News that Joseph Gordon-Levitt is poised to reunite with his "Inception" director Christopher Nolan on "The Dark Knight Rises" set the Bat-o-sphere to chattering. Who will the "Mysterious Skin" star play? From Dr. Hugo Strange to the Riddler, the possibilities of seeing Gordon-Levitt chew Gotham City scenery are delicious. Here's a look at some of the Batman villains and heroes that might benefit from the intense young star's talent.
Riddle me this? Jim Carrey went broad -- very broad -- as the Riddler in Joel Schumacher's 1995 "Batman Forever," but an actor like Gordon-Levitt could do justice to Edward Nigma by illuminating the sadistic side of the brain-teaser spewing crook. The bulk of the online speculation centers on the Riddler. Maybe that's because he kind of looks like Frank Gorshin, a.k.a. TV's the Riddler. Odds: Even
It would be hard to top Danny DeVito's turn as the hideously deformed Penguin in Tim Burton's 1992 "Batman Returns," but Gordon-Levitt is an actor who doesn't shy away from a challenge. That said, he's a little slender to play the monocle wearing misfit. Odds: 10 to 1.
Now if we were talking about Ben Kingsley, Dr. Hugo Strange would be a sure bet, but Gordon-Levitt seems too young to play the evil professor. Still the sinister psychologist would fit in well with the darker, more realistic world that Nolan has created. Plus, with a starring role in the hit video game "Arkham Ayslum," Strange's stock has never been higher. Odds: 2 to 1
If Gordon-Levitt were ten years younger, he'd make a great Robin. Though he's hardly qualifying for an AARP card, he's getting a bit too gray in the temples to pull off the role of Batman's sidekick. Odds: 20 to 1
The beastial strong man from the Louisiana swamps has wreaked havoc for Batman for decades. Still Killer Croc is probably one CGI-heavy bridge too far for Nolan and Gordon-Levitt. After all look at how forgettable those Hulk movies were. Odds: 20 to 1
The Mad Hatter is probably too much of a C-list Bat-villain to attract an A-list talent like Gordon-Levitt. However, before "Batman Begins" had anyone heard of Ra's al Ghul? Moreover, the Mad Hatter's cerebral villainy would be a perfect match for the intense young star. Odds: 5 to 2
Chill out. Arnold Schwarzenegger and the abominable "Batman and Robin" pretty much ensured that Mr. Freeze will not be returning to the silver screen. Odds: Impossible
