Bettany's joker fears

Paul Bettany fears he may be forced to play The Joker in the next Batman movie for free, because of the rumours incorrectly linking him to the part.

Bettany is among a number of big names lined up to take the role played by Jack Nicholson in the original Batman movie.

He confesses he'd jump at the chance to wear the villain's face-paint, but is concerned the rumours may scupper his chances.

The English star says: "In truth I haven't heard anything officially. It's a rumour entirely made up by journalists. Or maybe it's a conspiracy by journalists to ruin my negotiation.

"So if they did offer it to me, I'd already have told the press I'd love to do it, so the producers would say, 'Wonderful. Now will you do it for $5 please?"