The Dark Knight (2008)

Also known as: Batman 2

The follow-up to the action hit Batman Begins, The Dark Knight reunites director Christopher Nolan and star Christian Bale, who reprises the role of Bruce Wayne/Batman. With the help of Lieutenant Jim Gordon and the committed new District Attorney, Harvey Dent, Batman sets out to destroy organized crime in Gotham City for good. The triumvirate initially proves to be effective, but they soon find themselves prey to a rising criminal mastermind known as The Joker, who thrusts Gotham into anarchy and forces The Dark Knight ever closer to crossing the fine line between hero and vigilante. Academy Award nominee Heath Ledger portrays arch-villain The Joker, and Aaron Eckhart plays District Attorney Harvey Dent. Maggie Gyllenhaal joins the cast in the role of Rachel Dawes. Returning from Batman Begins are Gary Oldman as Lieutenant Jim Gordon; Oscar winner Michael Caine as Alfred; and Oscar winner Morgan Freeman as Lucius Fox.

Reviews

The Dark Knight UK Review - UK, July 23, 2008
The most intelligent blockbuster movie ever made?

Music: The Dark Knight Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Review - July 17, 2008
At times bombastic, the music ultimately captures the nihilistic tension of the film with panache.

The Dark Knight AU Review - Australia, July 16, 2008
Subtle and restrained, but always two shakes shy of bloody holocaust.

The Dark Knight Review - June 30, 2008
Nolan's sequel surpasses the original with an intense, disturbing masterpiece.

News

Dark Knight Xbox Sweepstakes - July 23, 2008
Score an extremely limited bat-console.

Stars: Batman Arrested - July 22, 2008
UPDATED: Actor charged with assault.

Holy Broken Records! - July 18, 2008
UPDATED: Dark Knight poised to top Spidey 3's opening.

Early Rise for The Dark Knight - July 9, 2008
Crack of dawn screenings already selling out.

Bale Says 'No' to Boy Wonder - UK, July 3, 2008
Star shows little love for sidekick.

Music: The Dark Knight Live - July 2, 2008
Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard to perform the score together.

Batman Visits IGN - June 17, 2008
Gotham City comes to L.A.

Two-Face Walks Into a Bar... - June 17, 2008
First clip of TDK's other villain hits the web.

Long Knight Ahead - June 13, 2008
Running time for Dark Knight revealed?

Music: The Dark Knight Blares Through The Night - May 30, 2008
Original Motion Picture Soundtrack to be released in July.

Eckhart Talks Two-Face - May 5, 2008
Harvey Dent actor discusses his other role in The Dark Knight.

Operation Slipknot Underway - April 24, 2008
The Dark Knight alternate reality game continues.

NYCC 08: Dark Knight Strikes NYC - April 19, 2008
Gotham's crusader takes a trip to electrify fans just prior to the summer blockbuster season.

NYCC's IGN.com Theater Slate - April 2, 2008
See what's going down at New York Comic Con.

The Dark Knight Viral Update - March 31, 2008
Harvey Dent challenged. New alternate reality sites posted.

The Joker's Dramatic Entrance - March 14, 2008
Bale, Nolan on Ledger's last performance.

Dentmobiles Are Rolling - March 13, 2008
Harvey Dent's campaign may be coming to your town.

Batman's Power Struggle - March 9, 2008
Nolan and Bale on The Dark Knight and Ledger.

Eckhart's About Face - March 7, 2008
Dark Knight actor on Harvey Dent.

Harvey Dent Wants You - February 29, 2008
Dark Knight viral campaign continues.

Comics: Toy Fair 08: DC Direct = Geek Heaven - February 25, 2008
Kirby's New Gods toys, kryptonite prop replicas, Ame-Comi statues, and more.

Dressing the Joker - February 25, 2008
Clown prince of crime's new look inspired by the Sex Pistols.

Comics: Toy Fair 08: Kotobukiya's Dark Knight, Indiana Jones, Pirates, and Star Wars Collectibles - February 20, 2008
High-end movie toys.

New Dark Knight Trailer Due - February 20, 2008
Reportedly focuses more on Harvey Dent.

Comics: Toy Fair 08: The Dark Knight Returns - February 19, 2008
Mattel previews the next Bat movie -- in toy form.

