Preview screenings of the much-anticipated Batman Begins sequel The Dark Knight are underway according to sources ContactMedia.com. The film is winning rave reviews from test audiences except for one scene.
In the movie, Heath Ledger’s character of the Joker is seen alive in a body bag as part of a nefarious plot. Audiences have reacted negatively to the scene given Ledger’s death earlier this year.
The response has been so overwhelming that Warner Brothers is considering cutting the scene from the final film when it debuts in July.
Few details on how the scene impacts the narrative of the film are available.
Other than the one scene, it’s reported that test audiences are responding well to the film and in particular to Ledger’s much-anticipated performance as the Joker.
The Dark Knight opens later this year in theaters and on IMAX screens.
UPDATE: MovieHole.net has a follow-up on the story . After speaking to a source close to the production of The Dark Knight, the scene in question has not been trimmed from the film.
“’I KNOW for a fact that that scene is in the film,” said a source close to the film. “I also know that WB has made no such mandate and that Chris [Nolan] is honest when saying that he will not change what was intended with The Joker.â€
WonderJenn says
Yeah, I was kinda afraid something like this would happen . . .
Deven Science says
I just read on Sci-fi Wire that they will not be cutting that scene.
Magess says
It seems more of a way to honor the guy to NOT cut up his final work.
Kyle Nin says
If it’s important to the storyline, I say keep it.
Bronzethumb (from Australia) says
When film-makers start bowing to the tiniest whims of studios and audiences then it stops being their film. “Give ’em an inch” and all that.
Tommy says
I’ve been seeing this story all over the internet & it’s stupid. I think that out of respect for the actor they should leave it in, especially if it’s a part of the story.
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Thanks, Tommy