Who could play the Riddler in a future Batman film?

[mrphantasm]

I'd love to see the Riddler as a villain in the next Batman film. Who do you think would be good to play him? I'm thinking someone totally on the edge, like Brad Dourif. Hopefully the days of wacky Jim Carrey and Frank Gorshin are finally gone.
Or maybe there could even be a female Riddler? Played by Angela Bettis, perhaps?

[metalhead_dave743]

The best portrayl of the Riddler was in B:TAS. So we need a young looking educated snobbish type with a dry sense of humour. Give it to Depp.

[Miss J.]

I'm still sticking true to Rik Mayall circa Drop Dead Fred. I think he would be an excellent mix of dork/goofy/creepy if he played it right. Though that doesn't help for a modern-day Riddler...I remember hearing Hugh Laurie and he might be cool. Although I'm thinking Dennis Leary for some reason...

[Mojorisin]

Hugh Laurie would be absolutely amazing.

[Wind-Breaker]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8f/David_Hyde_Pierce_at_47th_Emmy_Awards.jpg/220px-David_Hyde_Pierce_at_47th_Emmy_Awards.jpg

Well there are some rumors of David Hyde Pierce in consideration for the role, and in my mind there couldn't be a better casting choice. From a physical and personality standpoint he fits the character like a glove.

[carabas]

Most of these seem much too old. How about James Callis (aka Gaius Baltar on New Galactica).

[rwe1138]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8f/David_Hyde_Pierce_at_47th_Emmy_Awards.jpg/220px-David_Hyde_Pierce_at_47th_Emmy_Awards.jpg

Well there are some rumors of David Hyde Pierce in consideration for the role, and in my mind there couldn't be a better casting choice. From a physical and personality standpoint he fits the character like a glove.

I fully support this idea.

[Miss J.]

Most of these seem much too old. How about James Callis (aka Gaius Baltar on New Galactica).

Maybe they're a bit too old, but really, how old is Riddler when he gets going? Most of these guys we have to assume were somewhere in their 30's or so. I think with modern technology, David Hyde Pierce could easily appear to be in his 30's and would seriously RAWK as the Riddler.

I also support this. He's about to rock..and I salute him!

[MythicBrawn]

Whoever they get, he needs to be updated for the big screen. The domino mask wouldn't be necessary since everyone knows who he is. He would have to work the question mark into his costume motif. Questions marks on his jacket would be too much like that idiot on TV talking about how he can get you money from the government.

[marvelfan06]

Well, since the Riddler is big on gadgets, they should give the role to Carrot Top, the king of prop comedy!

...Okay, just kidding, interesting as that would be. I actually liked the Jim Carrey Riddler. He really put a fun emphasis on Riddler's eccentric side. But while it might be fun to see him take the role again, I think I'd like to see a new Riddler. (And a more serious side to the character is probably needed in this franchise.) While trying to picture people in the role Steve Carroll crossed my mind, and it actually seemed liked it could work. He could be good at playing both Riddler's serious side and crazier side, but in a calmer sort of way. He's played a crooked character before, and, while I don't know if he could do a good job on this type of crooked character, it might just be fun to see his spin on it. On the other hand, this could be completly off from the type of character he'd be ready to play.

Really, I have to agree with the points on Johnny Depp. With all the characters he's portrayed so far, I couldn't wait to see him do Riddler if he got the part. So far, he seems like the best choice suggested.

David Spade actually crossed my mind too. The sarcastic, insulting character he's portrayed might fit the part. However, while his squirrely boy look might fit the part too (although by "fit" I don't mean the best portrayl possible), the thought of him portraying an intelligent character is a little bit off.

[Mojorisin]

Well, since the Riddler is big on gadgets, they should give the role to Carrot Top, the king of prop comedy!

...Okay, just kidding, interesting as that would be. I actually liked the Jim Carrey Riddler. He really put a fun emphasis on Riddler's eccentric side. But while it might be fun to see him take the role again, I think I'd like to see a new Riddler. (And a more serious side to the character is probably needed in this franchise.) While trying to picture people in the role Steve Carroll crossed my mind, and it actually seemed liked it could work. He could be good at playing both Riddler's serious side and crazier side, but in a calmer sort of way. He's played a crooked character before, and, while I don't know if he could do a good job on this type of crooked character, it might just be fun to see his spin on it. On the other hand, this could be completly off from the type of character he'd be ready to play.