Fichtner Breaks the Bank - February 11, 2008
Exclusive: Actor discusses his Dark Knight role.

Stars: Ledger's Cause of Death Revealed - February 6, 2008
Medical examiner releases official report.

Selling The Dark Knight - January 31, 2008
Studio brass reportedly meeting today.

Stars: Nolan Comments on Ledger's Passing - January 28, 2008
The Dark Knight director reflects on the actor.

Bat-Producer on Ledger's Death - January 24, 2008
Roven talks Dark Knight, Get Smart and The Flash.

Stars: Ledger's Autopsy Inconclusive - January 23, 2008
Final results expected in 10 days.

The Dark Knight's Dilemma - January 23, 2008
How will Ledger's death affect his future films?

Stars: Heath Ledger Found Dead - January 22, 2008
The Dark Knight star was 28.

The Tragic Harvey Dent - January 11, 2008
Nolan on the complexities of The Dark Knight.

Singer Off Superman Sequel? - January 3, 2008
Plus, the word on JLA and Batman 3.

New Dark Knight Synopsis - December 13, 2007
Batman will confront everything he believes.

Dark Knight Prologue: London Screening - UK, December 10, 2007
Producer Roven discusses the project.

Gotham City Comes to Life - November 28, 2007
More Dark Knight viral sites launched.

Batman's Viral Blitz - November 26, 2007
The rundown on all of The Dark Knight tie-in sites.

The Joker Mocks the Media - November 23, 2007
Plus, Dark Knight IMAX featurette online and more casting news.

Holy Hong Kong Phooey! - November 7, 2007
Plus, Jack Nicholson is irked with The Dark Knight.

Diary of a Madman - November 5, 2007
Heath Ledger on how to become a Joker.

The Joker's Halloween Treat - October 31, 2007
UPDATED: New photo and viral marketing site!

The Clown Prince of IMAX - October 16, 2007
Dark Knight footage to be shown with I Am Legend?

Here Comes the Knight - October 10, 2007
Holy trailer and poster buzz!

Tragedy Strikes The Dark Knight - September 25, 2007
Crew member killed in production accident.

Caine on Ledger's Joker - September 24, 2007
The Oscar winner lets a spoiler slip, too!

Knight Falls on Hong Kong - September 21, 2007
Batman sequel to shoot in China.

Ledger Talks Joker - September 17, 2007
Plus, rumors of who may play Batman in JLA.

The Joker's True Face Revealed! - September 6, 2007
Word from the set of The Dark Knight.

Future Bat-Villain Buzz - September 5, 2007
And a spoilerish tidbit about a death in The Dark Knight.

Hall's Dark Knight Role Revealed? - August 21, 2007
The latest buzz on his mysterious character.

The Dark Knight Footage Screened! - August 11, 2007
UPDATED to include coverage from the cast and crew Q&A.;

SDCC 07: New Joker Image and Teaser Trailer! - July 27, 2007
Latest viral site leads to new pic and teaser...

Two-Face Confirmed For Dark Knight! - July 16, 2007
And The Joker is caught on camera again.

Gyllenhaal Talks Dark Knight - July 7, 2007
And more on Anthony Michael Hall's role.

Dark Knight Casting Call! - July 5, 2007
And more info on the film's Chicago shoot.

Spawn vs. Batman! - July 3, 2007
Dark Knight casting and filming news.

Two Join Dark Knight - June 28, 2007
The Gordon family gets set.

The Dark Knight's Scary Cameo - June 21, 2007
Guess who's back for the Bat-sequel?

Joker Sightings! - June 19, 2007
The latest buzz on The Dark Knight.

Behold the Batpod! - June 18, 2007
The Dark Knight's new hell on (two) wheels revealed.

Big Knight - May 29, 2007
Bat-sequel to shoot in IMAX and new images revealed!

A Message From The Joker - May 22, 2007
He'll see you soon ... hahahaha!!

Dead Knight - May 21, 2007
Anthony Michael Hall joins the Dark Knight cast.

The Joker Revealed - May 21, 2007
First legit look at the Clown Prince of Crime.

Do You Believe in Harvey Dent? - May 17, 2007
And Carbonell elected mayor of Gotham City.

