Ledger confirmed for Batman

Heath Ledger has been confirmed as sardonic villain the Joker in Batman sequel The Dark Knight.

Christian Bale will reprise his role as Bruce Wayne/Batman and director Christopher Nolan is returning to direct his second installment of the franchise.

The script for the film will be written by Nolan's brother Jonathan adapted from a story by Christopher Nolan and David Goyer.

The pair co-wrote Batman Begins last year.

Ledger will step into the role, immortalised by Jack Nicholson in Tim Burton's Batman Returns, early next year.