Really, I have to agree with the points on Johnny Depp. With all the characters he's portrayed so far, I couldn't wait to see him do Riddler if he got the part. So far, he seems like the best choice suggested.

David Spade actually crossed my mind too. The sarcastic, insulting character he's portrayed might fit the part. However, while his squirrely boy look might fit the part too (although by "fit" I don't mean the best portrayl possible), the thought of him portraying an intelligent character is a little bit off.


No offense, but I hope you never cast anything...ever.

:p

[jka12002]

what about the proposed Riddler that was going to be in Batman Forever:

http://www.fest21.com/files/images/Robin%20Williams.jpg

[BYC]

I think Ed Norton would be good. I personally prefer the extremely smart Riddler but without the lameness. I did like 60's TV Riddler, but it's so outdated at this point. I want Riddler to be smart, but troubled. Serious, but twisted. Maybe a bit obessed, which Norton seems to be good at. I like the Batman cartoon version of Riddler a lot. It's always been annoying to me that Riddler and Joker were so similar, except one used lame riddles as his gimmick (as in the 60's TV version).

[Wind-Breaker]

what about the proposed Riddler that was going to be in Batman Forever:

http://www.fest21.com/files/images/Robin%20Williams.jpg

He'd be a better Joker. Only Williams could capture the hyper insanity and complexity that is the Joker. Seriously if Robin Williams were an evil serial killer he'd be the Joker. I know some people that he'd play the character too "campy" but I think Williams could cover every aspect of character, instead of just one aspect or interpretation like most actors would. He could cover the scary side (One Hour Photo/Insomia), humorous/charming side (any comedy Williams has been in), and even the tragic side of the character (Jakob the Liar). I know this is Riddler thread, but I had to get that off my chest, when some fans were whining about Williams being considered for the role of the Joker it was pretty annoying to me.

[Miss J.]

I actually liked the Jim Carrey Riddler.

You mean Joker/Riddler who spent the whole movie laughing and making jokes with Joker/Two-Face?

Actually saw a pic of Ryan Reynolds and thought he might bring a captivating sort of charisma to the character. You know. Take the dopey sensibility out of him.

[jka12002]

You mean Joker/Riddler who spent the whole movie laughing and making jokes with Joker/Two-Face?

Actually saw a pic of Ryan Reynolds and thought he might bring a captivating sort of charisma to the character. You know. Take the dopey sensibility out of him.

does anyone think that the Mad hatter should be the riddler's sidekick in a future movie

[Miss J.]

does anyone think that the Mad hatter should be the riddler's sidekick in a future movie

God no. Their MO's are completely on opposite spectrums. Riddler's all about intelligent and (seemingly) sophisticated riddles encompassing not-so-great capers. Usually the riddle is the point. Not necessarily the crime.

Hatter's a pedophile who kidnaps little girls and dresses them up like Alice and utilizes mind control to get what he wants as long as it's in the scheme of the Wonderland and it's characters.

They'd spend so much time arguing about whether they were going to do a Wonderland theme or leave a riddle it would turn into an argument every time. Neither would want to give up being the best. That's every villains' problem when they team up. No one wants to relinquish power to the other and have them get the glory.

Although Tallyman and Two-Face in NML seemed to work ok. But Tallyman is sort of a second-rate villain. Especially to Two-Face's awesomeness.

[Chad]

I want Riddler to be smart, but troubled. Serious, but twisted. Maybe a bit obessed, which Norton seems to be good at. I like the Batman cartoon version of Riddler a lot. It's always been annoying to me that Riddler and Joker were so similar, except one used lame riddles as his gimmick.

I'd like to see the Riddler be a master strategist, figure out all the angles, all the ways the police/Batman would try to foil whatever he plans, have counter attacks in place to neutralize them, be absolutely obsessive enough that he has to leave clues but at the same time be overseeing the entire crime on a bank of computers while playing out dozens of scenarios in his head and relaying info to his gang - pretty much the anti-Batman in everything but fighting skill.