Dark Knight Buzz - May 15, 2007
Teaser trailer and villain rumors!

Oh, Batman, You Tease! - May 13, 2007
Dark Knight teaser site now online.

The Joker Begins - May 11, 2007
Dark Knight to cover Clown Prince's origin?

Latest Bat-Chatter - May 4, 2007
Bale, Roberts talk Dark Knight.

Rutger on Dark Knight - April 30, 2007
Plus, Batmobile and extras casting buzz!

The Pope of Gotham Village - April 25, 2007
Roberts joins Dark Knight cast.

Holy Smoke, Batman! - April 24, 2007
Fire delays Dark Knight shoot.

The Dark Knight Begins Filming - April 20, 2007
And more thesps added to Bat-cast.

Who's That Joker? - April 16, 2007
Rumors about the Clown Prince's look in Dark Knight.

Two-Face Off? - April 10, 2007
Goyer puts a Dent in Dark Knight.

Batman's JLA Status - March 22, 2007
Will the Dark Knight be a Super Friend?

The New Rachel Dawes - March 9, 2007
Gyllenhaal joins Dark Knight.

Eckhart Talks Two-Face! - February 26, 2007
Harvey Dent spills a mess o' beans!

Justice League Movie News! - February 23, 2007
Warners plans live-action JLA film.

Dark Knight Gears Up - February 21, 2007
April start date set.

Eckhart is Two-Face! - February 15, 2007
Smoking actor Dents Dark Knight.

Maggie Set for Dark Knight? - February 14, 2007
WTC actress reportedly signed for sequel.

Dark Knight Update - February 9, 2007
IGN investigates the latest casting buzz.

Will Jamie Foxx Play Harvey Dent? - February 6, 2007
IGN has the exclusive word on the big Bat rumor!

Phillippe Talks Two-Face - February 2, 2007
But has Eckhart put a Dent in his plans?

Batman Suffers Blunt Force Trauma - February 1, 2007
The Dark Knight circles Prada actress.

Dark Knight in Chi-Town - January 31, 2007
Batman heading back to the Windy City.

McAdams Taking Knight Job? - January 29, 2007
Rachel rumored as new Rachel.

Dark Knight Casting Update - January 26, 2007
Who's in, who's out of Batman's return.

Katie's Knight Off? - January 25, 2007
Plus, the latest Two-Face buzz.

Erin Go Bat - January 16, 2007
The Dark Knight goes to Ireland?

Three Names for Two-Face - January 11, 2007
The latest Dark Knight casting buzz.

Caine Talks Dark Knight - January 10, 2007
Next Bat-pic to film around world.

Jackman Talks Two-Face - December 22, 2006
Oh, no, Hugh didn't!

Costuming The Dark Knight - December 13, 2006
The skinny on Batman and Joker's new duds.

The Clown Prince of Anarchy - December 6, 2006
Ledger's latest comments on Dark Knight.

Dark Knight Casting Buzz - November 6, 2006
The latest rumored Harvey Dent contender.

Knight Moves - November 3, 2006
Composer and pre-production buzz on the Bat-sequel.

Dark Knight Location Buzz - October 23, 2006
Is Batman on the Hong Kong Express?

The Killing Joker - October 11, 2006
Clown Prince to be old school in Dark Knight.

The "Challenge" of The Joker - October 10, 2006
Nolan talks Dark Knight casting.

Phillipe Busts Bat-Rumors - October 9, 2006
No Harvey Dent in actor's future.

IGN Dents Bat-Rumors - October 6, 2006
We investigate the Two-Face casting buzz.

Exclusive: Nolan's Dark Knight Revelations - October 3, 2006
Helmer also talks The Prisoner.

Nolans Talk Dark Knight - September 25, 2006
Siblings on scripting the Bat-sequel.

Who Wants To Be a Penguin? - September 8, 2006
And Heath Ledger on The Joker!

Nolan Dispels Dark Knight Rumors - August 30, 2006
Director comments on casting and story elements.

Dark Knight Tidbits - August 24, 2006
Nolan talks up Bat-sequel.

Dark Knight Talks Dark Knight - August 4, 2006
Bale on the new title and Ledger!

Batman Sequel Title Announced - July 31, 2006
And Warners confirms Joker casting.

