Move over Jim Carrey - Eddie Murphy has been tapped to play the role of the Joker in the next Batman film after seasoned actor Johnny Depp turned down the role.The film, set for a 2010 release, will also include Transformers star Shia LaBeouf, 22, playing Robin. Christian Bale will return as Bruce Wayne, while Michael Caine will play Alfred.
British actress Rachel Weisz has been cast in the Catwoman role.
Director Chris Nolan had been unsure about the future of the Batman films after the January death of Heath Ledger who is set to receive a posthumous Oscar for his role as The Joker in Batman Returns.
Murphy is enjoying somewhat of a comeback these days after several years out of the movie making business. He has just completed "NowhereLand" due next June about a financial executive who can't stop his career spiral and is invited into his daughter's imaginary world, where solutions to his problems await.
Also due in 2010 is "Shrek Goes Fourth" with funnyman Mike Meyers, Cameron Diaz and Antonio Banderas about the further adventures of the giant green ogre, Shrek, living in the land of Far, Far Away.
Currently in production is "The Incredible Shrinking Man" also due in 2010, an updated version of the best-selling novel and blockbuster movie, it tells the story of Scott Carey who shrinks to an incredible small size and must face the danger that he runs into.
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