Rumors are everywhere right now. And one of the most talked about ones recently has been the possibility of Joseph Gordon-Levitt re-teaming with director Christopher Nolan on The Dark Knight Rises. No I have to openly admit, I don't really want to be writing this piece just because my belief is that this rumor is almost definitely a rumor, and is going to stay a rumor. And even if it ends up being true, I have no idea what role would fit Gordon-Levitt, that isn't the Riddler. And as we know, Nolan has already gone on record as stating that the Riddler will not appear in The Dark Knight Rises. So what I am going to do is run through some possible characters that Gordon-Levitt could be playing and how the role might fit. Again, take what's written here with a grain of salt.
Possible Characters:
Alberto Falcone
Alberto Falcone at this stage in the game seems like the most logical and believable character that could be portrayed by Gordon-Levitt. Why? Well, personally, I think the heavy-hitting villains have already been announced and Falcone is a character that would probably have a role similar to that of Carmine Falcone in Batman Begins, portrayed by Tom Wilkinson. Alberto is Carmine's son, and Alberto is a character that only the comic book readers would be familiar with. Meaning, Warner Bros. isn't going to hold a grand press release to announce that Alberto Falcone is starring in the film. I don't feel that Gordon-Levitt is Class-A Hollywood talent yet, and I think this would be a fitting role for him in this film. Alberto could now be in control of the Falcone crime family, after Maroni blew it in The Dark Knight, portrayed by Eric Roberts. I think there is also ways to connect Falcone with Bane in the storyline, which would make good use of the character. The character is not at the center of the film, but still plays an important role in the overall story. Not to mention that it's a character that fits Gordon-Levitt's physical attributes as well.
Harvey Bullock
Here's my thoughts on Bullock in this film, if he were to appear. Gordon-Levitt could play a younger, more ambitious Bullock, who is in much better shape. Yes, this would be a drastic change in the Harvey Bullock characterization that we as comic readers and TV goers have come to know and love, but it could work. With Gotham City now opposing the Batman's efforts more then ever, Commissioner Gordon is no alone. I think Bullock could be brought in as a way to give a voice to all those who oppose the Batman, or vice-versa. Meaning, maybe Bullock wants to help Gordon and Batman in the fight to rid the city of crime. Either way, I think it is also a role that would be very fitting for Gordon-Levitt.
Deadshot
I think this stretching it a bit. I think Deadshot could work in this film, maybe as someone who could assist Bane or the Mob in there attempts to see Batman "sleep with the fishes". I personally would say, "Probably Not.", but this is a character that could work. Deadshot could also be a character who briefly appears in the opening act of the film, maybe as an example of assassins that have been brought into the city to stop the Batman. I’ve read that Deadshot is comparable to Clint Eastwood’s Man with No Name character from the brilliant Sergio Leone westerns, a comparison that I couldn’t find more fitting. The great thing about Deadshot’s character is an explanation isn’t needed. And this is another role that I think Gordon-Levitt could play pretty well. Floyd Lawton, has historically, not been too complex of a character.
There are the three choices that I see as "most likely". Yes, there have been hundreds of rumors with the belief that Gordon-Levitt will play Robin/ Dick Grayson/ Nightwing, and I say "No." to those rumors. Others believe that other possibilities are, "The Joker", "The Riddler", "Hush", and "Black Mask". About the first two, hey last time I checked, Nolan said that both those characters were out of the film. And honestly, I don't think Nolan would just change his mind because Gordon-Levitt wants to be in the movie. Hush and Black Mask are way too complex to have in minor roles. And frankly, if they were in minor roles, you would be doing a great disservice to both characters. I think that whoever Gordon-Levitt plays in this film, IF he ends up in this film, will be more of a minor character like the three mentioned above, or maybe a new Gotham City District Attorney, an idea I've seen mentioned that I could also get behind. Either way, if he joins the film, it would be a nice addition to an already terrific cast.
Posted by Zach
