MAGGIE GYLLENHAAL REPLACES KATIE HOLMES FOR DARK KNIGHT

[MattBrady]

Spreading the Gyllenhaal family dynasty further in Hollywood, <i>Variety</i> (http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117960782.html?categoryid=13&cs=1) has announced that Maggie Gyllenhall will step into the role of Rachel Dawes in the upcoming Batman film, <i>The Dark Knight</i>. Katie Holmes, who played the character in the first film, <I>Batman Begins</i> dropped out of the sequel earlier in the year.

As with <i>Begins</i>, <i>The Dark Knight</i> will be directed by Christopher Nolan, and star Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne/Batman. If all goes according to schedule, <i>The Dark Knight</i> will begin filming in late spring or early summer, with a summer 208 release planned.

[Arvandor]

Thank Christ for that.

[dorknerdgeek]

The cast just got 40 times hotter and a bajillion times more talented.

[Zugernaut]

I'm sure she's a nice person, but I'd have much preferred someone else.

[loony_nut]

Much better, Maggie is a great actress i think she will be a excelent addition this film!!

[ichorskeeter]

Would it have been too hard to write out Rachel? Give Maggie another name.

[rolltidewall]

I'm cool with that. I was thinking for sure it was going to be Rachel Weis. (btw, did anyone see her at the Oscars? Very Nice)

[HomoSuperior]

...impressed with the talent that superhero movies are attracting nowadays? Between this and Iron Man, I think Hollywood is starting to realize that the first slew of comic successes (Blade, X-Men, Spider-Man) were not just flukes.

It's easy to write off superhero movies as the newest fad, but I think what Hollywood is finding out is that comics are like any other medium from which film is adapted (e.g. novels, TV shows)--a method of storytelling that can vary wildly in terms of tone, theme, and material. That should attract a lot of artistic types who don't want to be pigeonholed as four-color, gaudy fantasies.

Also, longtime lurker, first post here...hi all.

[boomboom]

I'm sure she's a nice person, but I'd have much preferred someone else.

http://imdb.com/name/nm0350454/

me too

Not really impressed.

But I am sure she will be better then Mendez in Ghostrider, from My Point Of View at least.

PS Loved Ghostrider!!!

[LunarDaydreamer]

Great actress, but an absolute munter.

[Delta Ass]

Good god she's homely.

[Supes]

I really wish they would have just added a new romantic interest altogether. Recasting the role just seems sort of clunky to me. I guess they just didn't want to go down the route of the old Batman movie franchise and have a new one every movie.

Still I think it would have been cool if they had just introduced Selina Kyle as the romantic interest for the sequel, which could then obviously lead to Catwoman as the villain in a following film, just like what they're doing with Harvey Dent.

All that being said at least Maggie G. is a vast improvement over Katie Holmes, who was the one weak link in Batman Begins. Here's hoping they bring Morgan Freeman back (last I had heard he doesn't have role in TDK) and this already killer cast will be triple platinum.

[wretchedangel]

The cast just got 40 times hotter and a bajillion times more talented.

quoted for truth damn shes good lookin

[sequart]

Is Katie Holmes really that bad in Batman Begins? She seemed OK. I wasn't blown away by her performance or anything, but EVERYONE seems to think she was horrible. I just didn't see that.

[EmeraldGuy32]

As long as she ain't married to Tom Cruise, she's an improvement.

[TheWay]

No, Katie Holmes wasn't incredibly horrible, but she wasn't that good either. In an otherwise stellar movie her acting was one of the very few let downs. I am glad that we won't see her return.

As for replacing the character with another, I do think that was one of the problems wit the original batch of movies. They lacked consistency/continuity. I thought they made bruce look more like a gigolo. I thought the woman interests were one of the weakest parts of each movie, although I did like Kim in the first one. That somewhat changed in Batman Begins and I hope they keep it that way.

I think Maggie is HOT. I just saw her in Stranger Than Fiction two nights ago and she is a great actress. I think she will be a great addition. Usually I hate it when they replace characters with new actors/actresses, but for some reason this doesn't seem to bother me. I only hope she plays the character well. I think Natalie Portman is a great actress, but we all know she sucked in the Star Wars prequels. I doubt that will be the case here though.

I'n looking forward to this!!!

[GenerallZodd]

I'm sure she's a nice person, but I'd have much preferred someone else.

May yours be a lone voice. She could be the best actress in Hollywood.

