waltz joker

The reboot for Batman – set to hit theaters in either 2016 or 2017 depending on what rumors you believe – is going to the most anticipated reboot in cinema history. Why you ask? Because it’s restarting a franchise that’s recently been recognized as one of the greatest film trilogies ever made.

The Dark Knight Trilogy, as a whole, is on par with the Godfather Trilogy and the Star Wars Episodes IV through VI. And that’s because Christopher Nolan did a great job developing Bruce Wayne. His films took a deep look into the man behind the mask. The psychology of Bruce was taken heavily taken into account.

But another aspect that Nolan utilized masterfully was the villians. Whether it’s the daunting allure of Ra’s Al Ghul, the anarchistic madness of The Joker, or the ruthless but militaristic brilliance of Bane, Nolan’s villains were, essentially, what made the trilogy great. As cliché as it sounds, a hero is only as it good as its villain. The reboot must include villains that haven’t been addressed yet in film or whom haven’t been addressed properly in film.

Additionally, the actors who portray these roles have to be decent. Liam Neeson is Ra’s Al Ghul. He had the look, demeanor and attitude of the leader of the League of Shadows. Heath Ledger created a Joker has already impacted other cinema villains today. Tom Hardy as Bane was absolutely brilliant. Being able to act and evoke such raw emotion with only your eyes is an achievement.

This reboot needs that same acting prowess and ability. Here is my list for 10 essential villains for the Batman reboot and who should play them (within the contents of a trilogy).

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