Batman Sequel Update - July 27, 2006
The Joker, the title and a wee bit more.

Joker Announcement Coming - July 20, 2006
Cesar Romero, Jack Nicholson and...

Robin Williams, Joker? - June 26, 2006
The actor's thoughts on portraying the famous Batman villian.

Jackman Talks Wolverine - May 15, 2006
On the planned X-Men spin-off and Batman rumors.

Bettany on The Joker - May 8, 2006
Straight from the horse's mouth!

The Joker's Law - April 26, 2006
WB's reported faves for the role.

J for Joker - April 24, 2006
The latest Batty casting buzz!

Studio Sets Super Sequels - February 23, 2006
Warner Bros. preps Batman, Superman follow-ups.

Bettany Talks Joker Buzz - January 30, 2006
Has he been approached?

Who is Next at Bat? - January 12, 2006
The latest Batman villain rumors.

Comics: That Joker Adrien Brody - January 9, 2006
The Oscar winner wants to play the Clown Prince of Crime.

Comics: Batman Continues with Josh Lucas? - January 3, 2006
From legendary coach to Two-Face. The latest rumors.

Pair of Penguins to Pick From - December 7, 2005
Plus, who wants to be The Joker?

Comics: Batman Sequel on the Move? - November 30, 2005
U.K. tax credits could nix return to Britain.

Two Up for Two-Face? - November 9, 2005
Latest Batman sequel rumors.

Nolan Talks Next - October 12, 2005
Batman filmmaker discusses sequel and new project.

Comics: Batman Sequel Title - September 27, 2005
The latest buzz on the next film.

Comics: Pair of Jokers Revealed - September 20, 2005
Who might Warners screen test?

Comics: Christopher Nolan's Bat-Future - August 22, 2005
What's in store for the director?

Flash and Batman 2 Talk - August 8, 2005
Producer discusses the two projects.

Scarecrow in Batman 2? - August 6, 2005
Cillian Murphy talks about a Batman return.

The Joker Is a Virgin? - August 5, 2005
Steve Carrell addresses those Batman rumors!

Comics: Batman Sequel Game Plan - July 6, 2005
The latest rumors about the Dark Knight's return.

Batman's New Lady? - July 5, 2005
Sequel rumor mill kicking into overdrive.

Bale Talks Next Bat-Villain - June 30, 2005
"I want to see The Joker."

Joker Penns Tell-All - June 24, 2005
British tabloids ditch Bond for Batman.

The Latest Joker in the Deck - June 23, 2005
Cool new Batman sequel buzz!

Comics: Batman Begins Sequel Chatter - June 21, 2005
What might fans expect?

Goyer, Bale and Nolan on Batman Sequel - June 6, 2005
The writer, director and star open to returning.

Features

Music: Sounds Of The Batman - July 24, 2008
Looking back at the music from the films.

The Villains of Batman 3 - July 22, 2008
IGN wonders who might terrorize Gotham City in the next movie.

Stars: Edge Wise: Batman - July 21, 2008
Where can the Dark Knight go from here?

Comics: IGN Comics SMASH!! Podcast, Episode 14 - July 21, 2008
The spoilery Dark Knight edition.

Spoiler Alert: The Dark Knight - July 21, 2008
We shine a light on the ins and outs of The Dark Knight.

Comics: Comics Around the Network: Vol. 9 - July 21, 2008
A special all-Dark Knight edition…

Weekend Box Office - July 21, 2008
The Dark Knight smashes records.

Stars: Dark Knight Round-Up - July 18, 2008
Joker, Iron Man and Sub-Zero give Batman the Stars treatment.

Stars: Bat Babe of the Day: Maggie Gyllenhaal - July 18, 2008
From kinky Secretary to Batman's main squeeze.

Keepin' It Reel Podcast, Episode 23 - July 17, 2008
ABBA, Inglorious Bastards, and Dark Knight day and night.

Stars: The Many Looks of the Live-Action Batman - July 17, 2008
The Dark Knight rocks out on the superhero runway.

Comics: From Comics to Film: Batman's Villains Part Two - July 17, 2008
IGN brings more of Batman's rogues, including Mr. Freeze, to the world Christopher Nolan built.

