Batman Casting: Christian Bale, Johnny Depp, Kristen Bell, Cher

Are you still holding onto that list of possible Batman replacements? Superb. Because we just may need to consult it, as Christian Bale stated that if Chris Nolan doesn't come back to direct the next installment of the superhero saga, then he won't return to star in it -- although the airtight legalese in his contract negotiations mandates it. But even if Nolan does back out, the franchise has a willing and able villain in Johnny Depp, who is interested in stepping in as the Riddler, a role previously occupied by Jim Carrey and initially by a guy that more recently played a character named Reverend Love on General Hospital.

There’s no shortage of love though, as Bale, who currently shares screen time in Public Enemies, has given his blessing to Depp on the Riddler role. “I think he’s a wonderful actor, and I think he could achieve that greatly, but I’m not the man to ask.” Adds Bale on his obligation of having to do a third Batman sans Nolan, “The fact is, I have to [make a third movie]. I’ve signed up! Chris [Nolan] doesn’t. So I’m in a bit of a fix if he says he doesn’t want to!” Oh, Christian! We both know that’s never the case with you.

And to fuel the fires of other Batman rumors: Either Cher or Parker Posey as Catwoman; Kristen Bell as Joker accomplice Harley Quinn; and quite possibly Neil Patrick Harris as the Music Meister, a villain who aims to take over the world one song at a time.