This is strange since I'm not really a Sopranos fan, but what about Joe Pantoliano? The guy who plays Ralph Cifaretto? Neurotic enough to have to recheck every detail, analyze every possible scenario, troubled enough to leave clues.

There's no point in making him a second rate Joker, so why not this?

[marvelfan06]

No offense, but I hope you never cast anything...ever.

:p

Now hold on a second. In case you misunderstood, Carrot Top was a joke, David Spade I said crossed my mind but decided (quickly I might add) it wouldn't work, and Steve Caroll was just a thought that I could picture working but also picture failing. You didn't slam the guy who said "give it to Depp", who I agreed was the best choice mentioned. So where's this jab coming from?

[ChairthrowerLad]

Hugh Laurie would be absolutely amazing.

I agree...

I think Ed Norton would be good.

I agree with this aswell...

[Kirayoshi]

I'd go with James Woods. He can play cold and calculating, the kind who can analyze every facet of whatever crimes he commits, and at the same time can play humorous villany(Hades in Disney's Hercules).

[Miss J.]

I'd go with James Woods.

Sir, I am following behind you with loyalty flags blazing. Maybe a little aged, but I think we can let that slide.

What about James Spader? He was excellent in Two Days in the Valley. Totally calculating and yet quirky...

[metalhead_dave743]

Whoever they get, he needs to be updated for the big screen. The domino mask wouldn't be necessary since everyone knows who he is. He would have to work the question mark into his costume motif. Questions marks on his jacket would be too much like that idiot on TV talking about how he can get you money from the government.

Green Jacket, green hat with black question mark on it. Black shirt and black tie with green question mark on it. Maybe have a black question mark on the back on his jacket too. Nothing too crazy.

Instead of the mask, use Sun Glasses like Riddler has been using on Detective for awhile.

[nepenthes]

http://www.vh1.com/sitewide/flipbooks/img/movies/people/d/dano_paul/73057158_10.jpg

Is this guy not perfect? I don't think he got nearly the recognition he deserves for There Will Be Blood though I guess acting across Daniel Day Lewis tends to do that. Paul Dano. Even in Little Miss Sunshine it would've been a difficult role to play but in the end he was surprisingly impressive and convinving. Though to be fair, he was the only character I didn't want to stab in that movie.

[Splatt]

I'd go with James Woods.

On a date?

J/k.

I also give my vote to James Woods.

[Miss J.]

On a date?

Never. Nope. Nada.

but he'd make a good riddler. Whom I would also...not go out on a date with.

Not my kinda' villain...

[Rolltideguy77]

With a character like Riddler you have to be careful not to fall back into campy territory. I was fearful of this with Joker but from what I have seen Nolan and Ledger have done an awesome take on the character. As for Riddler, instead of the fey, loon in a bowler hat and bright green dropping silly riddles everywhere I would prefer to see him as a serial killer. A mastermind at riddles and games/strategy. Perhaps he figures out Batman's identity. Something similar to the bad guy in the movie Seven or Jigsaw in the Jigsaw movies. Keep the bowler hat just lose the bright green. My choice for playing would be Ed Norton. David Hyde Pierce and Robin Williams are both great actors but they up the campy quotient for me.

[brundlefly]

Were Kevin Spacey not already involved as Luthor in the Superman flicks, I think he would make a good Riddler. He'd bring a nice mix of smugness, sense of intellectual superiority, and dry humor to the role. David Patrick Kelly ("The Warriors," "Dreamscape") would be a great fit for the Riddler, too, since he can effectively juggle menace and humor. Both those guys are somewhat older than Bale, though, so if we're looking for someone closer to his age I'll second the previous nom for Battlestar's James Callis.

I would prefer to see Riddler far less campy than in Forver. This time more of an arrogant master-thief with a flair for the dramatic (no need to make him into a twisted psychotic or killer) who tips off the GPD and the media to his crimes beforehand with his riddles to make them more of an "event" and to show off how smart he is. Then Bats figures out his riddles/foils a few of his heists and Riddler gets dangerously obsessed with besting this new opponent who defeated him. Maybe pair up with a more physical villain (Freeze, Bane, etc) to do the heavy-lifting of confronting Batman while Riddler maps out the strategy, traps, and whatnot.

[Miss J.]