And the only way she's "ugly" is if you're Brad or Denzel or are under that unrealistic impression.

[Johnny Smith]

she's hot :D

[JohnnyZito]

Holmes never really fit into the off-beat casting of the movie... I see Maggie in that world much easier.

[Brainlock]

The DARK KKNIGHT
:confused:
pardon me, is there a Mr. Richards in the house?

OOPSIE! :o

skipping the BBM jokes, I don't suppose we're gonna see the Mad Hatter make his screen debut with Maggie on board, now?







(as long as I amuse myself...)

[Kevin T. Brown]

Spreading the Gyllenhaal family dynasty further in Hollywood, <i>Variety</i> (http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117960782.html?categoryid=13&cs=1) has announced that Maggie Gyllenhall will step into the role of Rachel Dawes in the upcoming Batman film, <i>The Dark Knight</i>. Katie Holmes, who played the character in the first film, <I>Batman Begins</i> dropped out of the sequel earlier in the year.

As with <i>Begins</i>, <i>The Dark Knight</i> will be directed by Christopher Nolan, and star Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne/Batman. If all goes according to schedule, <i>The Dark Knight</i> will begin filming in late spring or early summer, with a summer 208 release planned.

208????


Damn, and I thought the comics being delayed were bad enough.... but 1,800 years?



:p

[syxxpakk]

I really wish they would have just added a new romantic interest altogether. Recasting the role just seems sort of clunky to me. I guess they just didn't want to go down the route of the old Batman movie franchise and have a new one every movie.

Still I think it would have been cool if they had just introduced Selina Kyle as the romantic interest for the sequel, which could then obviously lead to Catwoman as the villain in a following film, just like what they're doing with Harvey Dent.

All that being said at least Maggie G. is a vast improvement over Katie Holmes, who was the one weak link in Batman Begins. Here's hoping they bring Morgan Freeman back (read he hasn't be signed up yet) and this already killer cast will be triple platinum.

Ditto. Why exactly does Rachel Dawes need to be in this film? Nolan's needs to get Carrie Anne Moss on this film stat, to be Catwoman.

[Timberoo]

Will there be scenes with Harvey Dent spanking Rachel Dawes?

[MrNEWZ]

Would it have been too hard to write out Rachel? Give Maggie another name.

Agreed.

Rachel shouldn't be featured as a central character, imho.

[SpyGuy]

I would have preferred Zooey Deschanel in the role, but just about anyone would be better than Katie (excuse me, "Kate") Holmes.

I agree, though, that it wouldn't have taken much to create an entirely different character. Julie Madison, anyone?

[Simon DelMonte]

Is Katie Holmes really that bad in Batman Begins? She seemed OK. I wasn't blown away by her performance or anything, but EVERYONE seems to think she was horrible. I just didn't see that.

Neither did I. I liked her, though she was a bit young to be believable as the #2 person in the DA's office. Compared to Kate Bosworth as Lois, though, she was Judi Dench. And there was chemistry between her and Bale.

[michaelman9]

i'm not really a fan of her. I'ld have preferred someone else. That being said, the movie will be great regardless.

[aaron_bourqu]

Awesome. Now all we need is a super-special edition of Batman Begins with the Holmes-bot digitally removed and Maggie digitally added . . .

Aaron "The Mad Whitaker" Bourque

[CKdoubleU]

The cast just got 40 times hotter and a bajillion times more talented.

A-MEN.

IMO, should've been cast from the beginning. Any skeptics just need to look at her body

....of work.

Both Sherrybaby and Secretary were amazing.

Good news.

[Scorned1]

great news, now cast her brother Jake Gyllenhaal as Spidey for Spider Man 4 so that the acting won't be so stiff. Watching Tobey as Spidey was painful as heck.

[nightwingoracle]

Is Katie Holmes really that bad in Batman Begins? She seemed OK. I wasn't blown away by her performance or anything, but EVERYONE seems to think she was horrible. I just didn't see that.


Yes - she was really that bad. She was the only one who really couldn't act; there was no chemistry with Christian Bale; she looked too young to be his playmate as a child; and she had no business being in that movie.

While I think I would have written Rachel out and introduced someone else (Selina Kyle, Julie Madison, Vicki Vale, Silver St. Cloud, even Kathy Kane) recasting is a great move.

[Meteoro7]

I'm really glad Kattie Holmes if off the movie. She was the worst in Batman Begins.

