After much soul searching on the subject, I fully support them not bringing back the Joker. I know they had several hours' worth of Joker footage that was not included in the film -- which could have been creatively edited to include the character even as a cameo in the sequel, like how Scarecrow made a brief appearance in DK -- but it just feels right not having him there when it wasn't recorded specifically for this film. Ledger's performance is likely to go unrivaled for quite some time, and it should stay that way. Bringing him back now would just lessen the impact of the previous film.

That being said, this news is a mixed bag. Shooting in May is FANTASTIC news, while the possibility/threat of 3D filming... eh, not so much. I've found the recent flow of 3D films to be enjoyable for the most part, but it's not something that lends itself to Batman. Pixar films and gimmicky horror flicks, sure, but not Batman.

Also, JGL as Riddler? YES.

I just realized: if Joseph Gordon-Levitt gets cast as the Riddler, that will make the second actor in a Nolan Batman film from the cast of 10 Things I Hate About You. Perhaps Nolan is a closet fan of the film? Would Julia Stiles be up for the role of Catwoman?

No... but... what about Larry Miller as the Penguin

"Oh, I like that."

I see Larry Miller as more of a Clock King. Or the Ventriloquist.

OOOooooooo The Ventriloquest is PERFECT for him.

Jeff Dunham could have a cameo as the guy who sells him Scarface.

I don't want the Riddler, he's just a less homicidal version of the Joker and doesn't up the ante. I wouldn't mind seeing Catwoman (Kiera Knightley) playing the hooker turned cat burgler and only stealing from the mob. In the meantime someone is killing off mob members and Batman keeps coming across Catwoman as she is stealing from them. She offers help from information she's come across. The Blackmask turns out to be the one killing them.

Basically things from Year One and the Long Halloween. We've already seen some elements from both of those in Nolan's movies, so I would think it would work perfectly into his story line.

Zsaz would also be a good villian as we got a brief glimpse of him in Batman Begins. Solomon Grundy is an option, but his supernatural origins goes against what Nolan's working with here. Though he could replace Blackmask as the killier.