Perhaps he figures out Batman's identity.

I'd actually like to see a movie that plays up the theory they all know Batman's identity, but don't care. No one wants to fight Bruce Wayne. They want the Bat.

[infoghost]

I'd like to propose a motion that no one ever again suggest Robin Williams for any part in any future Batman film, ever.

I am not sure who I'd cast. I'm siding with more intelligent, less crazy. More calculating. To be honest, I am all for casting good lesser know actors, or actors who can blend into their parts so you don't see the previous stuff they did, much like, say...Gary Oldman does. The Nolan films are much different than the past, and to have some corny actor hamming it up just puts me back to the previous movies, and that's a place I don't want to be.

Let it be noted I have nothing against Robin Williams, I just do not want to see him in a Batman film.

EDIT: The more I think about it, the more I agree with whomever suggested Hugh Laurie.

[Rolltideguy77]

I'd actually like to see a movie that plays up the theory they all know Batman's identity, but don't care. No one wants to fight Bruce Wayne. They want the Bat.

That could be interesting. You're right, they don't care who is under the mask, they hate the Bat itself.

[havokeff]

I'd like to propose a motion that no one ever again suggest Robin Williams for any part in any future Batman film, ever.

He would make a good Hugo Strange, if he played him slightly straight.

[Earl of the RCs]

Yeah, I totally read the books always thinking that at elast a few of the smarter villains know Bats is Bruce, but dont care. Riddler diffinetly still knows and has just pretended not too (he's `cured' of his compulsion to tell the turth all the time these days).

But I digress... I'm still of the David Tennant (Dr. Who) as the Riddler persuasion; as long as Nolan stresses its the calculating sinister Riddler (Riddle Me That without the Metrosexual look) we want, not the zany Joker part II. He really can do menacing, without being pysically threaghtening, quite well, and seams about the right age/build against Bale.

(also I agree Riddler would need some muscle offsiders to work for a movie, cause Bats has to fight somebody, but It would be criminal to waste Bane- or Mr. Freeze- in that capacity. There are plenty of obscure Batman thugs they could use if all main antagonists must be from comics).

[carabas]

But I digress... I'm still of the David Tennant (Dr. Who) as the Riddler persuasion; as long as Nolan stresses its the calculating sinister Riddler (Riddle Me That without the Metrosexual look) we want, not the zany Joker part II. He really can do menacing, without being pysically threaghtening, quite well, and seams about the right age/build against Bale.Isn't the Joker supposed to be the menacing, sinister one, whereas the Riddler is more a comedy relief sort of villain?

[Miss J.]

Isn't the Joker supposed to be the menacing, sinister one, whereas the Riddler is more a comedy relief sort of villain?

I think all of the other villains sit at home at night and talk trash about him and Scarecrow.

[Earl of the RCs]

Well given that the Riddler (and Bane) are the only Batman villain's who actually, y'know, succeded in their plots before and beaten Batman at what they set out to do from start to finish I don't think the other villains are in much of a possition to say jack about Nigma. Riddler's a showman its true, and he very rarely kills, so the common man souldnt be afraid of him like they are Joker and what have you, but rich folk worried about their bank balances and stuff should be more afraid of Eddie than almost any of the others!

Similar thing with scarecrow, some writers and fans write him off as a joke just because he cant fight, but, sheesh, look at the real world; you dont have to be a bruiser to mess stuff up. Only a couple of real life serial killers have been physically imposing guys, and the worlds controlled by business men and politicains not warriors and martial artists.

[Miss J.]

Well given that the Riddler (and Bane) are the only Batman villain's who actually, y'know, succeded in their plots before and beaten Batman at what they set out to do from start to finish I don't think the other villains are in much of a possition to say jack about Nigma.

Maybe. But the Riddler hardly worries Batman like the Joker or Two-Face. Joker because he's completely unpredictable and Two-Face because he's always at odds with his other half and the second Batman thinks he's got a hold on the Harvey Dent half, Two-Face takes over and ruins it. The fact hardly any of his rogues have been successfully detained for long or rehabilitated means they've all won in their own ways. They're still out there...pissing him off.