[Jamo]

I really wish they had just omitted Rachel Dawes completely. Her character arc pretty much finished in "Begins", and we really don't need to see her again. Furthermore, seeing multiple actors play the same character within the same series really throws me off. I have to keep reminding myself that it's still the same character, even though he/she looks different. It definitely interferes with immersion for me.

[Scorned1]

[QUOTE=nightwingoracle]She was the only one who really couldn't act/QUOTE]

Correction, she couldn't act her way out of a box. Holmes was the only bad thing about Batman Begins. Bale looks almost old enough to be her father in that flick. That was a very poor choice of actress for the role.

[s*p rules]

Awesome news - just watched Stranger than Fiction last night, which I thought was a very good movie, and Maggie was great. Although I would prefer a Batman movie without a love interest for once, the cast for Dark Knight got much better.

[Ye Olde Iowa]

It's a great move to put Maggie Gyllenhaal in the film considering she is uber talented (not to mention wicked gorgeous), but couldn't they have made her a new character? The Dawes character had a good end in the last film and I see no reason to have her return for the new film. Gyllenhaal would make a great new love interest for the character...Julie Madison perhaps? She has the grace, charm, and the innocence going on, but with a bit of an edge.

[Vintage]

I don't know. Gyllenhaal is an incredible actress but...is Rachel Dawes that important of a role for it to be recast with another actress? Bruce is like Bond. With the risks he takes it's difficult to form lasting bonds and the playboy thing helps maintain the illusion of self-absorption to throw others off the scent of Batman. Why not have her just play someone different? I'm going to leave it at that and try not to be shallow, although it's very tempting.

[imwithcap]

Holmes never really fit into the off-beat casting of the movie... I see Maggie in that world much easier.

Heath Ledger, Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, Liam Neeson, Yes, INCREDIBLY off beat

[Kevenn]

I'm going to have to agree with the people that say she is a fantastic actress, but homely as a mule. :eek:

But I guess everyone has different tastes.

[Hokeyboy]

Watch Maggie's incredible (and insanely alluring) performance in Stranger Than Fiction, then tell me this is a bad move. I dare you! Don't believe me? I PEE ON YOUR BUTT! :mad: :mad: :mad:

[gokujam]

A Ledger and a Gyllenhall in this movie and still no "Broke-back batman " Jokes???

C'mon People, Wake up!!!!!!:D

[Delyria]

To all those saying that they should have created a new character, remember first the fact that Rachel Dawes was the assistant DA. Considering Harvey Dent is going to be taking center stage in "The Dark Knight", I imagine Rachel's job is going to be very important. They couldn't just create a new character who just happened to be working with Harvey Dent, right?

And I'm really glad Maggie's in this. I would have loved either her, or one of the other rumors, Rachel McAdams.

[PatrickG]

Don't forget this is a Joker movie.

I'm gonna lay odds that Joker corrupts/kills/injures someone close to Bruce. Alfred doesn't exactly have a target on his back if Bruce Wayne himself is not a target.

Rachel Dawes is the only established love interest in this franchise.

So my money says she's left catatonic and institutionalized by the Joker at the end of this film. They needed somebody for Joker to hurt. Julie Madison or Silver St. Cloud wouldn't mean anything at this point.

Rachel gave Bruce hope for a life after being Batman. She was more friend than love interest. She knows the secret.

All of these make her a likely candidate for elimination.

And as much I don't like the treatment of women in comics, I think eliminating Rachel makes more sense than sending her offscreen.

Though... I gotta say, I would have totally gone for stunt casting with Katie Holmes as Rachel and James Van der Beek as Joker.

He and Christian Bale played brothers between American Psycho and Rules of Attraction and Van Der Beek studied Bale pretty intensively for his own role so I think the two would have had great chemistry as hero/villain. He can be deeply creepy.

And the world really needs a good dose of "OMG! Dawson killed Joey!"

[TigerGot'Em]

Good god she's homely.

She's a far more talented actress than Katie Holms, but ya... she looks like Jake with a wig.

[goddamnbats]

Don't forget this is a Joker movie.

I'm gonna lay odds that Joker corrupts/kills/injures someone close to Bruce. Alfred doesn't exactly have a target on his back if Bruce Wayne himself is not a target.

Rachel Dawes is the only established love interest in this franchise.

