...Heath Ledger. Well, kind of...

Link: Ledger Death Poses Problems for Warner Bros.

The death of Heath Ledger on Tuesday is likely to pose a considerable marketing problem for Warner Bros., which is due to release the Batman movie The Dark Knight on July 18, in which Ledger plays The Joker. Daily Variety pointed out that one of the first posters to be released in advance of the film's opening shows Ledger as The Joker drawing a clown's smile on a mirror with lipstick and the words, "Why So Serious?" A studio insider told the trade publication: "The Joker character is dealing with chaos and life and death and a lot of dark themes. ... Everyone is going to interpret every line out of his mouth in a different way now."

Meanwhile, original reports by New York police that Ledger died of a probable drug overdose were revised. An NYPD spokesman said late Tuesday that no illegal drugs were found in his apartment, although prescription sleeping pills were found near his bed. Meanwhile, Editor & Publisher commented today (Wednesday), "If you watched the story of Heath Ledger's death explode chaotically across the Internet, with facts, errors, inconsistencies and confusions flying every which way, you may have concluded that in the new digital media's race to break stories in minutes, accuracy has been left in the dust." It warned that while in the past, journalists had hours to vet and craft a story, reporting now often "unfolds in real time."

So, what does everyone think? Will they change their marketing strategies? Should they?

I think they're too far along in post-production to change the Joker's part in the movie, but maybe not...?

I've heard the Joker was possibly going to be a part of the plot of a third Batman movie by Christopher Nolan. Do you think they should avoid a Joker role altogether in the next film, or find another actor to play him?

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Girl

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I don't think they should change anything.
If someone can't tell the difference between an actor and the character they play on screen, then they have more problems than how they interpret the Joker's dialogue.

Opunaya

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As stupid as most people are these days, I'm sure they're going to pull some dumb-ass plan to promote the movie with promoting the Joker or something.

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eLracho

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Yeah, I think it has something to do with not wanting to disrespect his recent passing. I don't see how what he says would be insulting to his memory, but whatever.

I agree with you. I think they should continue as planned. In fact, it would probably be more disrespectful if they changed the film or the promotions b/c of his death. It'd reduce his contribution to the project.

I sincerely hope not...

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NachtEngel

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It's a movie.

He is dead.

Life goes on, so what if people try to interpret his lines differently?

Let them.

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