (back in June) there was strong speculation that actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt may be director Christopher Nolan’s leading choice to be The Riddler in the next Batman movie… a sequel which has some big shoes to fill after the overwhelming success of THE DARK KNIGHT. The actor was excellent in Nolan’s INCEPTION, and the rumors were apparently born out of his impressive performance in that film. Now there a new rumor, and at the heart of this one lies none other that Edward Norton.
We know that in addition to Chris Nolan returning to directing chores for the third Batman outing, writers David S. Goyer and Jonathan Nolan, along with lead actor Christian Bale. Nolan also recently made it clear The Joker would not return, and therefore would not be recast. But aside from that and an announced June 2012 release date, not much (if anything) is known about the third Bat-film from the Nolan camp. There’s been speculation on actors who might play The Riddler (including names like Dane Cook and Johnny Depp), possible choices for The Penguin (including Philip Seymour Hoffman and Bob Hoskins), and even potential Catwoman actresses (including Sienna Miller and Angelina Jolie), but nothing beyond rumors.
In a recent IGN interview for his new movie STONE, Norton talked about his former comic book effort as Bruce Banner in THE INCREDIBLE HULK, saying he loved playing the character and has no hard feelings over Marvel’s decision to cast Mark Ruffalo as Hulk in THE AVENGERS.
“I think I said everything I want to say in the one thing I put out about that. It was a great privilege to do it, and I couldn’t be more appreciative of everybody’s support and positivity towards that because I love those films too. And I hate it when they miss. I hate it when they miss on one – it seems like such a wasted opportunity. But the truth is I’m probably more naturally interested in doing something that I haven’t done. I have only good thoughts towards that though.”
Norton went on to say that he’s far from turned off toward superhero movies, and added the following about Christopher Nolan:
“Chris Nolan’s making the best ones out there by far. I’d do one with him. He’s set a new bar for sure, and I think he’s done a great, great job.”
When they asked if he’d be up for playing a villain in the third Batman movie, Norton stated:
“That would be fun, I would not say no to that.”
And finally, when asked specifically if he’d like to play The Riddler, it’s stated Norton simply smiled and said:
“Your guys can put their votes in on that.”
Now I gotta tell ya, I think casting Edward Norton as The Riddler would be all kinds of awesome. I loved the idea of Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and if that ends up happening, I’m still fine with it. But remember how awesome Norton was in PRIMAL FEAR? Or FIGHT CLUB? Or heck, half the movies he’s rocked in?!? The idea of Norton facing of with Bale is a really nice one if ya ask me. Plus it’s kind of funny that he’d be coming from playing Marvel’s biggest hero associated with the color of green, to DC’s biggest villain associated with the color of green. What do you think? Would Edward Norton as The Riddler be just what the Batman franchise needs? Let us know in the comments.
Born and raised in Dallas, Mark has been a movie critic since 1994, with reviews featured in print, radio and National TV. In 2001 he started the Entertainment section of the Herorealm website, where he contributed film reviews and celebrity interviews until 2004. After three years of service there, he started Bigfanboy.com, which has become one of the Dallas film community's leading information websites. Bigfanboy hosts several movie screenings in the Texas area, and works closely with film and TV studios and promotional partners to host exciting events and contests. The site also features a variety of rare celebrity and filmmaker interviews, and Bigfanboy.com regularly covers the film festival circuit as well. In addition to Hollywood reporting, Mark has worked for many years as an advertising and sci-fi/comic book artist. Clients have included Lucasfilm Ltd., Topps Trading Cards, The Dallas Mavericks and The Dallas Stars. From 2002 until 2015 he managed the Dallas Comic Con, Sci-Fi Expo and Fan Days events in the DFW area. He currently catalogs rare comic books and movie memorabilia for Heritage Auctions, and runs the Dallas Comic Show conventions, but remains an avid moviegoer and cinema buff. 
Edward Norton would be unbelievable as The Riddler. He’s proved how adaptable he is, for instance he goes from a big buff guy with these massive ideas on the ethnic groups in America in American History X, to this kind of patheticguy in Fight Club who has to make an alter ego based on what kind of person he wants to be. I love Ed Norton when he plays the ‘bad guy’and he definitely takes it to new extremes. To go from the Hulk to the Riddler would be like an other day at the office for Norton! It would be totally awesome!!! Fingers crossed!