So my money says she's left catatonic and institutionalized by the Joker at the end of this film. They needed somebody for Joker to hurt. Julie Madison or Silver St. Cloud wouldn't mean anything at this point.

Rachel gave Bruce hope for a life after being Batman. She was more friend than love interest. She knows the secret.

All of these make her a likely candidate for elimination.

And as much I don't like the treatment of women in comics, I think eliminating Rachel makes more sense than sending her offscreen.

Though... I gotta say, I would have totally gone for stunt casting with Katie Holmes as Rachel and James Van der Beek as Joker.

He and Christian Bale played brothers between American Psycho and Rules of Attraction and Van Der Beek studied Bale pretty intensively for his own role so I think the two would have had great chemistry as hero/villain. He can be deeply creepy.

And the world really needs a good dose of "OMG! Dawson killed Joey!"





Yeah thats definetly gonna be happening. From what I've heard Rachel is in it for only like 10 minutes or so. Obviously the Joker is gonna be doin something a bit gruesome to her :D

[smitch]

BOOOOOOO! She's not attractive in the least.

Rewatching The Prestige a couple weeks ago, I thought to myself "Nolan is a genius." But recasting a character just smacks of laziness. What the hell is he thinking? Unless we're being thrown, like we were when Ken Watanabe was cast "as Ra's Al Ghul".

[Wellness]

She's ok, but I honestly didn't hate Katie Holmes as much as most people did.

[Johnny Triangles]

I find that most people who find Maggie remotely attractive saw "Secretary." Something about that movie seems to automatically make viewers believe she's hot. I never saw that movie though, and I think she's homely as hell.

I'm more interested in changes they make in action choreography, to be honest. If I hear the fighting is as lame as it was in the first, I won't see this flick.

As for Katie Holmes, I heard they weren't recasting her since the time the first Batman Begins film came out. If you recall, the film was supposed to be Bale's breakout role and the exact moment the film was to be released, Katie Holmes started her Tom Cruise media circus and ended up taking all the attention away from the movie and Bale. The people involved were angry and viewed that as a negative, as the Holmes-Cruise sideshow pretty much dominated all discussion of the movie. I don;t think it was her acting, after all it's just a Batman movie not Citizen Kane, nothing in that movie was really any good.

[jonnynyc]

yes watch SECRETARY or HAPPY ENDINGS
Maggie Gyllenhaal is not only very sexy but one of the best younger actresses around now

[Hokeyboy]

BOOOOOOO! Rewatching The Prestige a couple weeks ago, I thought to myself "Nolan is a genius." But recasting a character just smacks of laziness.
Oh bullcrap. Laziness, nothing. Holmes dropped out of the part, and the producers agreed to let her go.

The current gossip around Hollywood is that Cruise didn't want her taking the part due to the fact that he doesn't want her performing in any roles that call for her as a romantic lead. True? Who knows. But what is absolutely true her career is being insanely micromanaged by his camp.

[burrfoot]

Watch Maggie's incredible (and insanely alluring) performance in Stranger Than Fiction, then tell me this is a bad move. I dare you! Don't believe me? I PEE ON YOUR BUTT! :mad: :mad: :mad:

I agree completely...........except maybe for the butt peeing.

[DaVeO]

To all those who say Maggie is ugly.

So is your Mother

Zing!

[O.J. Flow]

...and even my girlfriend was thrilled as she's a huge MG fan. :D

[kalorama]

Is Katie Holmes really that bad in Batman Begins? She seemed OK. I wasn't blown away by her performance or anything, but EVERYONE seems to think she was horrible. I just didn't see that.

She wasn't very good in Batman Begins. But, contrary to what seems to be prevailing opinion, the problem wasn't that she was a lousy actress (she's not) it's that she was totally wrong for the role. Rachel was supposed to me a tough-as-nails, intimidating, morally staunch, crusading ADA. Holmes doesn't really project toughness and intimidation. Maggie Gyllenhall is a fine actress, but I have my doubts whether she'll be any better suited for the role (assuming they still play up the ADA part of her role and don't just reduce her to Bruce's girlfriend).

[John Cord]

No, Katie Holmes wasn't incredibly horrible, but she wasn't that good either. In an otherwise stellar movie her acting was one of the very few let downs. I am glad that we won't see her return.

