the buzz log

"The Dark Knight" is the second highest grossing movie of all time. There was never much doubt that another sequel would get made. The only question was which villains would terrorize Gotham City—and which actors would play 'em.

Both questions have apparently been answered. Michael Caine, who plays loyal butler Alfred, let loose that Johnny Depp will play the Riddler and Phillip Seymour Hoffman will do his best waddle as the Penguin. Sound familiar? It should because the rumor mill predicted it months ago. Eat your heart out, Woodward and Bernstein.

Ah, but wait. Reps for Mr. Hoffman are being a bit cagey about whether the portly thespian has signed on. The Oscar winner contends that he hasn't even been offered the role. However, he also says he wouldn't rule it out as a possibility. (Perhaps he's holding out for final monocle approval.)

Meanwhile, it looks like all systems are go for Depp as the Riddler. According to several blogs within the Buzz, Johnny described the idea of playing the enigmatic villain as "fun." Indeed, few bad guys are as delightfully hammy as the Riddler. But if Heath Ledger's haunting take as the Joker is any indication, expect Depp to turn in a much darker performance. We're a long way from Jim Carrey's spandex-clad interpretation, kids.