12 Most Notorious Batman Urban Legends

1. Playing The Joker Killed Heath Ledger

Verdict: Untrue.

According to the narrative that swirled around Heath Ledger's death - particularly thanks to the revelation of his personal "Joker diary" - his experience shooting The Dark Knight caused him permanent mental trauma. He was left with insomnia after channelling his dark side too closely and required sleeping pils to help him get any sleep.

That was pointed out as the "reason" for his death, adding a mythology to his performance that arguably makes it even more astonishing.

But his sister says it's untrue, speaking to The Daily Telegraph as documentary I Am Heath Ledger was on the verge of premiering.

“I spoke to him the night before (he died) and we were laughing and joking... He was so proud of what he had done in Batman. And I know he had plans for another Batman. He loved working with Chris Nolan and Christian Bale and Gary Oldman. He just had the best time ever doing that film. When he came home at Christmas he couldn’t wait to tell us all about it and he was doing the voice and laughing, showing me all the rushes. We had a great time.”

She denies that he died because of the role, even as Jack Nicholson revealed that he allegedly "warned" Ledger about using Ambien after he almost drove off a cliff while using them himself.

What other urban legends belong on this list? Share your favourites below in the comments thread.