As for replacing the character with another, I do think that was one of the problems wit the original batch of movies. They lacked consistency/continuity. I thought they made bruce look more like a gigolo. I thought the woman interests were one of the weakest parts of each movie, although I did like Kim in the first one. That somewhat changed in Batman Begins and I hope they keep it that way.

I think Maggie is HOT. I just saw her in Stranger Than Fiction two nights ago and she is a great actress. I think she will be a great addition. Usually I hate it when they replace characters with new actors/actresses, but for some reason this doesn't seem to bother me. I only hope she plays the character well. I think Natalie Portman is a great actress, but we all know she sucked in the Star Wars prequels. I doubt that will be the case here though.

I'n looking forward to this!!!

Great post. I've also thought that the 'gigolo' feel that was in those earlier Batman sequels should be avoided if possible. Bruce Wayne appears to be shallow, but the best Batman stories over the decades do make it clear that that's an act, just like nearly anything else that 'Bruce' does. That character detail is just not a feel that I get re-watching those Michael Keaton films. It was well addressed in Batman Begins, however. Having Dawes' character return in this next film will drive that point home even more forcefully, I think.

Does anyone happen to know why Holmes dropped out of the sequel? I admit that I'm curious; this film seems like the perfect sort of vehicle for an up-and-coming Hollywood actress to use to keep herself in the limelight for a bit.

[kid_como]

Best news all day!

[O.J. Flow]

Does anyone happen to know why Holmes dropped out of the sequel? I admit that I'm curious; this film seems like the perfect sort of vehicle for an up-and-coming Hollywood actress to use to keep herself in the limelight for a bit.

Scroll down to the February 20th entry for your answer (http://www.slate.com/id/2160248/).
:cool:

[RRBarrett]

Seems to me that it's very likely that one of the functions Rachel Dawes will serve in TDK is that she will die (perhaps at the Joker's hand), thus giving Bruce just that much more guilt. If Nolan writes out the character, then any history that would give the death weight is lost.

Just a thought.

Richard

[The Spirit]

Good choice.

[vfxdammerung]

Any semblance of sex appeal for me just disappeared from the movie.

And I think there's a tendency to equate with Katie Holmes as Tom Cruise, hence her getting a lot of bad rap and flak in Batman Begins. If people here thought her acting was terrible in Batman Begins, then they haven't REALLY seen bad acting. Personally, I thought she was perfectly fine as Rachel Dawes.

[Kolimar]

Nice choice. She's attractive and a good actress.

[Dr Stranger]

Would it have been too hard to write out Rachel? Give Maggie another name.

My thoughts exactly. The last movie gave a perfect out for Rachel's character.

[Kolimar]

The Complete List of DC Comics Movies (http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=61596) :p :D ;)

[Kolimar]

Would it have been too hard to write out Rachel? Give Maggie another name.

Good question.

[Kolimar]

Will there be scenes with Harvey Dent spanking Rachel Dawes?

Hah!! Great movie reference. :D

[Kolimar]

Is Katie Holmes really that bad in Batman Begins? She seemed OK. I wasn't blown away by her performance or anything, but EVERYONE seems to think she was horrible. I just didn't see that.

Agreed. <w>

[Kevenn]

I'm surprised that Katie Holmes was allowed to be in Batman Begins in the first place, since it had Psychiatrists and an asylum in it, plus her character obviously respected psychiatry. Since Scientologists are all anti-psychiatry, maybe that has something to do with it.

But I'm willing to believe that her TOM/KAT relationship was taking attention away from the movie and th eproducers got pissed about that.

[Kolimar]

I find that most people who find Maggie remotely attractive saw "Secretary." Something about that movie seems to automatically make viewers believe she's hot. I never saw that movie though, and I think she's homely as hell.

You're partially correct. It's a common phenomenon to find people more attractive once you see them in movies/tv. Particularly if they play characters that are supposed to be attractive to other characters in the fiction. "Secretary" is an excellent example. The viewers' attention is focused on her and how her boss becomes more and more interested in her while she explores her boundaries and expands them. The director exploited her mousy-girl look for the beginning and then lets her bloom into a sensual woman as the story progresses. Not everyone will be affected the same way but a significant number will come out of the experience feeling attracted by Maggie.

Maggie is definitely not "hot" or beautiful in any way but she's far from ugly. I think she's attractive in a next-door-girl fashion with a kind of odd, mousy-looking, exotic face (and a nice body) that sets her apart from the rest. Kinda like Katie, in a way. That's probably one of the reasons why they chose her.