Comics: IGN Comics SMASH!! Podcast, Episode 13 - July 16, 2008
On the eve of Dark Knight, Dan and Rich chat about... E3.

Stars: Stars: Icons - Batman - July 14, 2008
Everything you need to know about Bats and his wonderful toys.

Comics: From Comics to Film: Batman's Villains - July 11, 2008
IGN brings Bane, Poison Ivy, The Riddler and more to the world Christopher Nolan built.

Best of the Bat Movies - UK, July 11, 2008
We chart the Dark Knight's finest cinematic moments.

Worst of the Bat Movies - UK, July 11, 2008
The most downright terrible moments from the Caped Crusader's cinema outings.

Stars: Batman Takes On... - July 9, 2008
Bozon challenges the Dark Knight to fisticuffs.

Stars: Batman's Ultimate Villains - July 9, 2008
The top 10 rogues in the Dark Knight's gallery.

Comics: Ultimate Bookshelf: Harvey Dent / Two-Face - July 8, 2008
Classic tales featuring Gotham's most tragic figure.

Stars: The Dark Knight Iterations: Part Two - July 8, 2008
IGN's readers pick more versions of Batman worthy of the big screen.

Comics: IGN Comics SMASH!! Podcast, Episode 11 - July 7, 2008
Dark Knight, Evil Illuminati and some crazy Q&A.;

Stars: The Dark Knight Iterations - July 2, 2008
What other versions of Batman deserve a shot on the big screen?

Stars: Baddie Brawl: The Joker Wars - June 27, 2008
TDK's villain challenges Luke Skywalker?

Stars: Batman Goes Anime - June 24, 2008
New pics of Gotham Knight's hero, action-lines included.

Eckhart Discusses Dark Knight - June 24, 2008
The future Two-Face talks about his role from the set of the film.

The Dark Knight Trinity - June 24, 2008
IGN talks to Bat-star Christian Bale, Harvey Dent actor Aaron Eckhart, and series director Christopher Nolan.

Nolan's Chicago Knight - June 24, 2008
The Dark Knight director dishes from the set of the sequel.

Christian's Dark Days - June 23, 2008
IGN chats with Batman himself, from the set of The Dark Knight.

Stars: Baddie Brawl: Dark Knight Edition - June 19, 2008
Joker '89 asks Joker TDK if he's ever seen the devil in the pale moonlight.

Stars: Stars Thunderdome: Superhero Edition - June 11, 2008
Batman vs. Iron Man and Hulk. Pack a lunch, we're gonna be here awhile.

Music: The Dark Knight's Sonic Soliloquy - June 6, 2008
Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard discuss their latest Batman collaboration.

Stars: Rogue's Gallery: Two-Face - June 5, 2008
Getting to know both sides of Harvey Dent.

The Road to The Dark Knight - May 13, 2008
Tracking the development of the highly-anticipated sequel.

Stars: WireService: Bruce Wayne Sues Batman Filmmakers - May 8, 2008
The real Dark Knight stands up, goes to court.

Stars: Cast of Characters: The Dark Knight - May 5, 2008
As the new trailer debuts, we profile Gotham's key players.

Stars: OCD: Batman Begins' Homeless Man - May 2, 2008
"Nice coat" indeed, sir.

IGN's UK Summer Movie Preview 2008 - UK, May 1, 2008
We break down the biggest flicks of the blockbuster season.

IGN's Summer Movie Preview 2008 - April 30, 2008
We break down the biggest flicks of the blockbuster season.

Stars: Stars Thunderdome: Batman Vs. Sub-Zero - April 25, 2008
IGN goes to the mattresses with the Dark Knight.

Comics: IGN Comics SMASH!! Podcast, Episode 1 - April 24, 2008
Rich assembles IGN's mightiest to chat about New York Comic-Con, Iron Man, Dark Knight, Countdown and Secret Invasion.

Keepin' It Reel Podcast, Episode 12 - April 24, 2008
All the big movie news out of New York Comic-Con!

Keepin' It Reel Podcast, Episode 10 - April 3, 2008
Talk of Zelda, The Dark Knight, New York Comic-Con and more!

Stars: Rogue's Gallery: The Joker - January 31, 2008
Stars opens up Mr. J's rap sheet.