Except for Riddler. He's currently NOT a criminal. He's a semi-legit albeit second rate detective. So he's no longer a nuisance. He's a sellout in his own way. Penguin sort of did it to. Which could insinuate (not that I am...but others could) that he can't quite hack it as a professional criminal.

[jka12002]

you know what , there is another actor who could play the Riddler perfectly:

http://images.eonline.com/eol_images/Profiles/20061002/244.lilard.matthew.092806.jpg

[brundlefly]

(also I agree Riddler would need some muscle offsiders to work for a movie, cause Bats has to fight somebody, but It would be criminal to waste Bane- or Mr. Freeze- in that capacity. There are plenty of obscure Batman thugs they could use if all main antagonists must be from comics).

I was just using them as examples of villains whose powers are more physical, and hence could actually fight Batman, as opposed to suggesting that they be portrayed as just Nigma's muscle. Bane suffered the "reduced to mindless henchman" role once already under Schumacher and I'd hate to see it happen to either him or Freeze. Just thinking that a "name" villain as his partner would be preferable to Nigma having a gang of faceless thug enforcers who aren't viewed as a match for Batman in a fight. Could go with Croc instead, who far better fits the role of 'employed muscle' than either Freeze or Bane.

[mattx110]

I think someone on this board mentioned this a year or two ago.

But Kevin Spacey is who I just see as Riddler. Who cares about Lex?

I guess maybe John Malkovich?

[carabas]

Just thinking that a "name" villain as his partner would be preferable to Nigma having a gang of faceless thug enforcers who aren't viewed as a match for Batman in a fight.They'd only be as faceles as the script wants. Give them a personality and they stop being faceles.
I always liked Query and Echo a lot. Give them some decent martial arts skills and a sword and you've got the perfect Riddler muscle IMO.

[brundlefly]

They'd only be as faceles as the script wants. Give them a personality and they stop being faceles.
I always liked Query and Echo a lot. Give them some decent martial arts skills and a sword and you've got the perfect Riddler muscle IMO.

Works for me; I like that idea. I had forgotten about Query & Echo, who would work well on-screen as Nigma's enforcers. My issue was not wanting yet another repeat of the tired, cliched "Batman dispatches identically-dressed faceless goon squad with little effort before moving on to confront the mastermind." A "name" bad guy as the enforcer would make those fight scenes more suspenseful, and the tag team of a formidable Query & Echo fits that bill.

[Alan2099]

...Okay, just kidding, interesting as that would be. I actually liked the Jim Carrey Riddler. He really put a fun emphasis on Riddler's eccentric side.
And Gorshin put the emphasis on his eccentricies and still mananged to come off as extremely intelligent and rather dangerous.

Isn't the Joker supposed to be the menacing, sinister one, whereas the Riddler is more a comedy relief sort of villain?
Not when written properly,... which honestly Joker hasn't been for years.

[jka12002]

how about martin short as the riddler?

[BYC]

If they wanted to, they can make a heist movie with Batman vs. Riddler.

[jerrymcl89]

I liked the upthread suggestion of James Spader. Johnny Depp could, of course, play a part like that in his sleep, but might not want to.

[metalhead_dave743]

how about martin short as the riddler?

Was it with you and having zany slapstick comedians or cast members of Scooby Doo playing Bat villains?

[carabas]

My issue was not wanting yet another repeat of the tired, cliched "Batman dispatches identically-dressed faceless goon squad with little effort before moving on to confront the mastermind." A "name" bad guy as the enforcer would make those fight scenes more suspenseful, and the tag team of a formidable Query & Echo fits that bill.I think that then you'd run into the problem of the secondary rogues (Killer Croc, Clayface, Zsasz...) getting just a fraction of the attention they deserve from thescript, and get turned into faceles special effects to be beaten up by Batman like a mini-boss in a video game.

[brundlefly]

I think that then you'd run into the problem of the secondary rogues (Killer Croc, Clayface, Zsasz...) getting just a fraction of the attention they deserve from thescript, and get turned into faceles special effects to be beaten up by Batman like a mini-boss in a video game.