As for Katie Holmes, I heard they weren't recasting her since the time the first Batman Begins film came out. If you recall, the film was supposed to be Bale's breakout role and the exact moment the film was to be released, Katie Holmes started her Tom Cruise media circus and ended up taking all the attention away from the movie and Bale. The people involved were angry and viewed that as a negative, as the Holmes-Cruise sideshow pretty much dominated all discussion of the movie. I don;t think it was her acting, after all it's just a Batman movie not Citizen Kane, nothing in that movie was really any good.

Good point.

[TheRay]

Very cool. Gyllenhaal is a great actress.

[Cray_ws]

208????


Damn, and I thought the comics being delayed were bad enough.... but 1,800 years?



:pDidn't you hear....the movie requires you to purchase a ticket from DC's Hourman, there he will seat you in a dark cave with world's oldest projector screen, and ushers are Geico cave-men. Just don't forget your own seat cushion because I hear their seats are hard as stone. :p :D

[Kolimar]

She's a far more talented actress than Katie Holms, but ya... she looks like Jake with a wig.

:rolleyes: We have another fan of hyperbole. :p

[Kolimar]

Watch Maggie's incredible (and insanely alluring) performance in Stranger Than Fiction, then tell me this is a bad move. I dare you! Don't believe me? I PEE ON YOUR BUTT! :mad: :mad: :mad:

You wouldn't be the first... uh... forget that.... :o :p

[Street Carp]

Awww no, not her! I mean, she's an alright actress, but golly, she ain't the easiest on the eyes. And whatever happened to Rachel McAdams joing the cast? I was all happy about that. :p

(ian)

[Shmoe-man]

Great news! Never really liked Katie's role in the film to begin with. It's a great addition and I look forward to seeing it on screen.

[jniffen]

I have to say that anybody complaining about them switching actors and actresses for a role has obviously never watched a Bond movie.

[avengingtitan]

Will there be scenes with Harvey Dent spanking Rachel Dawes?
Oh how I loved Secretary!!!!

I love Maggie. I cant wait for this flick now.

[roblewmac]

Spreading the Gyllenhaal family dynasty further in Hollywood, <i>Variety</i> (http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117960782.html?categoryid=13&cs=1) has announced that Maggie Gyllenhall will step into the role of Rachel Dawes in the upcoming Batman film, <i>The Dark Knight</i>. Katie Holmes, who played the character in the first film, <I>Batman Begins</i> dropped out of the sequel earlier in the year.

As with <i>Begins</i>, <i>The Dark Knight</i> will be directed by Christopher Nolan, and star Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne/Batman. If all goes according to schedule, <i>The Dark Knight</i> will begin filming in late spring or early summer, with a summer 208 release planned.
I LIKED katie holmes. But no real problem with the new lady (cant place her.)

[Jesusfish]

This is fine. I mean, she's just gonna get killed of anyway, right? I would have liked to see them cast someone attractive for Dawes, but I guess they have to keep it consistent from movie to movie. I know Rachel McAdams was being mentioned for the role, and she really does nothing for me as well. I guess they were committed to the notion that Raches Dawes is a mediocre looking woman.

[Kerouac]

And the only way she's "ugly" is if you're Brad or Denzel or are under that unrealistic impression.

And here I thought it was if you used your eyes to look at her.

Is she "ugly?" That's kind of a judgment call, I guess. But she's sure as hell not "hot."

She's thoroughly mediocre, man.

[kalorama]

But she's sure as hell not "hot."

She's thoroughly mediocre, man.

I'm pretty sure that's a judgment call too.

[skl183]

why don't they just drop the love interest? Hollywood...why?

[Maurice M]

The character is completely unnecessary. Should have just removed it completely or replaced it with another character.

[thunderthief]

You know, for as much as thought Katie Holmes was going to suck in Batman Begins...she didn't. But I'm sure there were people out there who considered her the weakest link. Plus, for as attractive as people say she is, Holmes still looks like the fourteen year old she played on the WB. For a dark movie like Batman Begins, that was the only real thing that bothered me about her portrayal.

But Maggie? Yeah, I guess I'll take her over Katie any day of the week. Not that I think about the comparison all that much...

EDIT: And I disagree that her character was unnecessary. 'Super-Hero' has become a genre of film/television/books all to itself in recent years. It is no longer a fad. One of the themes of this new genre is that there MUST be a love interest. While I would have picked a new love interest for this film (probably someone from the comics like maybe that Checkmate chick, forget her name) I don't mind it too much.

