Some casting rumors make me excited; some casting rumors make me perplexed. But it's that rare casting rumor that makes me excitedly perplexed. Cher as Catwoman? Really? Now, this is just a rumor and only a rumor. But still, Cher as Catwoman? How both incredibly weird and incredibly awesome would that be? It's so crazy I can almost see it now.

Of course, Cher may not want to invest in a scratching post just yet. The U.K.'s Telegraph broke the news based on an unnamed studio executive claiming that Batman director Christopher Nolan thinks Cher would be purr-fect for the role. The source also claims that the director wants Cher to play Catwoman as a “vamp in her twilight years.” Interesting concept, but I pity the fool who has to tell the 62-year-old Cher she that she is in her “twilight years.” I think Cher and her wigs might have a thing or two to say about that.

The casting rumors also include Johnny Depp being picked to play the Riddler. But since Nolan hasn't even signed on yet to direct the third film, it's hard to take any casting news too seriously. Heck, just last month a rumor made the rounds that Angelina Jolie had inquired about playing the role of Catwoman. It's enough to drive a gal batty, I say. … continue reading

Maggie Gyllenhaal is reportedly in "final talks" to replace Katie Holmes in the next Batman movie. That loud whooshing noise you just heard? The collective sigh of relief heaved by fans everywhere. The last Batman film, Batman Begins, had such fabulous potential. Directed by Christopher Nolan (Memento)? Check! Starring pretty, brooding actor Christian Bale (Velvet Goldmine) as the melancholic Caped Crusader? Check! Featuring the blank slate-ish Katie Holmes as Batman's feisty love interest? Um.....

Pre-Cruise-ology, I had no opinion one way or the other about Ms. Holmes (I was never a big Dawson's Creek fan, but when I did check it out, it was for the dishy Michelle Williams) so it's not as if I were rooting against her when Batman Begins was released. It's just that she seemed woefully miscast as the tough, bleeding heart attorney who goes head to head with her childhood love, Bruce Wayne. For me, she had no depth, no pathos. And a girl needs ample reserves of pathos if she's going to be the Bat Babe, right?

That's why I'm so excited to learn that Maggie Gyllenhaal may be stepping into the role originally played by Holmes. The always amazing Gyllenhaals's recent turn in SherryBaby is getting rave reviews, but I'll always think of her as the complicated little masochist from Secretary.