Stars: Why So Serious? - The Many Faces of Joker - December 14, 2007
As the baddie arrives on IMAX, Stars spotlights the Clown Prince of Crime.

IGN Interviews Christopher Nolan - December 6, 2007
Our exclusive chat with the director about The Dark Knight, the JLA movie and Bale in T4!

Stars: Hero Showdown: Batman vs. Iron Man - October 3, 2007
The Dark Knight takes on Stark in a battle of the billionaire superheroes.

Comics: The Dark Knight in Film (So Far) - August 17, 2007
Joker. Two-Face. Scarecrow. The sequel to Batman Begins is bigger, but will it be better? Our thoughts on what we know so far.

Comic Book Movie Round-Up - July 5, 2007
The latest news on comics headed to the big screen.

Dark Knight Central! - February 5, 2007
All we know so far about the Batman Begins sequel.

The Dark Knight: Heath Ledger Talks Joker - November 7, 2006
The Brokeback star plans to have the last laugh.

Dark Knight Detective Work - September 29, 2006
IGN dissects the next Bat-film, investigating its ties to the character's comic book roots.

Top Ten Most Anticipated Comic Book Movies - August 2, 2006
Spiderman 3, The Dark Knight, TMNT, Iron Man and more!

The Stax Report Salutes Christian Bale - February 2, 2006
The Dark Knight gets his due.

Comics: Comics-to-Film: Casting Batman 2 - January 27, 2006
The final word on who should play Joker and Two-Face.

Comics: The Daily Poll: Name Batman 2 - January 27, 2006
Choose the title for the Dark Knight sequel.

Comics: The Daily Poll: Who's Your Joker? - January 20, 2006
Pick the actor your think should play the Clown Prince of Crime.

Top 25 Superhero Films of All-Time - December 16, 2005
The Dark Knight, Man of Steel and Thing from the Swamp.

Comics: Villains Set for Batman Sequel? - October 12, 2005
Nolan speaks, plot rumors and more!

Comics: Batman's Movie Future - June 23, 2005
See what's in store for Gotham City, where the Joker runs wild and Robin fights alongside Batman.

The Stax Report's "Clown Prince" Edition - June 23, 2005
Casting suggestions for the next Batman film!

Mailbags

IGN Movies Mailbag: 8/13/07 - August 13, 2007
Your feedback on The Dark Knight, G.I. Joe, Indy IV and more!

IGN Movies Mailbag: 5/31/07 - May 31, 2007
Your feedback on The Joker, Pirates 3 and Elric.

IGN Movies Mailbag: 5/22/07 - May 22, 2007
Your feedback on the first pic of The Joker!

IGN Movies Mailbag: 3/06/07 - March 6, 2007
Feedback on G.I. Joe, Dark Knight and Spidey 3.

IGN Movies Mailbag: 2/08/07 - February 8, 2007
Feedback on The Dark Knight, Postal and Ghostbusters 3.

IGN Movies Mailbag: 12/07/06 - December 7, 2006
Your feedback on Rachel McAdams, Hitman and Mickey Mouse!

IGN Movies Mailbag: 10/03/06 - October 3, 2006
Your feedback on The Dark Knight.

IGNFF Mailbag: 7/21/06 - July 21, 2006
Joker casting in the Batman Begins sequel.

IGNFF Mailbag: 4/18/06 - April 18, 2006
Dead Man's Chest, Batman 2 and Star Wars Nerds

IGNFF Mailbag: 4/4/06 - April 4, 2006
Vendetta, Batman and Games to Film.

IGNFF Mailbag: 2/2/06 - February 2, 2006
Oscar noms, Batman 2, Uwe & more.

IGNFF Mailbag: 1/10/06 - January 10, 2006
Readers respond to the Joker casting rumors, our reviews and Tarantino's long-rumored war project.

IGNFF Mailbag 8/23/05 - August 23, 2005
Predator 3, Batman 2 and Last Days.

IGNFF Mailbag: 8/9/05 - August 9, 2005
Batman 2, X-Men 3 and The Island.

Previews

The Dark Knight: Six-Minute Preview - December 6, 2007
Bat-prologue unveiled in IMAX.

DVD

Contributions

Connections for The Dark Knight