[JLAJRC]

Maggie is as good for this as any young, cute starlet. Secretary is a great movie.

[Jesusfish]

For those of you saying she's unnescesary, drop the love angle, etc. I'm sure she's going to have a good role to play involving Harvey Dent as the new DA. And I really think she'll bite it, giving Bruce some personal motivation to come after Joker or Harvey.

[superate]

Good choice. Katie Holmes was the youngest looking Assistant DA in history. Maggie, who is a great actress, is at least mature looking.

[Yardbird]

I think Holmes not re-upping for a second film is a blessing in disguise. Really Maggie is a much stronger actress, and more believeable as Dawes.

Regardless of who is playing her, I am hoping that she is a victim of the Joker in Dark Knight. She is a perfect sacrifical lamb for the next installment and would really fuel Batmans hatred and rage for the Joker.

Anyone else have any thoughts on this?

Should Ms. Dawes go out like Barbara Gordon in Killing Joke?

-Yardbird

[Fletcher]

she makes my mouth water.

[E-MAC]

Maggie is a great actress and I don't care what some people say I think she's hot as hell.

[John Cord]

Scroll down to the February 20th entry for your answer (http://www.slate.com/id/2160248/).
:cool:

Hey, thanks for the info, O.J. I had no idea that there was that much bad blood between the suits at Warner and Holmes.

[IronWolf]

I like Kaite Holmes better but whatever as long as the movie is good.

[DarkJared]

Does it matter? The role is so insignificant in the movie it could be played by anyone. Now maybe the role is bigger in Dark Knight (I hope not) but I'm praying Hollywood will get off the idea that every super-hero needs a romantic lead in a movie. I wanna see Batman kick some villain ass with some cool fanboy moments thrown in to boot. I don't wanna see Batman holding hands and walking in the gardens making lovey talk with a some bimbo... those are the kinds of movies my wife makes me watch to pay her back for making her watch MY movies... (I'm still paying her back for Starship Troopers...)

[jniffen]

Does it matter? The role is so insignificant in the movie it could be played by anyone. Now maybe the role is bigger in Dark Knight (I hope not) but I'm praying Hollywood will get off the idea that every super-hero needs a romantic lead in a movie. I wanna see Batman kick some villain ass with some cool fanboy moments thrown in to boot. I don't wanna see Batman holding hands and walking in the gardens making lovey talk with a some bimbo... those are the kinds of movies my wife makes me watch to pay her back for making her watch MY movies... (I'm still paying her back for Starship Troopers...)

Ya see? This is why there is a romantic interest. A: It helps draw interest from the women to go see the movie... thus, more $$$. B: It helps rid the stigma of Batman being gay, and/or a pedophile who has attraction to young circus boys in tights. C: It helps humanize the character, makes him more relatable to us.

Those of you who only want to see Batman kick ass and take names, will soon realize that that will get pretty damn boring after the first hour. You've got to care about the characters, which means showing their off duty side as well as their on duty side.

[JLAJRC]

Ya see? This is why there is a romantic interest. A: It helps draw interest from the women to go see the movie... thus, more $$$. B: It helps rid the stigma of Batman being gay, and/or a pedophile who has attraction to young circus boys in tights. C: It helps humanize the character, makes him more relatable to us.

Those of you who only want to see Batman kick ass and take names, will soon realize that that will get pretty damn boring after the first hour. You've got to care about the characters, which means showing their off duty side as well as their on duty side.

I agree with you. I think the point we're trying to make is that ANYONE can play that role. All you need is a actress in her 20s (early 30s at her most), skinny, and have nice boobs. Seriously, you can name any actress you can think of and I would agree that they could play that role.

[redravin]

I know I'm pretty much repeating what others have said but ...
Maggie is beautiful.
She is a great actress who will add much to the character and to the movie.
Secretary was an amazing movie.
I can't wait to see Dark Knight.

[JediMaster]

I personally am glad that they aren't just pretending that the character didn't exist like the other Bat-flicks did with their love-interests. I'm sure her death will be a major plot point for Bruce/Bats, and will have a huge role in the formation of the friendship/alliance between him and Harvey Dent.

[Dark Light]

You could get almost anyone who is better than Katie Holmes. :D :D :D