True, and giving them too much backstory and attention then takes away from Riddler's screen time and focus or stretches the movie past a reasonable running time. I like the idea of multiple "name" rogues in a movie, but in reality it generally ends up being a cluster like Spider-Man 3 or the Schumacher Bat-flicks. I agree that Riddler w/ Query & Echo works better for a lean, streamlined movie than a Riddler/Bane or Riddler/Freeze team-up that makes the movie feel bloated or too long because too much time is given to each of the "name" villains' origins/backstories.

[Alan2099]

ABout the only named character I can see working well together in a movie that aren't normally connected would be Mad Hatter and Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum.

[mattx110]

In keeping with the trend of not casting those darn Americans, I retract Spacey, and put in for James McAvoy as The Riddler.

[Scavenger]

Don't I recall that Anthony Michael Hall is already cast as likely-to-be-the-Riddler?

And there are plenty of actors who could play him. It really depends on which Riddler it is.

Is it the early BTAS one who didn't give a damn about Batman or crime, but was out for personal vengence. The later BTAS one who'd become obsessed with beating the one man smarter than him? The loony one from Batman Forever? The interesting but loony one from Peter David's novelization of Batman Forever? Neil Gaiman's world weary comic foil?

It all comes down to the writing, when you get down to it.

[mgs]

hmm...I'm not suggesting, but just throwing it out there: how about Rob Schneider? I think he's got the dork-meek thing going on and I think he could do the sinister, evil parts in a straight way too. hmmm....

[Captain Jim]

Personally, I'm not particularly anxious to see another big-screen Riddler.

[mgs]

Personally, I'm not particularly anxious to see another big-screen Riddler.

yeah, Carrey kinda killed it, but he was waaay over the top, in accordance to how that film went anyways. :(

[metalhead_dave743]

Works for me; I like that idea. I had forgotten about Query & Echo, who would work well on-screen as Nigma's enforcers. My issue was not wanting yet another repeat of the tired, cliched "Batman dispatches identically-dressed faceless goon squad with little effort before moving on to confront the mastermind." A "name" bad guy as the enforcer would make those fight scenes more suspenseful, and the tag team of a formidable Query & Echo fits that bill.

The only problem with Query and Echo though is that they are women. I don't mean to be sexist or anything, but do you really want to see Batman beating up two women on the big screen? I dunno, I'm a little iffy on that. Though I'm not actually against having Query and Echo in a Riddler Batman movie either. I agree it could work very well for a "streamlined movie" as somebody posted before.

[Alan2099]

The only problem with Query and Echo though is that they are women. I don't mean to be sexist or anything, but do you really want to see Batman beating up two women on the big screen? I dunno, I'm a little iffy on that. Though I'm not actually against having Query and Echo in a Riddler Batman movie either. I agree it could work very well for a "streamlined movie" as somebody posted before.

If they're purely evil temptresses, it's okay to hit women. Especialy if they kick the hero around a whle first.

[rZi]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8f/David_Hyde_Pierce_at_47th_Emmy_Awards.jpg/220px-David_Hyde_Pierce_at_47th_Emmy_Awards.jpg

Well there are some rumors of David Hyde Pierce in consideration for the role, and in my mind there couldn't be a better casting choice. From a physical and personality standpoint he fits the character like a glove.

you said it bro! Great choice

[The Beast Of Yucca Flats]

I see James Urbaniak as a good Riddler.

[Vgmastr]

Does anyone else think Michael Emerson (Ben from Lost) would be a perfect Riddler? Heck, the Ben character is very Riddler-like, always taunting people with clues and information, with the "I know more than you" attitude.

[carabas]

He'd be better as Jeremiah Arkham. And for some reason I think he may be able to make the Ventriloquist palatable.

[HaroldAllnut]

I think that they should play up the Riddler as a criminal with a compulsion; he can't help but leave tons of riddles.

There's no point in making him a second rate Joker, so why not this?

Paul Dano. He's good. My only problem is that he's too young. Batman cannot get away with thrashing someone that young-looking without an outcry.

But I digress... I'm still of the David Tennant (Dr. Who) as the Riddler persuasion; as long as Nolan stresses its the calculating sinister Riddler (Riddle Me That without the Metrosexual look) we want, not the zany Joker part II. He really can do menacing, without being pysically threaghtening, quite well, and seams about the right age/build against Bale.


YES! That's what I wanted to say. Excellent choice.

[MWGallaher]

An idea I had for using the Riddler in a Batman movie many years back:
We open (like a James Bond movie) with a case in progress: Batman confronting and apprehending the Riddler. Once he's cornered, the Riddler gives up, offering his respects to Batman for having solved an ingenious riddle; he knows when he's been bested. At which point, Batman reveals that he didn't even bother with the stupid riddle: he had just followed a tracking device that he'd planted last time they tangled! Infuriated at Batman's not having followed the "rules", the Riddler breaks free in a burst of manic energy (I've always believed that the better Bat-villains are defined as personifications of various mental illnesses; Riddler is mania and OCD). Before escaping (with, of course, the assistance of various bits of technology), he announces his next riddle, but this is not one for the Batman to solve, but instead one that the Riddler himself will devote all his efforts to: "Who is Batman?"
Then the rest of the movie is devoted primarily to a more physical threat, with the Riddler lurking in the background, uncovering the identity of Bruce Wayne...

[TheFamousEccles]

The Riddler's always been my favorite bat-villain. He's got a combination of intellect and ruthlessness that is fascinating - but it's his compulsion to leave riddles that ends up being really interesting. In many ways he's a living comeuppance machine. He's also a bit neurotic, vain, and unafraid to flaunt his intellect. They're two very radical departures from each other, but I'd love to see either Jeff Goldblum or Malcolm McDowell take on the Riddler's mantle.

[pitbull in a skirt]

For some reason, I can't really imagine The Riddler in a Batman film. Same with Harley Quinn, Poison Ivy, etc.

The best portrayl of the Riddler was in B:TAS. So we need a young looking educated snobbish type with a dry sense of humour. Give it to Depp.

To cliche of a casting choice. I love Johnny, but its about time he gives playing less eccentric characters a try.

[Monty_Cristo]

Hugh Dancy could play the Riddler; a younger more aristocratic version, at least.

http://www.imdb.com/media/rm3694434816/nm0199215

[GRANT!]

Peter Skarsgaard. He'd be a good replacement Joker too. Maybe his baby momma can put a good word in for him.

[Earl of the RCs]

Depp, Goldblum and especially McDowell are to old. I like the Hugh Dancy & Peter Skarsgaard sugestions though. I mean, we've seen with Cillian Murphy that intelectual bad-guys dont have to be weasley and ugly to be effective. (such a terrible cliche anyway).

I just hope Nolan and the other powers that be take notice of how many `cast the riddler' threads there are about the internet so he gets the idea to get over his aversion to the character. Do you think he doesn't like the Riddler because the Riddler is the Batman character most like himself, and we sometimes hate what we see of ourselves in others? Hmm, psychology, how fitting for a batman discussion. Actually, maybe Nolan could play Eddy himself! Even just as a cameo, that'd be awesome!

The other REALLY EXCELLENT option of course would be for them to cast ME as the Riddler. Sure Im not an actor, but Im pretty good at Cryptic Crosswords, and Im certainly thin enough. Green suits me too.

www.earlleonard.com

[stealthwise]

Alan Cumming... remember Boris from Goldeneye? I'd have The Riddler as more of an identity thief/hacker type who messes with Wayne Enterprises.

Failing that, my choice for every single role ever: Guy Pearce.

[Super Buddies Forever]

Why do we always say so-and-so can't play a character because they're "too old?" Is there some vital element to the Riddler's character that requires him to be a 20-something heartthrob?

I say, so long as the character is nailed, I don't care what his age is in relation to Bale.

[Earl of the RCs]

Cause if someone as smart as (and with an MO like) Riddler is much older than Batman (or looks much older than anyone who playing Batman looks) they should by rights already be too rich, powerful, confident and sucessful to work within the usual Riddler/Batman dynamic and it'd become more like a Ra's/Batman or Kraven/Spiderman type thing. Older actors would work fine for Hugo Strange, the Penguin, Freeze, any of the Mob Bosses etc or even straight out nuts like Mad Hatter (who do things for their own reasons outside of competition/fun with the Bat)... but with Riddler, Two Face, Bane ,and a few other characters, that they're roughly the same age as Batman is too integral to the rivalry.

[TMM Writes Lego]

terry (Spider-Man), a darker version, longer hair like the one in The Batman